The 57-year-old Charleston, South Carolina-born Darius Rucker boasts one of the most appealing singing voices in music. From his early days in the rock group Hootie & the Blowfish to his latest career as a country music artist, Rucker has made himself into an all-timer.
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But it’s not just his pipes that are appealing. It’s his warm, sunny personality, too. American Songwriter caught up with Rucker, who is set to release his newest record, Carolyn’s Boy, on Friday (October 6). We asked him a few “lightning round” questions about his favorite song, lyrics, and more.
And keep an eye out for our interview with Rucker on Friday (October 6), in which he talks about his mother, Hootie & the Blowfish, Al Green, and more.
American Songwriter: What is your favorite song?
Darius Rucker: Ever? Oh, goodness, good question. My favorite song ever is “For the Good Times” by Al Green.
AS: What is your favorite collaboration ever?
DR: That I’ve done? Oh, good question. My favorite—I want to preface this by saying that I loved every collaboration I’ve done. But I think Sheryl Crow is my Tammy Wynette. When we sing together, it’s just absolutely—it’s my favorite. I just love it when we sing together.
AS: What’s your favorite lyric you’ve ever written?
DR: Oh, She sits alone by a lamppost, tryin’ to find the thought that’s escaped her mind. That’s a good one. [Laughs]
AS: How about your favorite vacation spot?
DR: Bermuda. That’s my favorite place to go on vacation.
AS: What about your favorite musical decade?
DR: Oh, probably I would have to say from about ’64 to ’74. Yeah, I think from ’64 to ’74, life was amazing.
AS: Reminds me of Bob Dylan. This also reminds me how I love the “tangled up in blue” line in the Hootie & the Blowfish song.
DR: Yeah, “Only Wanna Be With You.” Yeah, absolutely.
AS: Your favorite sports team?
DR: My favorite sports team is a tie between the Miami Dolphins and every team for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.
AS: You’re doing pretty good with Miami this year. So far, anyway. Tyreek Hill
DR: Oh, we’re going to the Super Bowl this year!
AS: Last question. What is your favorite thing about music?
DR: My favorite thing about music is how it makes me feel. How it can make me happy and when I want to be sad, it can make me sad. I love how music makes me feel.
Photo by Debra L Rothenberg/Getty Images
