Rucker joins Opry
Opry member Vince Gill formally induced Rucker.
Presenting Rucker with the Opry Member Award, Gill said, "I don't think there's a more beloved guy in our music than you...Before you even open your mouth and sing a song you've written, everybody is really crazy about you. You will find this place right here to be one of the greatest homes you'll ever have...Thanks for wanting to be a country music singer."
A tearful Rucker responded to Gill's words and a standing ovation from the audience, saying, "Thank you very much...I was sitting in here at rehearsals today, and there was nobody in here, and I looked up in the stands. I thought to myself, 'Somewhere in those stands right now my mom is looking at me.' And it just blew me away to be here today...This means more to me than I could ever say to you."
Afterwards, Rucker and the audience watched a clip on the Opry's barn screen of Opry member Keith Urban sending his congratulations "from Las Vegas." To the delight of both Rucker and the audience, Urban then appeared on stage to offer his congratulations live and in person.
Among others on hand were members of Rucker's family and friends, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino, who appeared on stage with Rucker to conclude the show. After the induction, Rucker added a plaque bearing his name to the Opry Member Gallery backstage at the Opry House.
More news for Darius Rucker
- 04/26/24: Rucker reworks "Never Been Over" with Nettles
- 02/01/24: Rucker arrested on minor drug charges
- 10/27/23: Rucker teams up with Dax
- 10/23/23: CMA surprises Rucker with Humanitarian Award
- 10/06/23: Old Dominion, Rucker, Reba release new projects
- 09/05/23: Rucker unveils "Fires Don't Start Themselves" video
- 03/13/23: Rucker returns to the road
- 11/04/22: Rucker announces "Carolyn's Boy"
CD reviews for Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker has referenced his South Carolina roots numerous times in his career, but his first solo release in six years is a more direct tribute to his late mother, Carolyn, and not just in the title. Raised on church music, soul singers and country songs at home growing up, Rucker includes more than a hint of each here.
"Old Church Hymn," featuring Chapel Hart, evokes those childhood Sunday mornings in the pews, in a deep gospel tone that blossoms into an organ-driven, rousing singalong. ...
Darius Rucker is so darn likeable, he likely gets away with creating subpar music more than most. However, "When Was the Last Time" is a consistently good album, which is as respectable as it is likeable.
Rucker knows how to sing crowd pleasers, like the fun and funny "Count the Beers" and the all-star collaboration "Straight to Hell," which also features Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Charles Kelley. He shines brightest, though, on the more serious songs. ...
Although opener "Homegrown Honey" has a few hip-hip sonic elements fueling it, "Southern Style" is a fairly traditional - well, as traditional as Darius Rucker can get - album. "Homegrown Honey," along with the title cut and "Half Full Dixie Cup," make a play for Rucker's Southern credentials, and for the most part support these claims. Rucker is an easygoing vocalist, and this latest effort goes down smoothly.
It's still taboo for country ...
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