Darius Rucker’s voice is unmistakable—a strong, rich baritone with a bit of a gruff edge. That voice has been prevalent on the music scene since the 1990s, when Rucker debuted as the lead singer of the band Hootie and the Blowfish. The 59-year-old Charleston native is also one of the most celebrated artists in country music. A multiple Grammy winner, he has received the prestigious award twice with Hootie and once as a solo artist, taking home the honor for Best Solo Country performance for his version of “Wagon Wheel.” In 2023, Rucker was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Despite all these accomplishments and accolades, Rucker remains true to his Southern upbringing and the foundation laid out for him by his late mother, Carolyn. He is known to set aside time before every show to greet fans and is also lauded for his humanitarianism, giving back to organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in Charleston, where his mother worked as a nurse.
The avid golfer and South Carolina Gamecocks fan (he attended and has an honorary doctorate from USC) is wrapping up his US tour in Charleston with his annual Riverfront Revival, a two-day festival featuring 15 performers and held at scenic Riverfront Park in North Charleston.
Beyond the Setlist with Darius Rucker
TOWN: When did you first pick up a guitar?…