Bryce Leatherwood Set To Perform On "Today With Jenna & Friends" This Wednesday, May 14

May 12, 2025

Mercury Nashville singer/songwriter Bryce Leatherwood is set to perform on NBC’s “Today with Jenna & Friends” this Wednesday, May 14. The appearance will give fans a preview of the self-titled debut album arriving this Friday, May 16, from the season 22 winner of “The Voice.” “Today with Jenna & Friends” airs at 10 am local time (check local NBC listings).

Leatherwood is also set to return to "The Voice" stage for the NBC hit's finale on May 20. He joins a star-studded line-up that will include performances from Alicia Keys, Blake Shelton, Chance the Rapper, Sheryl Crow, Joe Jonas, Kelly Clarkson and more.

The rising country star built his country-music foundations while bumping along in an old pickup on his granddad’s farm, legends like George Jones, Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty crooned through fuzzy speakers, with their passion and conviction striking a chord. Now, the Woodstock, Georgia native is carrying those influences with him for his highly anticipated debut.

Pre-order Bryce Leatherwood HERE.

A mix of originals and expertly crafted outside cuts, Leatherwood lets his resonate vocal loose over 12 diverse tunes – centered on his rock solid country roots, but ranging from the pure-emotion of classic balladry to an expanding genre’s bleeding edge. Taking a hands-on approach with producer Will Bundy (Riley Green, Ella Langley), Leatherwood threads the needle between the timeless and trendy with surefooted ease.

“I’ve dreamt of making a record since the first day I picked up a guitar at 12 years old,” reflects Leatherwood. “I’ve spent the past two years developing this album, choosing each song with intention, creating the best introduction to who I am as an artist. I’m beyond proud of how it turned out, and can’t wait to share it with y’all.”

2024 was a landmark year for Leatherwood, which included making his Opry debut and headlining his first tour, the Neon Does Tour. And the country crooner is just getting started. He is set to return to the Good Molecules Reverb Stage at CMA Fest next month and has stops at festivals across the US this summer with more touring news to be announced soon.

To follow along with updates and for more information, visit bryceleatherwood.com or follow along on Instagram HERE, Facebook HERE, X HERE or Tik Tok HERE.

About Bryce Leatherwood:
Singer/songwriter Bryce Leatherwood aims to carry the torch of country music and continue the legacy of legends prior. Born and raised in Woodstock, GA, his passion for music began at an early age. Working on his grandfather’s farm every summer, Leatherwood was exposed to the classic country hits of George Jones, Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty. Soon thereafter he began picking up guitars and playing the traditional country music that inspires him today. Leatherwood’s music career began to blossom in Statesboro, GA, where he attended Georgia Southern University. During his time in Statesboro, Leatherwood played college venues and continued to grow his stage presence and his country music repertoire. While in college, Leatherwood formed his band and began playing all around the Southeast. Just weeks after graduating college, Bryce set his mind on a new task. In 2022, Leatherwood competed on the NBC hit television show The Voice and was crowned the Season 22 winner in December. Following his success, Leatherwood moved to Nashville where he has been songwriting and recording for his debut album on Mercury Records. A next generation traditionalist plugged firmly into the modern mainstream, with all the hallmarks of a rising star, Leatherwood concluded his first-ever headlining tour, The Neon Does Tour last year, made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Sept. 14, 2024, and he returns to Good Molecules Reverb Stage at CMA Fest this year. He is set to release his self-titled debut album on May 16, 2025 featuring latest releases “Where the Bar Is” and “Shenandoah.” For the latest, visit bryceleatherwood.com.

Darius Rucker's 16th Annual 'Darius and Friends' St. Jude Benefit Set for June 2 at Ryman Auditorium

May 2, 2025

Multi-time Diamond-certified superstar Darius Rucker returns to the historic Ryman Auditorium on Monday, June 2 for his 16th annual “Darius and Friends” concert benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. The event, which unofficially kicks off the week of CMA Fest in downtown Nashville and has raised more than $4.3 million to date, will feature a surprise all-star roster of friends as has become tradition at the annual celebration.

“As usual, the evening featured multiple servings of the country music industry's past, present, and future for an essential cause,” noted the Tennessean in their review of last year’s show. “‘Darius and Friends’ has become a showcase for how much his superstar talents have expanded across genres after four decades of performing. Buying a ticket for the event ensures you'll hear his country chart-toppers…And yes, there's assuredly going to be some Hootie & the Blowfish classics…But the real win of the night is when Rucker steps out of his pre-supposed ‘comfort zones’ and as he did on Monday evening, performs songs like Bell Biv DeVoe's ‘Poison,’ Tim McGraw's ‘I Like It, I Love It’ and TLC's ‘Waterfalls.’”

Rucker, who was honored as the 2023 CMA Humanitarian of the Year for always prioritizing philanthropic work throughout his career, made a commitment to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital nearly two decades ago after taking an inspiring tour of the hospital. Through this meaningful experience, Rucker learned how St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Following that impactful 2008 visit, Rucker’s effort has since become an annual tradition. Friends performing with Rucker in past years have included Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Dan + Shay, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Jelly Roll, Charles Kelley of Lady A, Ashley McBryde, A.J. McLean of the Backstreet Boys, Megan Moroney, Brad Paisley, Kenny Rogers and Tommy Thayer of KISS, among many others.

