Darius Rucker Reveals He Wanted To Be A Country Singer Before Hootie & the Blowfish

Darius Rucker Reveals He Wanted To Be A Country Singer Before Hootie & the Blowfish

Darius Rucker shocked plenty of country music fans in 2008, when he released his first country music album, Back to Then. At the time, Rucker was best known as the founding member and lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish.

While many assumed Rucker’s country album was just a temporary creative departure, Rucker reveals he actually wanted to be a country music singer before ever starting Hootie & the Blowfish, ever since hearing Radney Foster’s Del Rio, TX 1959, released in 1992.

“When I heard that record, all I wanted to do was sing country music,” Rucker tells Clint Black on Circle Country (via American Songwriter).

“I was like, ‘This guy just took me to a whole new level,’” Rucker remembers saying. “I’d say that to the guys [in Hootie]. Like, ‘Let’s try to play some country.’ And they didn’t want to. We put a couple of songs on the record, but nobody wanted to really [sing country music]. “So, we went and did the rock and roll thing. But I always said I was going to do a country record if I ever got a chance. And one day, I got a chance.”

Already a superstar, Rucker was willing to do whatever it took to have success in country music, including the often-dreaded radio tour.

“For me, it was, if we’re going to do it on this level, I was going to give it all I had.”

Why Darius Rucker Left Nashville For London

Rucker was born and raised in South Carolina. He also spent a lot of time in Nashville to pursue a career in country music, although he now calls another city home. The Grand Ole Opry member recently revealed he moved to London. Fortunately, it seems the move isn’t permanent.

“I’ve been a traveling musician all my life. I’m living in London while working on some new music and playing some shows,” Rucker shares on social media. “Always been on the bucket list — but don’t get it twisted y’all … nothing will ever replace the Carolinas and it is still home. Thanks for believing in me and supporting my music wherever we make it! Love y’all!”

Rucker is also getting his wish of having Hootie & the Blowfish sing country music. The band joins Scotty McCreery on his new single, “Bottle Rockets.” The song is inspired by Hootie & the Blowfish’s debut single, “Hold My Hand.” “Bottle Rockets” is currently in the Top 30.