Category Archives: Darius Rucker

As the frontman of Hootie & the Blowfish, Darius Rucker changed the face of mainstream pop/rock in the mid-’90s. songs like “Hold My Hand” and “Only Wanna Be with You” peppered Hootie & the Blowfish’s popular debut, which eventually sold over 16 million units and became one of the most successful copies of all time. Hootie & the Blowfish never revisited that meteoric success again, however, and the lineup took a break from recording after the release of Musical Chairs in 1998. Rucker used his free time wisely and launched a solo career, which allowed the vocalist to explore his rhythm & blues and country influences.

Born and raised in Charleston, SC, Rucker was exposed to the sounds of Otis Redding, Al Green, and Gladys Knight at an early age. Those rhythm & blues icons helped reputation Hootie & the Blowfish’s recordings, all of which emphasized Rucker’s soulful baritone, but it wasn’t until the singer’s solo career that he truly paid homage to the sounds of his youth. Rucker planned to jump-start his solo career with The Return of Mongo Slade, which was slated for a summer 2001 release by Atlantic Records, but contractual changes prevented the album’s release. A few months later, Rucker jumped ship for Hidden Beach Recordings, which then earned the master recordings of his debut from Atlantic.

After making a cameo in the Farrelly brothers’ movie Shallow Hal, Rucker connected his mellow, R&B-influenced style with 2002’s Back to Then, which featured collaborations with Jill Scott and Snoop Dogg. Rucker then came back his attention to Hootie & the Blowfish, releasing two units with the ensemble while the early 2000s, before revisiting his solo career. This time, he opted for a country approach, and the twangy Learn to Live found an appropriate home among country music fans (who sent both the record and its flagship single, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” to the top of the Billboard country charts).

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® Honors Country Music Artist Darius Rucker with Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award

Posted on by
Darius Rucker on Country Music News Blog

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® honored GRAMMY Award-winning country music artist Darius Rucker at the 28th annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids® Seminar on Saturday, Jan. 14 at The Peabody Memphis. Rucker received the prestigious Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award, which recognizes individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit. Rucker is a staunch supporter who has championed the lifesaving mission of St. Jude for several years – lending his talented voice and passionate heart to raise funds and awareness for the hospital. In 2016, Rucker hosted the seventh consecutive, star-studded Darius Rucker and Friends benefit, a sold-out concert that featured performances by Charley Pride, Hunter Hayes, Drake White, Terri Clark, LOCASH and Scotty McCreery. The annual event has raised more than $800,000 for St. Jude, helping to ensure families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. In 2015, Rucker recorded “Possibilities,” a song inspired by courageous St. Jude patient Brennan. Rucker heard the tune when Brennan presented it to him, and he later recorded it at a session in Memphis with the help of patients at the hospital. Rucker was surprised during the event with a $50,000 donation to St. Jude, given in his honor from ACM Lifting Lives, in recognition of Rucker’s charitable spirit and work with both St. Jude and the Academy of Country Music’s charitable arm. ACM Lifting Lives works to improve lives through the power of music. “Darius Rucker’s generosity, passion and humanitarian spirit inspire us all, and we are honored to recognize him with this well-deserved award,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “His numerous contributions and generous donations are a testament to his continued commitment to helping St. Jude save the lives of children suffering from cancer and other life-threatening diseases around the world. We are extremely grateful for the support of Darius and countless other country music artists who lend their hearts, time and talent to help further our mission.” This award places Rucker among the ranks of only four past recipients, including ALABAMA front man and co-founder of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, Randy Owen for whom the award is named, country artist John Rich, former ALSAC Chief Operating Officer David McKee (posthumously) and St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Council member, Sharon Eaves (posthumously). Rucker first gained fame as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning American rock band Hootie & the Blowfish. Since then, he has dominated country music charts as a solo artist. Rucker recently signed on as host for the second season of “Reel South,” an anthology series highlighting 12 non-fiction stories from across the country, celebrating America’s rich tradition of southern comfort. Country Cares for St. Jude Kids is recognized as one of the largest country music industry Continue reading St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® Honors Country Music Artist Darius Rucker with Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award→

New Music From Darius Rucker!