Tickets to the 16th annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert are available via AXS.com. Pre-sale access begins tomorrow, May 1 at 10 a.m. CT, with tickets on sale to the general public this Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m. CT. The event is made possible with support from generous sponsors AMD and The Law Office of Jennifer McCoy.

For more information, visit DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.

'Darius Rucker Live' Tour Spans Canada This Fall

March 4, 2025

Three-time GRAMMY Award winner Darius Rucker is set to bring his signature sound to Canada this fall with his Darius Rucker Live tour. Produced by Live Nation, the eight-city trek kicks off on Oct. 15, 2025, at Abbotsford Centre in Abbotsford, BC, making stops across Canada in cities including Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, and more before wrapping up on Oct. 26, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON.

The tour comes as Rucker continues to celebrate the success of his latest album, Carolyn’s Boy, featuring hits like his No. 1 single “Beers and Sunshine” and “Ol’ Church Hymn” (featuring Chapel Hart). Known for his dynamic stage presence and genre-spanning hits, Rucker’s Canadian fans can expect an unforgettable night filled with both classic anthems and new favorites.

Tickets will be available during the general onsale beginning on Friday, March 7 at 10 a.m. local time at DariusRucker.com.

The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary, including premium tickets, pre-show meet & greet and individual photo op with Darius Rucker, guided backstage tour, VIP-exclusive gift item and more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

Darius Rucker Live Tour Dates
10/15/2025 - Abbotsford, BC - Abbotsford Centre
10/17/2025 - Edmonton, AB - Rogers Place
10/18/2025 - Lethbridge, AB - VisitLethbridge.com Arena
10/20/2025 - Regina, SK - Brandt Centre
10/21/2025 - Winnipeg, MB - Canada Life Centre
10/24/2025 - Toronto, ON - Coca-Cola Coliseum
10/25/2025 - Laval, QC - Place Bell
10/26/2025 - Ottawa, ON - Canadian Tire Centre

About Darius Rucker
Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide including their Double Diamond-certified (22x Platinum) debut Cracked Rear View, which remains among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time. Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has earned a whole new legion of fans with four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart plus 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits. Rucker was inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012 and he won his third career GRAMMY Award in 2014 for Best Solo Country Performance with his Diamond-certified (11x Platinum) version of “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time. His latest album Carolyn’s Boy (featuring recent single “Never Been Over” with Jennifer Nettles) is available everywhere now as is his New York Times bestselling memoir “Life’s Too Short,” released via Dey Street in 2024.

As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker co-chaired the capital campaign that generated $150 million to help build the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. and has raised over $4.3 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament. In addition, Rucker has advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation and serves as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tenn. Rucker is also an avid sports fan, with his Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics line of NFL, MLB, NHL and NCAA apparel available via Fanatics.com, and he is part of the Music City Baseball investment group working to bring an MLB team to Tennessee in addition to serving as a partner at the MGC Sports & Entertainment agency.

For more information, visit www.dariusrucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.

Bryce Leatherwood's Reflective “Still Learning,” Out Now

June 21, 2024

Republic Records / Mercury Nashville recording artist Bryce Leatherwood reflects on life’s lessons – and the innate stubbornness to abide by them – with his latest release “Still Learning,” out now. Listen below.

“A huge part of growing up is learning lessons the hard way, not always getting it right,” reflects Leatherwood. “I love when a country song can impart a little wisdom, and this song is about: living, learning and realizing it’s okay to make mistakes, because at the end of the day, we’re all still learning.”

Written by Randy Montana, Jeremy Spillman and Brett Sheroky, “Still Learning” is a nod to the rules of life that people often take for granted:

Leatherwood was most recently featured in Boot Barn’s 2024 spring campaign Taking Flight, a highlight on up-and-coming country musicians. He was also named a 2024 Artist to Watch by Music Mayhem and Country Now earlier this year.

Having recently concluded his first-ever headlining tour, The Neon Does Tour and performed at CMA Fest’s Good Molecules Reverb Stage, Leatherwood will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Sept. 14, 2024.

To follow along with updates and for more information, visit bryceleatherwood.com or follow along on Instagram HERE, Facebook HERE, X HERE or Tik Tok HERE.

About Bryce Leatherwood:
Bryce Leatherwood is a 24-year-old singer/songwriter who aims to carry the torch of country music and continue the legacy of legends prior. Bryce was born and raised in Woodstock, GA, and his passion for music began at an early age. Working on his grandfather’s farm every summer, Bryce was exposed to the classic country hits of George Jones, Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty. Soon thereafter, Bryce began picking up guitars and playing the traditional country music that still inspires him today. Bryce’s music career began to blossom in Statesboro, GA, where he attended Georgia Southern University. During his time in Statesboro, Bryce played college venues and continued to hone his stage presence and his country music repertoire. In late 2021 while still enrolled in college, Bryce formed his band and began playing all around the Southeast. Bryce’s goal was to take the stage and play the best of country music to all ages and audiences. After graduating college, Bryce set his mind on a new task. In 2022, he competed on the NBC hit television show The Voice and was crowned the Season 22 winner in December of 2022. Following his success on “The Voice,” Bryce signed with Republic Records / Universal Music Group Nashville and is currently hard at work on new music.

