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Learn To Live Cd
Darius Rucker, former lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish, has segued smoothly into the world of country music. If the charts are any indication (which they are) Hootie and country music fans alike are glad to have him back.
Hootie and the Blowfish got together in 1986 and together released 5 successful studio albums, all of which feature Rucker on lead vocals. His distinct raspy voice made the band an instant hit and has helped to create a unique following for Darius as a solo artist. In fact, Rucker says about the Blowfish, “We talked about being a country band, and I just got outvoted! They also used to kid me about how I always was bringing them country songs that they had to turn into rock songs . . .”
In 2008, Rucker signed to Capitol Records Nashville and that was the beginning of his country music career. His first solo single, "Don't Think I Don't Think About It" from his “Learn to Live” album reached Number One on Billboard’s Country Chart in September, making Rucker the first solo African American artist to chart a Number One country hit since Charley Pride's "Night Games" in 1983.
Darius is making himself right at home in Nashville, making appearances on the Country Music Awards and making his Grand Ole Opry debut in July 2008. The singles “Learn to Live” and “Don't Think I Don't Think About It" were both certified gold by The Recording Industry Association of America in February 2009.
Rucker has had always had a love for country, “Growing up in South Carolina, it was always around, always on the radio,” he says. His first country music influences include Buck Owens and later he became a fan of Dwight Yoakam, New Grass Revival and Radney Foster. “When I first heard Radney’s voice on Foster & Lloyd’s ‘Crazy Over You,’ I thought, ‘this guy’s voice is bigger than Texas.’ I’m thinking, ‘this is cool songwriting.’ ” said Rucker.
Billboard Magazine said, “There’s a sense of purpose that makes Rucker feel like a member of the country family, rather than an interloper… Sounds like country may have a shining new star.”
Looks like country music has a new star in its world and Darius isn’t planning on going anywhere. When asked about his new country attitude he replied, “You know, I had been in that rock cocoon for a while . . . But now I get to come out and sing these songs,” says Darius Rucker. “I plan to be doing this for a long time. This isn’t a one album deal – it’s a career thing.”
Darius is touring with Rascal Flatts this summer, but homegrown South Carolina fans can catch him at the Family Circle Stadium on Daniel Island on August 13 for his “Homegrown Tour”. Diercks Bentley will join Rucker for the sixth year of the tour, created in 2003 by Hootie and the Blowfish to benefit disadvantaged schools. Fans are asked to bring any type of school supply to the show. Everything collected will benefit the Charleston County School District.
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