Posted on by

DARIUS RUCKER REVEALS NEW MUSIC, “IF I TOLD YOU”  New single makes world premiere on iHeart Radio today; released to all streaming and digital retail services   Nashville, Tenn. – Darius Rucker knows that in order to move people, there has to be vulnerability and authenticity in the message. Rucker first demonstrated his ability to expose that underlying raw emotion with the first of his seven No. 1’s, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” from his Platinum Learn To Live and most recently in “So I Sang” from Southern Style. With our first taste of new music in “If I Told You,” Rucker unveils a heartfelt new track worldwide today on iHeart Radio. Expected to be the first cut from his fifth major label country album for Capitol Records Nashville, the song is also available today on streaming and digital retail services. “I always tell people, the first time I heard [the Black Crowes’] ‘She Talks To Angels,’ those lyrics did something to me. I probably requested that song eight times at different bars in Columbia, S.C. before going home, putting on Bonnie Raitt’s Home Plate, and trying to write ‘She Talks To Angels’ for Bonnie Raitt. ‘Let Her Cry’ just poured out,” shares Rucker. “For me, ‘If I Told You,’ inspired me like ‘Angels’ as it’s not a song I wrote, but as a songwriter I would not change a line as it moves me to want to not only sing along but also as a songwriter it inspires a new perspective.”  In his inaugural project with producer Ross Copperman, “If I Told You” also marks the first time Rucker has worked with Copperman’s co-writers on the single, Jon Nite and Shane McAnally. “What I love about each album is the opportunity to expand on what we’ve done in the past—to push myself and the band creatively, vocally and lyrically,” adds Rucker. “At the end of the day, I’m a fan of great stories and great songs. With ‘Wagon Wheel’ I loved the visual it painted and it’s a song I can truly say I look forward to performing every night. With ‘If I Told You,’ I can’t wait to share in that vulnerability with the fans from the stage night-after-night.” Rucker is currently on his U.S. Good For A Good Time Tour; upcoming dates are as follows: Thursday, July 7 | Englewood, Colo. | Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre Friday, July 8 | Albuquerque, N.M. | Isleta Amphitheatre Saturday, July 9 | Phoenix, Ariz. | Ak-Chin Pavilion Friday, July 15 | Mountain View, Calif. | Shoreline Amphitheatre Saturday, July 16 | Irvine, Calif. | Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre Friday, July 22 | Holmdel, N.J. | PNC Bank Arts Center Saturday, July 23 | Hartford, Conn. | XFINITY Theatre Sunday, July 24 | Wantaugh, N.Y. | Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre Friday, July 29 | Bangor, Maine | Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion Saturday, July 30 | Mansfield, Mass. | Xfinity Center Sunday, July 31 | Darien Center, N.Y. | Darien Lake Performing Arts Center Friday, Aug. 12 | Bristow, Va. | Jiffy Lube Live Saturday, Aug. 13 | Camden, N.J. | Continue reading New Music From Darius Rucker!→

