Darius Rucker makes South Carolina proud at the 2009 Country Music Association Awards

November 11, 9:47 PMColumbia Country Music ExaminerRichie Shivers

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(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Charleston, South Carolina was once again made proud by favorite son and former Hootie And The Blowfish lead singer, Darius Rucker just minutes ago in Nashville.

Rucker, up for Country Music Association New Artist of the Year, made good on his nomination, winning the category over notable new artists Zac Brown Band, Randy Hauser, Jake Owen and Jamey Johnson.  Jamey Johnson also won the CMA award for Song of the Year with "In Color". He shared the honor with song co-writer James Otto and Thomas Lee Miller.

"First of all, to the fans, thank y'all for accepting me," Darius said through tear filled eyes. "And I think most importantly, to country radio, you took a chance on a pop singer from Charleston, S.C. Thank you so much for that!"  Rucker put another notch his award belt with tonight's win showing that country music fans across the nation and around the world are open to any great artist with the ability to tell a story.

First of all, to the fans, thank y'all for accepting me!" Darius Rucker

Darius Rucker's story seems like an over night sensation.  Although he celebrated success with Hootie and The Blowfish, there was a desire to tell his story country style.  He tried over the years to get  some of those country songs out, but 2009 proved the right time for Darius.

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.

As a young guy who was lucky enough go sit in the Windjammer on Isle of Palms and catch Darius Rucker at home, I feel pride for a good guy, a hometown guy, who threw caution to the wind and fought to make it a success.

Darius is making himself right at home in Nashville. His chart topping debut album with singles “Learn to Live” and “Don't Think I Don't Think About It" which were both certified gold by The Recording Industry Association of America in February 2009 continues to show what Rucker is capable of.

Way to go Darius!!!!!!!!!