There is no doubt that Darius Rucker is among the finest artists of all time, according to many. As the main singer and rhythm guitarist of the rock group Hootie & the Blowfish, which he started in 1986 while still a student at the university, he initially rose to recognition.
Darius Rucker‘s incredible version of Wagon Wheel back in 2013—now recognized as one of Darius Rucker’s hit songs—made him one of the most well-charted country music musicians, even though he didn’t begin his career as a country musician and instead specialized in R&B songs.
That’s why we decided to compile a list of lesser-known facts about Darius Rucker that you might still need to learn, which you may view below.
1. He Is a Quarter Back of His High School Football Team
Being a sports enthusiast, it was relatively straightforward that Darius Rucker had participated in some sports throughout his youth. And football is one of them. And he didn’t just play it for fun; he was the quarterback of the whole team.
2. He Once Was Part of a Famous Band
He created the rock group Hootie & the Blowfish in 1986 at the University of South Carolina with Mark Bryan, Jim Sonefeld, and Dean Felber. As previously mentioned, this is how he initially rose to popularity, despite the band succeeding commercially and in sales. But after 1998, Rucker decided to concentrate on a solo career.
3. There’s One Time He Turned into A Vampire with No Sleep
Just thinking of it makes my stomach twist. However, what’s crazier about this is that he didn’t sleep to write songs or produce music for his fans; as insane as it may sound, it was all because of a dare.
4. It Turns Out He Is Claustrophobic
What makes this fact a little more interesting is that Rucker didn’t discover his fear until he had an MRI back in 2010. He said in an interview that one day while his back head hurt, he decided to go for a checkup, and while his inside the MRI machine, the tingling feeling of fear started to linger through his body. And that’s how he learned that he is indeed claustrophobic.
5. Darius is the First Black American to Win the New Artist Award
RELATED: These Black Country Singers Conquered the Honky Tonk World
There is no doubt that Darius Rucker has received several nominations for awards over his career and has won a few of them. Additionally, Darius Rucker made history during the 2009 Country Music Association Awards. After completing his country music debut, he became the first black American to receive the Country Music Association’s New Artist Award.
6. He Has Donated Millions of Dollars to Charity
Since his mother has been a long-time worker at the hospital since he was a child, he has developed a strong bond with it. Darius has therefore assisted in raising millions of dollars to aid in the construction of a new hospital.
7. He Made a Song as A Dedication to His Mother
There is nothing more painful than losing someone that you love the most. And as an artist, Darius dedicated two songs to his deceased mother, who died in 1992 due to a heart attack. His grief inspired two Hootie & the Blowfish songs, namely “I’m Goin’ Home” and “Not Even the Trees.”
8. He is Friends with The Golf Legend Tiger Wood
Darius Rucker is a sports enthusiast, as some of us are aware. And it is no surprise that Rucker is acquainted with a legend in the golf world. In a discussion, he names Tiger Woods the most well-known person he knows.
9. He Released a Full R&B Album
Darius Rucker did not only begin his career as a country musician. He started his career by releasing music in various genres, R&B being one of them. Back to Then, his solo R&B album was released in 2002 on Hidden Beach Recordings; unfortunately, no singles from the said album reached the charts.
10. His Version of Wagon Wheel Was Considered One of the Best
Only a tiny percentage of song covers achieve massive success. And Darius is unquestionably among the finest for revitalizing “Wagon Wheel” as a top hit in 2013. He even helped the song become platinum eight times and won a Grammy.
RELATED: Why, After More Than a Decade, Does America Still Play Wagon Wheel During Weekend Nights
Darius Rucker is one of the most excellent country musicians of all time. He sings with absolute assurance, which makes the listener fall in love with him and his melodies. We hope the facts we shared on Darius Rucker today helped you learn something new. Now, if you want, you may share them with others to spread joy with everyone.
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