Darius Rucker Announces 2016 Tour

Posted on by

The Good for a Good Time Tour Featuring Special Guests Dan + Shay and Michael Ray Begins June 3 NASHVILLE, Tenn. — (January 20, 2016) – Three-time GRAMMY Award winner Darius Rucker will kick off his 2016 Good for a Good Time Tour in Tampa, Fla. on June 3. The Good for a Good Time Tour will feature opening acts Dan + Shay, who are celebrating their first No. 1 single with “Nothin’ Like You” and rising country singer Michael Ray, who was the only new male country artist of 2015 to have a No. 1 single in 2015, with “Kiss You in the Morning.” Over 30 stops across the country have been announced so far with more to come! Fans can purchase tickets beginning Jan. 29 for select cities as part of Live Nation’s Country Megaticket at www.Megaticket.com. More than 400,000 fans turned out to experience Rucker’s incomparable vocals and raucous good time during last year’s Southern Style Tour, so expectations are high for 2016. Rucker plans to once again provide his concerts as a platform to honor and present homes to our nation’s combat wounded heroes and Gold Star spouses, in conjunction with Project Rebuild. Rucker, along with Lieutenant General Sisco, CEO and founder of Military Warriors Support Foundation, presented the first house in an appearance on NBC’s Today and went on to present 13 more homes in 2015. The Project Rebuild campaign arose from a partnership between Dr Pepper Snapple Group and Military Warriors Support Foundation to assist in rebuilding the lives of our wounded veterans. Project Rebuild helps place wounded veterans in mortgage-free homes and help ease the transition back to civilian life. The Good for a Good Time Tour will also partner with the rideshare app Uber for select dates, giving fans the chance to win free rides as well as VIP packages. A few lucky riders in cities across the United States will win VIP packages for a Good for a Good Time Tour stop which include 2 tickets to the show, an exclusive Darius Rucker pre-show acoustic performance, and invitation to a pre-show party in the VIP Party Lounge. Fans can enter the promo code GOODTIME to enter to win, and first time users will also receive $20 off their first ride. The Good For a Good Time Tour Dates: Friday, June 3 | Tampa, Fla. | MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre Saturday, June 4 | West Palm Beach, Fla. | Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre Thursday, June 16 | Tuscaloosa, Ala. | Amphitheatre Friday, June 17 | Dallas, Texas | Gexa Energy Pavilion Saturday, June 18 | Austin, Texas | Austin 360 Amphitheater Friday, June 24 | St. Louis, Mo. | Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Saturday, June 25 | Noblesville, Ind. | Klipsch Music Center Sunday, June 26 | Pittsburgh, Pa. | First Niagara Pavilion Thursday, July 7 | Englewood, Colo. | Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre >Friday, July 8 | Albuquerque, N.M. | Isleta Amphitheatre Saturday, July 9 | Phoenix, Ariz. | Ak-Chin Pavilion Friday, July 15 Continue reading Darius Rucker Announces 2016 Tour→

DARIUS RUCKER EXTENDS SOUTHERN STYLE TOUR INTO FALL THANKS TO OVERWHELMING DEMAN

Posted on by

Rolling Stone’s ‘chillest dude in Nashville’ also to release video for latest single ‘Southern Style’ NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (Friday, July 17, 2015) – Darius Rucker’s Southern Style Tour has been such a success this summer, the singer has decided to extend it into the fall. After an astounding 400,000 fans turned out for the first leg, Rucker will now stretch his laidback, hit-filled tour into November. Coming off last weekend’s huge sellouts in Gilford, N.H., Boston, Mass., and Jones Beach, N.Y., the summer run has 15 shows left and is on track to exceed 700,000 tickets sold. Show dates and ticket information for the fall run will be announced next week. Breakout band A Thousand Horses will continue its run with Rucker and David Nail will join the tour in October. Fans have been picking up on that vibe – from A Thousand Horses’ special blend of Southern rock and country to kick off the night to Rucker’s all-around entertainer abilities. Brett Eldredge has added a dress-up gloss to the affair this summer, something Nail also is known for. Critics have also responded warmly to the tour. “Rucker proved to be one to defy expectations, if not challenge conventions,” the Asbury Park Press said of the concert. And The Record noted Rucker’s “once-in-a-lifetime voice — burly and richly textured — as well as a vocal delivery that’s warm and ingratiating.” Find out more straight from the source! http://ebmediapr.com/dariusrucker/924-darius-rucker-extends-southern-style-tour-into-fall-thanks-to-overwhelming-deman

DARIUS RUCKER RELEASES NEW SINGLE “HOMEGROWN HONEY”

Posted on by

Capitol Records Nashville’s Darius Rucker released his new single, “Homegrown Honey,” to Country radio today. “Homegrown Honey” was written by Darius, label mate Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum and Nathan Chapman. This is the first single from Darius’ fourth solo country album to be released in early 2015. “Homegrown Honey” is currently available for purchase at all digital retailers. “This is the first time I’ve gotten to write with my buddy Charles Kelley and their [Lady Antebellum’s] producer Nathan Chapman and I’m sure glad we did!,” shares Darius. Darius is working with producer Frank Rogers who also produced his three previous solo country albums. All three albums debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Album chart and have produced a total of six No. 1 singles, including “Wagon Wheel,” “Come Back Song,” “This,” “Alright,” “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” and “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.” “Wagon Wheel,” Darius’ most recent No. 1, held the top spot for two weeks and garnered the 2014 Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance.   Find out more straight from the source! http://ebmediapr.com/dariusrucker/700-darius-rucker-releases-new-single-homegrown-honey-from-upcoming-fourth-country-album  