Hootie & the Blowfish From the Vault: "For What It's Worth" Available This Friday

May 13, 2024

Generation-defining pop-rock band Hootie & the Blowfish sets the stage for a return to the road this summer with this Friday’s release of their rendition of “For What It's Worth,” the timeless anthem originally penned by Stephen Stills in 1966. The band’s version of this iconic song, recorded in 2017 during their studio sessions for Imperfect Circle, is finally emerging from the vault in conjunction with the kickoff of their Summer Camp With Trucks Tour, their first in five years. Pre-save HERE.

During that first return to the studio in nearly 15 years, longtime producer Don Gehman encouraged the band – which has long prioritized songs that make a statement, including “Drowning” and even “Hold My Hand” as far back as their 1994 Cracked Rear View debut – to pay homage to one of the most influential protest songs of all time.

“For us, adding our voice to ‘For What It's Worth’ is about more than just a great song,” front man Darius Rucker reflects. “It's about standing up for what you believe in, speaking out against injustice and trying to find a sense of unity. In today’s world, where there is so much division, this song carries a message that is as relevant as ever.”

The release of “For What It's Worth” comes as Hootie & the Blowfish gears up for their Summer Camp with Trucks Tourwith special guests Collective Soul and Edwin McCain. This marks the first full tour since 2019 for the band whose chart-topping, GRAMMY-award winning career has featured more than 25 million albums sold, including their 2x Diamond-certified debut album Cracked Rear View – which remains among the top 10 best-selling albums in all of music history – plus 17 Billboard-charting songs to date.

The tour kicks off May 30 in Dallas and runs through the fall, visiting arenas, amphitheaters and select stadiums such as Boston’s iconic Fenway Park (with special guests Barenaked Ladies) along the way, including a homecoming to Columbia, S.C.’s Colonial Life Arena for the Gamecock alumni. The band will also headline Rucker’s own Riverfront Revival Music Festival in their home state in October. Tickets to all shows are on sale now via Hootie.com.

For more information, visit www.Hootie.com and follow on Facebook @hootieandtheblowfish, Instagram @hootieoffcial and Twitter/X @hootietweets.

About Hootie & the Blowfish
With the rich, bluesy vocals of Darius Rucker and gleeful harmonies of guitarist Mark Bryan, bassist Dean Felber and drummer Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, Hootie & the Blowfish have sold over 25 million records worldwide to date after their infectious melodies hit the airwaves in 1994 with hits such as “Hold My Hand,” “Let Her Cry” and “Only Wanna Be With You.” The quartet met at the University of South Carolina where endless gigs at frat houses and local bars built a major local buzz. Their blend of pop, folk, blues, soul and rock made them hard to pigeonhole, but easily accessible to anyone who loved good music.

Atlantic Records, impressed by their regional draw, signed them and released Cracked Rear View in 1994. The album had been out for six months before the band played on the Late Show with David Letterman which sent sales skyrocketing, eventually landing at No. 1 on the Billboard chart the following spring. Cracked Rear View and the band went on to win two GRAMMY Awards, an MTV Video Music Award, a Billboard Music Award and multiple People's Choice Awards. Cracked Rear View also earned the band Billboard's Band of the Year Award in 1996 and the RIAA's Diamond Award for sales in excess of 10 million units. At 21x Platinum, Cracked Rear View remains among the Top 10 best-selling studio albums in music history.

The band remained a top draw nationwide following their debut and released five more albums for Atlantic: Fairweather Johnson, Musical Chairs, Scattered, Smothered & Covered, Hootie & the Blowfish and The Best of Hootie & the Blowfish, as well as Looking For Lucky on their own Sneaky Long Records and LIVE in Charleston, The Homegrown Concert Event DVD and CD. The band took a break from full-time touring in 2007, reuniting annually for a variety of philanthropic events while also pursuing solo projects. 2019 marked the band's first full-time touring year in over a decade as they embarked on the sold-out Group Therapy Tour in support of Imperfect Circle, released in late 2019 under a new record deal with Universal Music Group’s Capitol Nashville, and 2024 will see them return to the road once again for the upcoming Summer Camp with Trucks Tour.

Dalton Dover Premieres Video for "Bury Me In This Bar" with CMT, CMT Music & Paramount Times Square Billboard

May 12, 2024

Lauded by Billboard for his “powerful voice,” UMG Nashville/Mercury Records recording artist Dalton Dover premieres the official music video for his rollicking track “Bury Me In This Bar” with CMT, CMT Music and Paramount Times Square Billboard ahead of the single’s official country radio add date on Monday, May 13. Watch the video Below.

“I feel like the concept of this video takes the song to the next level. It really paints you a picture of what it’d look like to actually be buried in a bar,” Dover shared with CMT.com. “I think the fun and lively nature of this song is represented well in this video and I hope fans see that and instantly smile and sing along!”

“Bury Me In This Bar” was written by Dover with Dan Isbell, Jamie Davis and Benjy Davis, and produced by longtime collaborator Matt McVaney (McV), as MusicRow praises, “Dover continues his winning ways with this romping, stomping honky tonker with flourishes of steel and galloping rhythm. Thirsty for real country music? Belly up to this bar. You need the song on your playlist, now more than ever.”

“This is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever been a part of writing,” Dover shares. “We really wanted to capture the fun and energy of those ‘90s country bar anthems that you just can’t skip or resist singing along with when you hear it. I believe it’s one that would make my heroes proud, and we can’t wait to hear people sing it with us on the road.”

