Darius Rucker: Get to know the country singer

Known as the frontman of 'college rock' band Hootie & the Blowfish, as well as a country legend in his own right, Darius Rucker has a voice which can soothe your soul. So it's no surprise we snapped him up for a series of shows here on Absolute Radio Country earlier this year.

Despite a busy few years releasing new music, both as a solo artist and with the band that once became the centre of an episode of Friends, Darius is now preparing to head out on tour, with dates here in the UK this autumn. But how did the 'Wagon Wheel' singer rise to fame? We take a look back at his impressive career...

Who is Darius Rucker?

First rising to fame as the lead singer of US 90s legends Hootie & the Blowfish, Darius Rucker has gone on to have a hugely successful solo career. Releasing songs like 'Wagon Wheel' and 'Alright' as well as collaborating with icons like Adele and Lionel Richie, Darius has become a real star of country music — even gaining a prestigious membership to the Grand Ole Opry in 2012.

Winning a Grammy both as a solo artist, and as part of Hootie & the Blowfish, Darius has had a great career in the 40 years that followed his decision to form a band with his college room mate. And now he's on the airwaves here at Absolute Radio Country, while preparing to go on tour later this year.

He's also a former Absolute Radio Country host, of course, having hosted his own series in February/March 2025, for four special shows.

How old is Darius Rucker?

He was born on 13th May 1966, making him 58-years-old at the time of writing.

Where is he from?

Born and raised in South Carolina, Darius is currently living in London. Although he said in a post on Instagram in January 2025: 'Nothing will ever replace the Carolinas and it is still home.'

Is Darius Rucker a host on Absolute Radio Country?

He was! From Sunday 23rd February 2025, Darius ran his own series of two-hour shows on Absolute Radio Country! Starting from 7pm each Sunday for four weeks, he shared his favourite country songs and career anecdotes to help listeners enjoy the final few hours of their weekend.

Check out some of the best bits from Darius Rucker's Absolute Radio Country series, and listen back.

Is Darius going on tour?

Yes! The country star is heading on a solo tour this year, visiting various UK arenas. As well as taking part in the CMA Songwriters Series at The O2 in March, he'll be touring in London, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and Belfast, between 29th September and 5th October 2025. He'll be joined by Jake Owen and The Shires.

Are Hootie & the Blowfish still together?

Yes! Despite a hiatus lasting just over a decade from 2008 to 2019, the band are still together. Led by Darius Rucker, the band is also made up of Mark Bryan, Jim 'Soni' Sonefeld and Dean Felber. They first formed in 1986 at the University of South Carolina, going on to release five studio albums — and are fresh off their 2024 tour 'Summer Camp With Trucks'.

New music

In 2024, Darius released 'Never Been Over' featuring Jennifer Nettles, from his 2023 album 'Carolyn's Boy'. The album is named after his mother, who died in 1992 after a heart attack. She's also the inspiration of Darius' first daughter, Carolyn Pearl Phillips.

As well continuing to release songs as part of his solo career, Darius' band Hootie & the Blowfish also released 'For What It's Worth' in 2024.

What are Darius Rucker's most successful solo songs?

'Wagon Wheel'

Perhaps the song that most springs to mind when thinking about Darius Rucker's solo career is 'Wagon Wheel', which has been certified 11x Platinum in the US! Released in 2013, the song has been watched almost 460 million times on YouTube.

'Alright'

Number 1 hit 'Alright' was released in 2009, and has been certified 3x Platinum in the US. And it's easy to see why, the upbeat song is easy to get stuck in your head. You can watch the music video below...

Hootie & the Blowfish's biggest songs

Hootie & the Blowfish's biggest songs are 1994 hits 'Hold My Hand' and 'Let Her Cry' and 1995 song 'Only Want To Be With You' from their debut album 'Cracked Rear View'. All three entered the UK chart, and made it in the US Top 10.

What awards has Darius won?

In 1995 Hootie & the Blowfish won Best New Artist and Best Pop Performance at the Grammys for 'Let Her Cry' — and the success has continued in the 30 years that have followed, with many award wins and nominations. Darius picked up a Grammy in 2013 as a solo artist (Best Country Solo Performance for 'Wagon Wheel'), followed by various country music award wins in 2018 and 2023.

Darius was also nominated for a CMT Music Award in 2011 for his collaboration with Adele, on 'Need You Now' and a Country Music Association Award for his version of 'Stuck on You' with Lionel Richie.

Movies and TV

Friends fans will remember a whole episode was centred around a Hootie & the Blowfish gig back in 1995, which Darius revealed in an interview with People Magazine was a complete surprise to the band. He told host Jason Sheller after the show aired, Hootie's manager revealed: "Oh yeah, they asked us to be on the show, but I turned them down." What?!

Darius also made a cameo in 2001 movie Shallow Hal, for which he recorded a song called 'This Is My World' — and featured in TV series Big Sky in 2020.

He also appeared as a mentor in a 2019 edition of The Voice US.

Is Darius married?

Yes, Darius married Beth Leonard in 2000.

Does he have children?

Yes, his daughter Carolyn was born in 1995 to his former girlfriend, Elizabeth Phillips. He also has two children, Daniella (born in 2001) and Jack (born in 2004) with his wife Beth Leonard.

Is Darius on social media?

Yes! You can follow Darius on Instagram and X at @dariusrucker.

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