Darius Rucker, a three-time Grammy Award winner, was recently honored with the 2023 CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award during an appearance on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" on October 23. During the show, he shared a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Carolyn Rucker, and explained how she inspired his latest album, Carolyn's Boy.
"When I was a kid, she instilled in us that you help people - not people that are less fortunate; you help people that need help," Rucker told Clarkson. "We grew up in a really poor neighborhood with not much and, you know, there was no reason for me to believe that I was gonna be here and make it. But she always instilled in me 'believe in yourself, you can do whatever you want.'"
Praise for the album echoed throughout the mediasphere. Forbes said of the album, "Carolyn's boy has done okay. She'd be proud of him for the music, and so much more." American Songwriter added, "Rucker boasts one of the most appealing singing voices in music... But it's not just his pipes that are appealing. It's his warm, sunny personality, too."
What is the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award?
The CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through leadership, financial support, volunteerism, and advocacy. It celebrates those who have dedicated themselves to causes important to the Country Music Association and the wider country music community. Rucker himself is no stranger to the CMA Awards, having been nominated four times and winning the CMA New Artist of the Year award in 2009.
Darius Rucker's Charitable Contributions
His commitment to making a difference in the world is evident through his support for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Inspired by a visit 15 years ago, he established the Darius and Friends charity auction, golf tournament, and concert in 2010, which has raised over $3.6 million to benefit the hospital's groundbreaking work in fighting childhood cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Each year, the event features performances by Rucker and his friends, including well-known artists like Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, and more.
Rucker's dedication goes beyond music. He co-chaired a campaign that raised $150 million to help build the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in Charleston, a project inspired by his mother's career as a nurse at MUSC. Additionally, he has been a vocal advocate for over 200 charitable causes, supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation. He also serves as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville.
What Songs Are on Carolyn's Boy?
Courtesy of Essential Broadcast Media
Here is the track list for Carolyn's Boy, along with the songwriters:
- "Beers And Sunshine" (Darius Rucker, JT Harding, Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman)
- "In This Together" (Darius Rucker, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Joy Williams)
- "Never Been Over" (Darius Rucker, Lee Thomas Miller, John Osborne)
- "Fires Don't Start Themselves" (Ben Hayslip, Jacob Rice, Dan Isbell)
- "Ol' Church Hymn" feat. Chapel Hart (Darius Rucker, Greylan James, Ben Hayslip, Josh Miller)
- "7 Days" (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Charles Kelley)
- "Same Beer Different Problem" (Darius Rucker, Tofer Brown, Sarah Buxton, Brad Tursi)
- "Sara" (Darius Rucker, Joel Crouse, Kyle Rife, Ed Sheeran)
- "Have A Good Time" (Darius Rucker, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick)
- "Sure Would Have Loved Her" (Darius Rucker, Wyatt Durrette, Levi Lowrey)
- "Southern Comfort" (Chris LaCorte, Matt Rogers, Josh Osborne)
- "3 am in Carolina" (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Michael Hardy)
- "Lift Me Up" (Temilade Openiyi, Robyn Fenty, Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Goransson)
- "Stargazing" (Darius Rucker, Brinley Addington, Jess Cayne, Matt Morrisey)
Who is Darius Rucker?
Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
Darius Rucker initially gained multi-Platinum status as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of Hootie & the Blowfish, a GRAMMY Award-winning band that has sold over 25 million albums worldwide. His successful transition to a solo country artist has earned him four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart, with hits like "Wagon Wheel" achieving Diamond-certified status. He's also become a Grand Ole Opry member and continues to make a mark in the country music scene. Carolyn's Boy, includes the single "Fires Don't Start Themselves" and is now available for listeners everywhere.