Darius Rucker Reveals 2014 True Believers Tour Featuring Eli Young Band with Special Guest David Nail

Posted on by

U.S. Tour to commence January 29, 2014 in Champaign, Ill. – March 9, 2014 in Loveland, Colo. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 4, 2013) – It’s been a record year for Darius Rucker. Arguably one of the most applauded singles of the year, “Wagon Wheel” has helped the platinum-selling entertainer earn multiple nominations from the CMA and ACA Awards. Fans of his third chart-topping country album, True Believers, can catch Rucker out on the road next year performing nationwide, featuring the Eli Young Band with special guest David Nail. The tour will kick off January 29, 2014 in Champaign, Ill. at State Farm Center with tickets going on sale beginning Nov. 15. An exclusive pre-sale will be available beginning Nov. 7 on dariusrucker.com. Rucker is teaming up with Tickets-for-Charity and CMT One Country to offer premium seats to benefit the USO and Pattison’s Academy — available exclusively at www.ticketsforcharity.com. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette calls Rucker’s live show “a killer set,” and The Morning Call hails him as “the best male performer in country music right now.”   Find out more straight from the source! http://ebmediapr.com/dariusrucker/540-darius-rucker-reveals-2014-true-believers-tour-featuring-eli-young-band-with-special-guest-david-nail-

Darius Rucker True Believers Available Now

Posted on by

Darius Rucker New Album, True Believers, Available Now! Darius Rucker has released his third country album, True Believers, and it is available via iTunes and Amazon now! The album features Rucker’s cover of “Wagon Wheel” which made it to the number one spot on Billboard’s Country Singles Chart this week. “I am so excited that today is finally here and I can share True Believers with my fans. Having ‘Wagon Wheel’ reach No.1 this same week is amazing to me. I’m very proud of this album, and hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do.” -Darius Rucker Rucker will be stopping by ABC’s late night show “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” He will also be hosting a live twitter chat via iTunes. Use #AskDariusRucker to follow along. True Believers Track Listing: 1. “True Believers” (Darius Rucker, Josh Kear) 2. “Miss You” (Darius Rucker, Frank Rogers) 3. “Wagon Wheel” (Bob Dylan, Ketch Secor) 4. “Love Without You” (Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally) 5. “Radio” (Darius Rucker, Luke Laird, Ashley Gorley) 6. “Lost In You” (Darius Rucker, Mark Nesler, Phillip White) 7. “I Will Love You Still” (Darius Rucker, Josh Kear) 8. “Take Me Home” (Darius Rucker, Frank Rogers, Monty Criswell) 9. “Shine” (Darius Rucker, Frank Rogers) 10. “Heartbreak Road” (Darius Rucker, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins) 11. “Leavin’ the Light On” (Darius Rucker, David Lee Murphy, Phil O’Donnell) 12. “Lie To Me” (Darius Rucker, Rodney Clawson, Bob DiPiero)

Darius Rucker Wagon Wheel-Video

Posted on by

The Official Music Video For Darius Rucker’s Single, “Wagon Wheel.” Below is the official music video for Darius Rucker’s latest single, “Wagon Wheel.” The song can be found on his album True Believers. I personally don’t rush to turn the volume up when the song starts to play on my local radio stations, but I don’t hate it either. I can’t really put my finger on my issue with Rucker’s version, but something is off for me. It might be that I think this version is a little too soft. If anything that is a compliment to Rucker and his ability to record such an easy listen. Like I said, I’m just not sure. But…whether you like or don’t like Rucker’s version of the hit song, I bet you will enjoy the video! It has several cameos and is just altogether fun! My favorite part is hands down Jase portraying the club’s doorman. Watch “Wagon Wheel” below and tell us what you think!

