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Who Is Darius Rucker?
Darius Rucker first gained widespread recognition in 1994 as the lead singer of Hootie & The Blowfish, whose debut album Cracked Rear View topped the charts. This record produced several hit singles, including “Hold My Hand,” “Time,” “Let Her Cry,” and “I Only Want to Be With You,” and sold over 16 million copies, earning the band two Grammy Awards. Following the band’s success, Rucker transitioned into a successful solo career in country music.
Early Life
Born on May 13, 1966, in Charleston, South Carolina, Rucker describes his upbringing as a “typical Southern African-American childhood,” characterized by long church services and financial struggles. During his youth, Rucker lived with his mother, two aunts, maternal grandmother, and 14 relatives in a three-bedroom apartment. A musical environment surrounded him; he often sang along to his mother’s Al Green and Betty Wright records. As he matured, Rucker became more involved in music, participating in church and high school choirs. It wasn’t until after graduating from Middleton High School and attending the University of South Carolina that he pursued music as a potential career.
In 1986, Rucker connected with fellow musicians Mark Bryan, Jim Sonefeld, and Dean Felber, which led to the formation of Hootie & The Blowfish. The band name was inspired by two university classmates, one known for wearing owl-like glasses and the other for his round face. Rucker’s leadership and songwriting abilities influenced the group’s creative direction.
Hootie & The Blowfish
Hootie & The Blowfish achieved commercial success with their debut album Cracked Rear View, released under Atlantic Records in 1994. The album’s unique sound, characterized by Rucker’s deep baritone voice and bluesy harmonica solos, resonated with audiences and critics alike. The album produced multiple chart-topping singles and earned two Grammy Awards.
Following the success of their debut, the band released Fairweather Johnson in 1996, which, while not achieving the same level of sales, still garnered positive chart performance. Their subsequent album, Musical Chairs, was released in 1998, after which Rucker began to focus on a solo career. After overcoming contractual delays, he released his debut solo album, Back to Then, in 2002, showcasing a blend of R&B influences.
Solo Success
While still performing with Hootie & The Blowfish, Rucker released his second solo project, a country album titled Learn to Live. The album’s lead single, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” reached the Top 20 on the Billboard charts in July 2008, making Rucker the first African-American artist to achieve a No. 1 single on the country charts since Charley Pride in 1988. His performance at the Grand Ole Opry later that year received a standing ovation.
Rucker’s subsequent singles from Learn to Live—”It Won’t Be Like This For Long” and “Alright”—also reached the top of the country charts, marking him as the first country artist since Wynonna Judd to have his first three singles hit No. 1. The album earned platinum status in 2009 and garnered two Country Music Association award nominations.
Continuing his success in country music, Rucker released Charleston, SC 1966 in 2010, which topped the country album chart and included the hit single “This.” His 2013 album, True Believers, solidified his place in the industry with the Grammy-winning song “Wagon Wheel.” His fifth studio album, When Was the Last Time, was released in October 2017.
Personal Life
Darius Rucker married his longtime girlfriend, Beth Leonard, in 2000, and the couple has two children. However, they announced their separation in July 2020. Rucker also has a child from a previous relationship.