As the follow-up to Dover’s first official single “Giving Up On That,” which was most added at country radio upon its debut, “Bury Me In This Bar” earned notable playlisting upon its release, including Amazon’s Brand New Music and Breakthrough Country; Apple Music’s Best New Songs and Apple Music Country; Pandora’s New Country station; Spotify’s New Music Friday, New Boots, New Music Friday Country and the cover of Country Frequency; and YouTube’s RELEASED and Country’s New Crop.

Dover will perform across multiple stages at CMA Fest, including the Billboard Presents Bud Light Backyard lineup on June 7 at Tin Roof Nashville and Dr. Pepper Amp Stage at Ascend Park on Sunday, June 9.

He recently embarked on his first headlining club tour, the Never Giving Up On That Tour, and he will perform at festivals across the U.S. this summer before heading out to support Sam Hunt on the Locked Up Tour this fall.

Dalton Dover Tour Dates

June 7 // Billboard Presents Bud Light Backyard at Tin Roof Nashville // Nashville, TN
June 8 // Hueytown Park // Hueytown, AL
June 9 // CMA Fest at Dr. Pepper Amp Stage at Ascend Park // Nashville, TN
June 20-22 // Country Jam // Mack, CO
June 28 // Country Fest 2024 // Cadott, WI
July 4 // I-105 Country Freedom Fest // Quarryville, PA
Aug. 10 // Hollywood Outdoors // Grantville, PA*
Aug. 15 // CMAC // Canandaigua, NY*
Aug. 17 // Lasso Festival // Montreal, QC
Sept. 18 // Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena // Vancouver, BC*
Sept. 20 // Scotiabank Saddledome // Calgary, AB*
Sept. 21 // Rogers Place // Edmonton, AB*
Sept. 23 // SaskTel Centre // Saskatoon, SK*
Sept. 24 // Canada Life Centre // Winnipeg, MB*
Sept. 27 // Canadian Tire Cengtre // Ottawa, ON*
Sept. 28 // Budweiser Gardens // London, ON*

George Strait Confirms New Album is Coming: “Cowboys and Dreamers”; Plays to 51,132 at NFL Stadium Lucas Oil Stadium

May 6, 2024

From the moment George Strait stepped on stage at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium Saturday night (May 4, 2024), it was clear he and the Ace in the Hole Band had missed performing for fans. “It’s so good to be back…man, it’s been six months, and that’s too long,” Strait said in greeting the sold-out crowd of 51,132 before teasing what was in store over the next two hours.

“We got some new stuff, too, I’m gonna throw in throughout the night, because I broke down and did another record, and I’m gonna play a few of those for you tonight,” Strait shared two songs in, playing the first-of-three, “Three Drinks Behind,” from his forthcoming album while also revealing the new studio album will be titled Cowboys and Dreamers.

It was a night of connection for all the cowboys and dreamers in the crowd, too. During “Check Yes or No” a couple got engaged while surrounding fans captured the moment, sharing in their celebration. And before “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls,” Strait remarked, “I always like seeing some cowboys in the crowd because that means cowgirls are nearby.” Pausing briefly after to share that the next song was written by his longtime manager, Erv Woolsey, a cowboy himself who recently passed, Strait shared, “I miss you, Erv.”

“We always like to do songs from our old heroes that have passed on and finally got this one down (recorded) and gonna do it now live, this is ‘Waymore’s Blues,’” he offered halfway through his 32-song set.

Stapleton joined the Texan mid stride on “Pancho and Lefty,” staying onstage for “You Don’t Know What You’re Missing,” an album cut he penned for Strait’s Love Is Everything, and revealing their first-ever collaboration, “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame,” on Strait’s forthcoming album.

Retired Lt. General Leroy Sisco introduced Retired US Army Private Issac Boshi in a poignant moment on stage presenting a new home to the hero noting it was his 113th home presentation with Strait via Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Homes 4 Wounded Heroes Program.

Saturday was Strait’s first show back after devastating losses to his touring family including his longtime manager, Woolsey, Ace in the Hole member Gene Elders and tour manager, Tom Foote, Strait took the opportunity to acknowledge their absence throughout the evening. “The last couple of months have been a tough time… music makes it all better. Thank you for coming out - we’ve had a great time tonight. This one is for Erv, and Gene and Tom,” before concluding with a six-song encore.

Darius Rucker Reimagines "Never Been Over" with Jennifer Nettles, Out Now

April 27, 2024

Already an emotional cornerstone of recent album Carolyn’s Boy from three-time GRAMMY Award-winner Darius Rucker, standout song “Never Been Over” now arrives as a duet with the captivating vocals of GRAMMY Award-winning entertainment powerhouse Jennifer Nettles adding a new dimension to the emotional ballad. Listen HERE.

Penned by Rucker alongside Lee Thomas Miller and Brothers Osborne’s John Osborne, the original release of “Never Been Over” was celebrated by Billboard as a flipped perspective to Rucker’s chart-topping “It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” with the reflective song “looking back on a couple’s love nearly two decades later, chronicling years of emotional zeniths and low points, a duration spent raising kids and building a life together one day at a time”:

We’ve been good and bad, hot and cold
And fightin’ mad, solid gold
Been sunny days, straight-line winds
Been drivin’ slow and guilty as sin
Been back roads lost and blue lights found
Dead of quiet, rockstar loud
Been up and down like we’re built on springs
We’ve been a lot of things

But we’ve never been
Splittin’ up friends, splittin’ up records
Puttin’ up walls, burnin’ down letters
Grass is greener ‘cause there’s something better
Waitin’ down the line
We’ve never been a headlights weaving, taillights fadin’
So long, move on, goodbye waitin’
Never been one last long look across your shoulder
We’ve been a lot of things, but we’ve never been over

“Writing that was very cathartic,” Rucker shared with Garden & Gun of the song. “It was almost like therapy for me. It’s so honest and one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written.”