Darius Rucker To Host ACM Golf Tournament

Posted on by

Darius Rucker Will Be Hosting The ACM Lifting Lives Celebrity Golf Tournament. The Academy of Country Music announced today that Darius Rucker will host the ACM Lifting Lives Celebrity Golf Classic at TPC Las Vegas for the second consecutive year on Saturday, April 6, 2013. The ACM Lifting Lives Celebrity Golf Classic, ACM Weekend at Fremont Street Experience, ACM Party for a Cause Festival, THE ACM EXPERIENCE and more will all be taking place in conjunction with “The Week Vegas Goes Country,” leading up to the 48th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS­. The award show will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. The ACM Lifting Lives® Celebrity Golf Classic—the seventh held since 2004—brings together country music artists, record label executives and other members of the music community in a star-studded scramble tournament to raise funds and awareness for ACM Lifting Lives’ Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund, which provides immediate relief to those in need in the music industry.

Darius Rucker True Believers 2013 Tour Announced

Posted on by

Award-Winning Country Star Darius Rucker Announces Dates of the True Believers Tour Featuring Special Guests Justin Moore, Rodney Atkins and Jana Kramer Capitol Records Nashville recording artist Darius Rucker is calling all ‘true believers’ to meet him out on the road this summer for his newly announced headlining tour in support of his upcoming True Believers album release this spring. The 2013 True Believers Tour kicks off on May 9th in Estero, Florida, and will work its way through more than 20 cities across the U.S. before wrapping up in Clarkston, Michigan on June 30th. Rucker will treat concert-goers to tunes from across all three of his country albums, including current critically-acclaimed single “Wagon Wheel” and any number of his five No. 1 hits like “Come Back Song,” “This,” “Alright” and more. “This is going to be an exciting summer. I’ve got an album I can’t wait for y’all to hear and I’m hitting the road with a great group of artists. We’re gonna have a good time!” -Darius Rucker Joining Rucker on select dates will be special guests RIAA platinum-selling Rodney Atkins, top-charting country singer Justin Moore, and 2013 ACM New Female Vocalist winner and New Artist of the Year nominee Jana Kramer. Rucker will be offering two pairs of tickets to each tour date through an auction on www.DariusRucker.com with proceeds benefiting both the Country Music Association’s “Keep The Music Playing” initiative and the Academy of Country Music’s “Lifting Lives” program. “Keep the Music Playing” supports music in our schools and has funded music labs and more than 4,000 instruments in 80 Nashville Metro schools. ACM “Lifting Lives” is dedicated to improving lives through the power of music – its beneficiaries include the Holston Home in East Tenn. where Atkins was adopted as a child, Pattinson’s Academy in Rucker’s hometown of Charleston, S.C., and ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp, students of which accompanied Rucker in a very special ACM Awards performance of a song written and recorded by the campers, “Music from the Heart.” Darius Rucker – True Believers Tour Dates. May 9, 2013 | Estero, Fla. | Germain Arena* May 10, 2013 | Pensacola, Fla. | Pensacola Civic Center* May 17, 2013 | Savannah, Ga. | Savannah Civic Center* May 18, 2013 | Alpharetta, Ga. | Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park* May 19, 2013 | Knoxville, Tenn. | Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum** May 24, 2013 | Little Rock, Ark. | Riverfront Park** May 30, 2013 | Greensboro, N.C. | Greensboro Coliseum Complex* May 31, 2013 | Simpsonville, S.C. | Charter Amphitheatre at Heritage Park* June 1, 2013 | Virginia Beach, Va. | Patriotic Festival* June 6, 2013 | Morrison, Colo. | Red Rocks Amphitheatre** June 9, 2013 | Grand Prairie, Texas | Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie** June 13, 2013 | N. Lawrence, Ohio | Clay’s Park Amphitheater** June 14, 2013 | Buffalo, N.Y. | Coca Cola Field+ June 15, 2013 | Baltimore, Md. | Pier Six Pavilion** June 20, 2013 | West Long Branch, Continue reading Darius Rucker True Believers 2013 Tour Announced→