Backtrack to his days as the frontman of the mid-90’s pop-rock group “Hootie & the Blowfish, Darius Rucker was known for his musical inclinations. However, after their debut album “Cracked Rear View,” which practically was inescapable after selling 10 million copies in 1995, the grouped seem to have run out of gas that in 1998, they took a break from their studio recordings. This gave Rucker the time to launch his solo career and explore his R&B and country influences.
Testing the Waters
After his stint as an award-winning frontman of “Hootie & the Blowfish,” Darius Rucker’s solo career blasted off the bat. He came back and re-branded himself, not as a frontman for a rock band, but first re-introduced himself with the sounds of his youth and the R &B background he had.
Growing up in the town of Charlestown in South Carolina, the sounds of Otis Redding, Al Green, and Gladys Knight were all part of Rucker’s childhood. The influence he had in his youth were all evident when he launched his solo career.
“Back Then” became Rucker’s solo debut which featured Jill Scot and Snoop Dogg.
Back to Rock
After finding a home as a solo artist for his R&B style and soulful baritone voice, Darius Rucker then decided to give the ‘Hootie & the Blowfish’ a try one more time. He then focused on recording with the group and was able to have two studio albums during the early 2000’s.
It’s Time for Some Country!
With 2 new albums already on the books, Darius Rucker finally decided to go solo again, but in a different direction. He opted for the country music path and it was thanks to the no small part of the twangy “Learn to Live.”
Rucker’s modern style of music was not a thing during his time as a solo artist. But as Rucker moved further into the country music scene, he seemed to have a new fresh breeze inside of him. Eventually, the love that country music fans have for Rucker was evident taking both the album and its flagship single “Don’t Think About It” to the top of the Billboard country chart. “It Wont’ Be Like This for Long” and “Alright” placed first on the charts as well.
Rucker then smartly navigated through the country music industry releasing an LP in 2010. In total, Rucker’s first two studio album as a country artist gave him a total of five number 1 hits. “Southern Style,” his fourth studio album, features his seventh top-charting single “Homegrown Honey.” He then earned his eight number 1 hit with “When Was the last time.”
Catch Darius Rucker as he engaged in a new chapter of his life being named as co-host for this year’s CMA Awards. This also marks the first time a black American will be given a shot to co-host the awards night.
