It was July 1996 and I had just seen an amazing concert from Hootie and the Blowfish. Before it was popular to hate on Hootie, I was a fan, and always have been. When Darius Rucker took his solo act to the R&B world, I followed, and I was there for his Country debut as well. But when you think about it, if Hootie and the Blowfish were to start now… with a little extra twang they would already be country.
Back to that concert from 1996. That was the 1st (but not last) time that as I was leaving the parking lot a watched a moving car open a back door, a head pop out and vomit… while still moving.
Fast forward to October 2012 and Darius has made a full transition to country music. Darius has been invited to become a member of The Grand Ole Opry. Check it out.
Congrats Darius!
One of the biggest kicks for me in our joenruy down music row in Nashville was driving by Capitol Records, with a HUGE poster on the side of their building congratulating Darius for his hit record. This was the street on which we were most likely to spy some of these country music superstars, though on the sleepy weekend morning we spent the majority of time wandering the row it was quite empty. Still, I loved seeing Hootie’s face staring down at us even though I’d never heard a single note from one of his country albums.I like this SOTD just fine, though I’m now off to search for the sentimental It Won’t Be Like This for Long. As much as I relish making fun of this so specific genre of country music (and, as you point out, Hallmark cards and, maybe, GE commercials?), I’m a sucker for it nonetheless.
Music can be so healing! Erik and I went on pnrnaeemt tour after our sadness. We have seriously been to a zillion concerts and festivals over the last few years. Glad you guys are getting out and taking your mind off things a little! Death Cab for Cutie and coldplay were both really good concerts!
First, I love all the plaid from the Brad/Darius concert! ADORABLE! Second, Darius is a new re-found love of mine. I awayls liked Hootie and the Blowfish, but in recent months, Darius has been at the top of my “favorites” list! I listed to his new album on repeat for weeks (literally) when it first came out. I’m so jealous you got to see him in concert!