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Find out more about John Rich at www.JohnRich.com

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Country music star, singer-songwriter and acclaimed producer John Rich has signed on to find the next "Nashville Star." Rich will be one of the judges and mentors on NBC's music competition series, and his experience on and off the stage is sure to put some heat on the budding artists.

The Texas native, most recently known as one half of the multi-platinum Warner Bros. duo, Big & Rich, has been honing his writing skills for years. Originally part of the band Lonestar, Rich scored his first number one record with the song "Come Cryin' To Me." Since then, he has made a name for himself as an artist in his own right, a producer, and an award-winning songwriter.

In addition to his accolades as a performer and songwriter, Rich has helped other artists catapult to stardom along the way. Currently named one of People Magazine's most powerful people in the music industry, Rich has managed to create his own musical movement better known as the "Muzik Mafia."

Several years ago, Rich, Big Kenny, and a group of friends began playing out together. What started out as a group of musicians throwing casual jam sessions at a local Nashville haunt evolved into a band of brothers (and sisters) — the Muzik Mafia. Gradually, the movement turned into one of the most exciting scenes in Nashville. Other founding members include multi-platinum selling artist and ACM female vocalist of the year, Gretchen Wilson, Warner Bros. artists James Otto, Shannon Brown, and Cowboy Troy. Eventually it led to the pairing ofof John Rich and Big Kenny — thus creating "Big & Rich."

While Rich was hard at work on his own artist career, he was simultaneously working to further the careers of all of the members of the Muzik Mafia. He co-produced not only his own Big & Rich record "Horse Of A Different Color," but also Gretchen Wilson's first and second records, Cowboy Troy's current record and the upcoming records due out from James Otto and Shannon Brown.

Rich's writing credits include the Gretchen Wilson hits "When I Think About Cheatin'" and "Here For The Party," as well as her ACM Award-winning single of the year "Redneck Woman." Rich also produced Faith Hill's current hit single "Mississippi Girl." In addition to his several other cuts on Faith's upcoming album, Rich co-wrote the majority of the songs on Cowboy Troy and Shannon Brown's latest albums. He's also had past cuts on albums from Martina McBride, Clay Walker, and Aaron Tippin.

Rich currently lives in Nashville.