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DARIUS RUCKER IS MORE THAN “ALRIGHT”
By: Alanna Conaway
Darius Rucker’s transition into being a country music singer has been nothing but successful since his debut single “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” hit radio airwaves. The song topped Billboard’s country singles chart in September of 2008 making Darius the first African-American singer to do so since 1985.
His next two singles “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” and “Alright” quickly followed in the footsteps of “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” giving Darius three consecutive number one singles off his debut album, an accomplishment which has only happened to three other acts in country music history in the past 20 years.
To make life even sweeter for the former Hootie & The Blowfish lead singer, his album Learn To Live was recently certified Platinum by the RIAA. Darius recently sat down with MCN to discuss his recent success, life off the road, and his TV fetish.
What has been the most rewarding moment in your career?
Winning my second Grammy [with Hootie & The Blowfish]. That was really unexpected and big. That meant the world to us.
What do you feel is the most challenging part about songwriting?
Getting started and deciding what you’re going to write about. Then it usually flows from there. It might suck, but it flows! [laughs]
What do you do in the studio to help you relax while recording?
I’m a pretty laid back guy in the studio. I eat a lot when I’m in the studio. I gain a lot of weight when I’m in the studio, so that’s bad.
What’s your favorite way to unwind?
Playing golf.
When you’re out on the road, what’s a typical day like for you?
We pull into the town in the morning and get up. I get my drummer, Jeff, and we go play golf. We get back in time for sound check and hang out all day until it’s time to play.
You told me once that you found a golf ball out on the golf course one day while playing and you stuck it in your bag because you thought it was giving you good luck. Do you still carry that with you?
Yeah, I’ve still got that one. It hasn’t helped me much! [laughs]
The last time we spoke, you talked about your TV fetish and how that you just purchased a new 67” TV for your house…has there been any more TV purchases in the Rucker household or bus?
[laughter] No, no…I still have six in my room and I think 18 in the house. I love TV!
What is your favorite show to watch?
ESPN. That’s what’s on right now. ESPN is always on one channel or on one TV. Always. Nobody changes that TV!
What have been your top three pinch-yourself moments in your career?
Playing the Apollo, playing the Grand Ole Opry, and singing with Al Green at the Billboard Music Awards.
When was that one moment when you realized you have made it in country music?
Goodness…probably the second time I played the Opry. I just really felt like a part of country music. It’s kind of like how CRS was for me this year. I had been a couple of years before, but I had always felt like people were looking at me going, “What’s Hootie doing here?” – like I’m the outside guy. This year, I really felt like I was part of it.
Tags: al green, darius rucker, don't think i don't think about it, hootie & the blowfish, learn to live, more than alright