“Now, to have Jennifer add her incredible voice to such an emotional song, you feel even more of what this couple is facing; unravelling the life they’ve built together,” reflects Rucker. “I’m so grateful she agreed to sing on it with me.”

“I’ve wanted to collaborate with Darius for such a long time! And when I heard the song, I loved its story,” adds Nettles. “But in addition to its theme of lifelong love, it feels so perfect for Darius and I to sing it together. Both of our careers have grown and changed so dramatically since we each started out. And, as the hook sings, ‘We’ve been a lot of things, but we’ve never been over.’ This song is a beautiful example and extension of that constant evolution.”

Currently on the road in Europe for a run of solo shows ahead of this summer’s Hootie & the Blowfish Summer Camp with Trucks Tour, Rucker is also preparing to share his first book with fans, a memoir titled “Life’s Too Short.” Set for release May 28, the memoir sees Rucker share the story of his life through the music that has defined it, offering readers an intimate glimpse into his journey from music enthusiast to music icon. Pre-order HERE.

For more information, visit DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.

About Darius Rucker
Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide including their Double Diamond-certified (21x Platinum) debut Cracked Rear View, which remains among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time. Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has earned a whole new legion of fans with four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart plus 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits. Rucker was inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012 and in 2014 he won his third career GRAMMY Award for Best Solo Country Performance with his Diamond-certified (11x Platinum) version of “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time. His brand-new album Carolyn’s Boy is available everywhere now and his first book, a memoir titled “Learn to Live” is set for release via Dey Street Books on May 28.

As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker co-chaired the capital campaign that generated $150 million to help build the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. and has raised over $3.6 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament. In addition, Rucker has advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation and serves as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tenn. Rucker is also an avid sports fan, with his Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics line of NFL, MLB and NCAA apparel available at Fanatics.com, and he is part of the Music City Baseball investment group working to bring an MLB team to Tennessee in addition to serving as a partner at the MGC Sports & Entertainment agency.

About Jennifer Nettles
Jennifer Nettles is a GRAMMY-winning, Emmy-winning superstar entertainer on multiple platforms. She most recently appeared in Blumhouse’s new take of “The Exorcist” and returns seasonally in the HBO hit series “The Righteous Gemstones” as series favorite Aimee-Leigh. She also delivered a powerful and provocative performance in Focus Features’ Harriet Tubman biopic. Musically she recently earned an Emmy for Best Original Song for “Life is Sweet" featured in PBS’s “American Anthems.” Her latest solo album release was a genre-defying collection of American songbook classics entitled Always Like New.

As half of the multi-Platinum Country duo Sugarland, she most recently announced a new tour upcoming this fall together with the band Little Big Town, along with the release of a new single cover of Phil Collins’ hit “Take Me Home.” Sugarland’s song “Stay,” written solely by Jennifer, was a Platinum No. 1 hit which earned her two GRAMMY Awards for Best Country Song as writer and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group. Nettles also earned a third GRAMMY for her collaboration with Bon Jovi on “Who Says You Can't Go Home.” Her other achievements in music include five ASCAP awards, six ACM Awards, five CMA Awards, the Human Rights Campaign’s Ally for Equality Award and the Artist Impact Award from Lincoln Center. Nettles made her Broadway debut in 2015 as Roxy Hart in the Tony Award-winning, record-breaking musical “Chicago,” and starred as Donna in the Hollywood Bowl’s summer production of “Mamma Mia!” as well as most recently starring as Jenna in the smash hit musical “Waitress.” She is also the host of Fox’s unscripted series “Farmer Wants a Wife.” She is currently developing a Broadway musical about 17th century crusading poisoner Giulia Tofana.

Dalton Dover Releases New Single "Bury Me In This Bar"

April 1, 2024

As he gears up to kick off his headlining Never Giving Up On That Tour next week, Dalton Dover delivers his new single via UMG Nashville/Mercury Records with the rollicking “Bury Me In This Bar.” Listen to the new song Below.

“This is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever been a part of writing,” Dover shares. “We really wanted to capture the fun and energy of those ‘90s country bar anthems that you just can’t skip or resist singing along with when you hear it. I believe it’s one that would make my heroes proud, and we can’t wait to hear people sing it with us on the road.”

Written by Dalton Dover, Dan Isbell, Jamie Davis and Benjy Davis, and produced by longtime collaborator Matt McVaney (McV), “Bury Me In This Bar” is laced with steel guitar and punctuated with hard rock hits amid the Georgia native’s dynamic vocals:

            Yeah, there’s one thing you can count on
            Ain’t no one getting out of
            This wake up, working, wild world alive
            Some folks prefer a casket
            Some get turned to ashes
            But I got other plans for when I die

            Oh, bury me in this bar
            Where the women and the whiskey ain’t too far
            Yeah, my soul is meant to belong
            Underneath that neon
            Smiling to the sound of a steel guitar
            I’ll rest in peace where all my people are
            Bury me in this bar

Today’s release follows Take Me Home: Covers which showcases Dover’s roots and influences growing up in Georgia, with Billboard calling it a “well-curated, fresh take on a collection of classics,” as MusicRow lauds him as “one of our finest young country voices.”

