Half of the sensational alt-country duo Big & Rich will try his chops as a solo artist by the end of the year. John Rich has plans to release a solo album in 2008 before going back to the full time powerhouse as a duo.

“If anyone knows me, they know I’m always writing music,” said Rich, who also does a lot of producing and songwriting. “When we decided to take this year off so Kenny could focus on rehabilitation for a pre-existing injury, I asked Kenny if he was cool with me recording a solo project. I would only do this with Kenny’s blessing. So, this year you can expect a solo record from me, but Big & Rich will be back in 2009.”

Because of his contributions to the songwriting and music industry community, Rich received the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Award in 2005, 2006 and 2007. He is the only artist to receive the award three years consecutively.

Currently John Rich and Big Kenny Alphin are enjoying the success of their first number one hit, “Lost in this moment with you” off the album “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace“. Their latest single “Loud” is on its way up the charts as well.