Darius Rucker

Darius Rucker was the lead singer of the hit band Hootie and the Blowfish for multiple years before beginning a solo career that has seen him cross-genres masterfully. Although his country career was somewhat unexpected, his voice and ballads of everyday struggles helps anyone to relate to his chart-topping hits and he has found success since moving away from his original rock band. His recent remake of the Old Crow Medicine Show song Wagon Wheel with vocals from Lady Antebellum was a #1 hit song during the summer of 2013. In March of 2015, Darius released his fourth country studio album, Southern Style, which reached number one on the Country Airplay chart in April.

At the beginning of Darius’ career as lead singer for Hootie and the Blowfish, the group saw instant success with their debut album, Cracked Rear View, as it went straight to number 1 on the Billboard charts in the United States, going platinum 16 times. A couple of their most popular hits such as Let Her Cry and Time from this first album earned them two Grammy awards including Best New Artist. The band went on to release four more albums, while performing guest appearances and collaborations with other artists.

Darius announced his ambitions to journey out on a solo career in 2008 signing with Capitol Records Nashville as a country music artist. His solo album Learn to Live contained 3 country chart-topping hits Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It, It Won’t Be Like This for Long, and Alright; the Recording Industry of America (RIAA) certified this record platinum. His acceptance into the country music world was solidified that year when he was invited to perform at The Grand Ole Opry. The next year, Darius received the Country Music Association Award for Best New Artist of the Year, making him the first African-American ever to win the award since it was first given in 1981. In 2012, Darius became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Celebrity Speaker Darius Rucker loves to give back to those in need. With his annual Darius and Friends benefit concert and celebrity golf tournament, Rucker raises funds to benefit the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He has appeared at sporting events to sing the national anthem as well as performed on multiple TV shows such as the Today show and the Late Show with David Letterman.