After wrapping up a string of shows supporting Larry Fleet, along with joining BRELAND & Friends at Ryman Auditorium earlier this week, Dover will embark on his headlining Never Giving Up On That Tour next Friday, April 5 in Houston, Texas. Tickets are on sale now at DaltonDoverOfficial.com.

Following his Nissan Stadium Platform Stage debut last summer, Dover is set to perform at the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage at CMA Fest on June 9. For more information, visit CMAFest.com.

Dalton Dover Tour Dates

April 5 // House of Blues - Bronze Peacock // Houston, TX
April 6 // The Lot // Mansfield, TX
April 13 // The Open Chord // Knoxville, TN
April 19 // Kings Hall // Everett, WA
April 20 // Coast City Country // Vancouver, Canada
April 26 // Terminal South // Tifton, GA
April 27 // Capitol Theatre // Macon, GA
May 4 // Burr Park // Dalton, GA
June 9 // CMA Fest // Nashville, TN
June 20-22 // Country Jam // Mack, CO
June 28 // Country Fest 2024 // Cadott, WI
July 4 // I-105 Country Freedom Fest // Quarryville, PA
Aug. 10 // Hollywood Outdoors* // Grantville, PA
Aug. 15 // CMAC* // Canandaigua, NY
Aug. 16 // Fallsview Casino Resort* // Niagara Falls, ON
Aug. 17 // Lasso Festival // Montreal, QC

*Supporting Sam Hunt

About Dalton Dover
Lauded by MusicRow as a “master country talent,” Dalton Dover’s new single “Bury Me In This Bar” is available now via UMG Nashville/Mercury Records. Released earlier this year, Take Me Home: Covers showcases his roots and influences growing up in Georgia. His debut radio single “Giving Up On That” was the most-added track at Country Radio upon its debut with 60 first week adds and can be found on his EP Never Giving Up On That, featuring eight tracks including “Night To Go,” “Baby I Am,” “Hear About A Girl” and more. Named a 2024 Tidal Artist to Watch, Pandora 2023 Artist to Watch, an Amazon Music 2023 Breakthrough Artist to Watch: Country Class and a member of CMT’s LISTEN UP 2023 Class, he will embark on his headlining Never Giving Up On That Tour in April 2024. Dover made his Grand Ole Opry debut in December 2022, followed by his international debut in 2023 at C2C: Country to Country Festival’s CMA Songwriters Series and performances across four stages at CMA Fest, including the Nissan Stadium Platform stage. In addition to playing Luke Combs’ Whiskey Jam Bootleggers Tailgate Party, he’s supported Sam Hunt, Chase Rice, Parker McCollum, Larry Fleet and Priscilla Block. By the age of 16, Dover had picked up a guitar and started teaching himself to play, yet it was his grandfather who turned him on to country music and artists such as Keith Whitley, Rhett Akins, Joe Diffie and Steve Wariner. Performances at local bars soon followed along with sharing covers of some of his favorite songs on TikTok. It was there he caught the ear of producer Matt McV and A&R veteran and founder of Droptine, Jim Catino, who quickly signed Dover. His debut track “You Got a Small Town,” produced by McV, quickly garnered critical acclaim from Billboard, MusicRow, Country Now and Wide Open Country. With his debut and his follow-up “Baby I Am” earning notable playlisting, Dover was named a Spotify Hot Country 2022 Artist to Watch along with a spotlight as Billboard’s February Country Rookie of the Month and a nod for MusicRow’s 2022 Discovery Artist of the Year. For more information, visit DaltonDoverOfficial.com or follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook.

“George Strait: The King at Kyle Field” Set for Saturday, June 15

March 19, 2024

Texas troubadour George Strait has announced the only performance in his home state this year with a concert set for Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field. The King of Country Music will be joined by special guests Parker McCollum and Catie Offerman.

Tickets to the Kyle Field performance go on sale to the general public Thursday, March 28, at 10 a.m. CT via TheKingAtKyle.com. American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning March 22 at 10 a.m. CT through March 27 at 10 p.m. CT.

The news follows the recent announcement that Strait will once again team up with Chris Stapleton to perform one-off stadium dates this year with stops at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, Chicago’s Soldier Field, Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium and more. Joining the King of Country and Stapleton for those nine dates are special guests Little Big Town.

Since his record-breaking Cowboy Rides Away Tour in 2014, Strait has performed for limited engagements outside of his 36-and-counting Strait to Vegas shows at T-Mobile Arena, including headlining both weekends of the Austin City Limits Music Festival in 2021 plus his 31st appearance at the Houston Rodeo in 2022. With an unmatched 60 singles hitting the top of the charts—more than any other artist in any genre—during the span of his 30+ year career, Strait has collected 33 Platinum or multi-Platinum-selling albums, more than any other Country artist and ranking third across all genres behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. The Texas troubadour is the only artist or act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for over three decades and recently earned his 100th entry on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with his latest single, “The Weight of the Badge.” He has sold nearly 70 million albums and earned more than 60 major entertainment industry awards, including induction in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Strait’s 2024 Concert Calendar:
5/4 Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, IN
5/11 EverBank Stadium Jacksonville, FL
5/25 Jack Trice Stadium Ames, IA
6/1 Bank of America Stadium Charlotte, NC
6/8 MetLife Stadium East Rutherford, NJ
6/15 Kyle Field College Station, TX*
6/29 Rice-Eccles Stadium Salt Lake City, UT
7/13 Ford Field Detroit, MI
7/20 Soldier Field Chicago, IL
12/7 Allegiant Stadium Las Vegas, NV
*Just Announced – On Sale Thursday, March 28 at 10 am CT

For more information and to purchase tickets to all upcoming dates, visit GeorgeStrait.com.

About George Strait
George Strait is the unambiguous King of Country Music, having sold more than 105 million albums and counting while earning more than 60 major entertainment industry awards as well as countless nominations and becoming the only act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for over three decades. With 33 different Platinum or multi-Platinum albums, he’s earned the third-most certifications of any artist in any genre, following only The Beatles and Elvis Presley, and with a total of 60, Strait has more No. 1 songs than any other artist in history (including Elvis).

The Texas troubadour released 2019’s best-selling Country album, Honky Tonk Time Machine, on MCA Nashville, produced by Strait and Chuck Ainlay, the album quickly became Strait’s record-extending 27th No. 1 Billboard Country album. Comprised of 12 original titles plus Strait’s version of the Johnny Paycheck classic “Old Violin,” Honky Tonk Time Machine marks an incredible 30th career studio album from the Country Music Hall of Fame member, who earned his 100th entry on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with his single “The Weight of the Badge” from the project. For more information, visit GeorgeStrait.com.

About Parker McCollum
Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Parker McCollum released his latest album Never Enough, a statement album that cements his status as one of country music’s undeniable new stars, on May 12, 2023 via MCA Nashville. The album features his current chart-climbing single and fan-favorite track, "Burn It Down," as well as its Platinum-selling lead single, "Handle On You." McCollum has been named an ‘Artist to Watch’ by Rolling Stone, Billboard, SiriusXM, CMT, RIAA and more with American Songwriter noting, “The Texas native teeters on the edge of next-level superstardom.” MusicRow listed McCollum as their 2021 Breakout Artist of the Year and Apple also included him as one of their all-genre "Up Next Artists" Class of 2021. A dedicated road warrior, McCollum made his debut at the famed Grand Ole Opry in 2021 and regularly sells out some of the most iconic venues across the country. In March 2022, McCollum made his debut at RODEOHOUSTON to a sold-out crowd with over 73,000 tickets sold, returning to perform at the Opening Day celebration in 2023. He also made a longtime dream come true last year with his first-ever Austin City Limits performance, kicking off their 2023 season. In 2022, McCollum earned his first ACM Award for New Male Artist of the Year, took home “Breakthrough Video of the Year” (a fully fan-voted honor) at the 2022 CMT Music Awards and scored two back-to-back CMA Awards nominations (2022 & 2023) for New Artist of the Year. In 2024, McCollum will be on the road for his 41-date Burn It Down Tour - headlining arenas and amphitheaters in major markets across the U.S.

About Catie Offerman
Catie Offerman may be a new name to country music fans, but she's already gaining a reputation as one of the genre's most skilled players and promising modern traditionalists and Nashville's music community is responding. Originally from New Braunfels, Texas, Offerman grew up on a horse ranch. Home schooled by her father in the tack room of their barn, she gravitated towards music at a young age. Offerman started playing piano at the age of four which eventually led her to pursue other instruments such as violin, accordion and more. When she was 11, Offerman’s accordion teacher asked her to join their polka band where they traveled across Texas performing. Offerman graduated from Berklee College of Music at the age of 19 and signed her publishing deal with Universal Music Group Publishing about five years later. Offerman was featured in The Highwomen's "Redesigning Women" video, inked her record deal with Universal Music Group in 2020. She was named Pandora’s Ones to Watch for 2023, included in CMT’s “Next Up” class of 2023 as well as being named CMT Next Women of Country. Offerman has spent most of 2023 on the road touring with Parker McCollum, Ian Munsick and Tyler Hubbard. She’s performed at C2C Festival in London as well as dates with George Strait. In 2024 she heads back out on the road with labelmate Parker McCollum on his “Burn It Down” tour. For more information go to www.catieofferman.com.

Dalton Dover Readies 'Take Me Home: Covers' Collection for February 9

January 29, 2024

Growing up in Polk County, Georgia, Dalton Dover is no stranger to rural origins. His love of country music was sparked by his grandfather, who introduced him to a wellspring of artists that traversed decades of tradition. With Take Me Home: Covers, set for release February 9 via UMG Nashville/Mercury Records, Dover is paying homage to his roots and saluting some of the songs that first enamored him to the genre. Pre-save HERE.

“I grew up in a musical family, where we’d sing at church and then go home and keep singing,” reveals Dover. “My grandpa would put on his favorite records, and I’d listen to the stories. Seeing my own life in those lyrics is what made me fall in love with country music, and I can’t think of a better way to honor that than sharing these songs.”

Although the full track list is yet to be revealed, Dover recently released a rendition of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” earning MusicRow’s “Disc of the Day” and praising, “He remains one of our finest young country voices. Think again, if you think you’ve heard this oldie often enough. Dover’s slowed-down, gentle, caressing, thoughtful reading of the lyric brings a whole new dimension to the song. This man has the goods. A loud, “Amen” from this corner.”

Wide Open Country observes, “By singing one we all know, Dover drew attention to his smooth twang and his innate ability to make us feel the emotions packed in every line,” calling him “one of the more captivating young artists to sign a big-label deal in recent memory.”

After honing his live show with festival dates and supporting acts such as Luke Combs, Tyler Hubbard, Sam Hunt, Parker McCollum, Justin Moore and Chase Rice, Dover is gearing up to embark on his first headlining club tour with his Never Giving Up On That Tour, kicking off Feb. 23 among dates on Larry Fleet’s The Earned It Tour. Tickets are on sale now at DaltonDoverOfficial.com.

Dover is signed with United Talent Agency for worldwide booking representation in all areas, along with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with Droptine Music Publishing. For more information, visit DaltonDoverOfficial.com or follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook.

Dalton Dover Tour Dates

Jan. 19                         KFRG Riverside 34th Birthday Bash             Cabazon, CA
Jan. 29-Feb. 1             Boots on the Beach                                         Punta Canta, Dominican Republic
Feb. 13                        Grand Ole Opry                                              Nashville, TN
Feb. 15                        ETSU Martin Center for the Arts*                 Johnson City, TN
Feb. 16                        The Ritz*                                                        Raleigh, NC
Feb. 17                        Tabernacle*                                                    Atlanta, GA
Feb. 29                        Iron City Bham*                                             Birmingham, AL
March 1                       The Fillmore Charlotte*                                 Charlotte, NC
March 2                       The National*                                                 Richmond, VA
March 14                     Jannus Live*                                                   St. Petersburg, FL
March 15                     The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon*               Fort Myers, FL
March 16                     Clewiston Sugar Festival                                Clewiston, FL
April 5                         House of Blues – Bronze Peacock                 Houston, TX
April 6                         The Lot                                                           Mansfield, TX
April 11                       40 Watt Club                                                   Athens, GA
April 12                       The Barrelhouse Ballroom                             Chattanooga, TN
April 13                       The Open Chord                                             Knoxville, TN
April 20                       Coast City Country                                         Vancouver, Canada
April 26                       Terminal South                                               Tifton, GA
April 28                       Capitol Theatre                                               Macon, GA
June 20-22                  Country Jam Mack, CO
June 28                        Country Fest 2024                                          Cadott, WI
July 4                          I-105 Country Freedom Fest Quarryville, PA

*Supporting Larry Fleet

About Dalton Dover
Lauded by MusicRow as a “master country talent,” Dalton Dover will release Take Me Home: Covers on February 9, showcasing his roots and influences growing up in Georgia. His debut radio single “Giving Up On That” via UMG Nashville/Mercury Records was the most-added track at Country Radio upon its debut with 60 first week adds and can be found on his latest EP Never Giving Up On That, featuring eight tracks including “Night To Go,” “Baby I Am,” “Hear About A Girl,” and more. Named a Pandora 2023 Artist to Watch, an Amazon Music 2023 Breakthrough Artist to Watch: Country Class and a member of CMT’s LISTEN UP 2023 Class, he will embark on his headlining Never Giving Up On That Tour in early 2024. Dover made his Grand Ole Opry debut in December 2022, followed by his international debut in 2023 at C2C: Country to Country Festival’s CMA Songwriters Series before joining Chase Rice on the Way Down Yonder Tour. This summer, Dover performed across four stages at CMA Fest, including the Nissan Stadium Platform stage and played Luke Combs’ Whiskey Jam Bootleggers Tailgate Party at Gillette Stadium in July. By the age of 16, Dover had picked up a guitar and started teaching himself to play, yet it was his grandfather who turned him on to country music and artists such as Keith Whitley, Rhett Akins, Joe Diffie and Steve Wariner. Performances at local bars soon followed along with sharing covers of some of his favorite songs on TikTok. It was there he caught the ear of producer Matt McV and A&R veteran and founder of Droptine, Jim Catino, who quickly signed Dover. His debut track “You Got a Small Town,” produced by McV, quickly garnered critical acclaim from Billboard, MusicRow, Country Now and Wide Open Country. With his debut and his follow-up “Baby I Am” earning notable playlisting, Dover was named a Spotify Hot Country 2022 Artist to Watch along with a spotlight as Billboard’s February Country Rookie of the Month and a nod for MusicRow’s 2022 Discovery Artist of the Year. For more information, visit DaltonDoverOfficial.com or follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook.

Dalton Dover Releases Heartfelt Cover of "Take Me Home, Country Roads"

January 20, 2024

MusicRow-dubbed “master country talent” Dalton Dover is kicking off 2024 with a return to his roots as he debuts a heartfelt cover of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” released via UMG Nashville/Mercury Records.

“Growing up, this one was a fun singalong, but now I like to play when I’m feeling a little homesick while I’m touring,” shares Dover. “It’s a little reminder that soon enough, I’ll be on those roads that lead me back home.”

After honing his live show with festival dates and supporting acts such as Luke Combs, Tyler Hubbard, Sam Hunt, Parker McCollum, Justin Moore and Chase Rice, Dover is gearing up to embark on his first headlining club tour with his Never Giving Up On That Tour, kicking off Feb. 23 among dates on Larry Fleet’s The Earned It Tour. Tickets are on sale now at DaltonDoverOfficial.com.

Named a Tidal Artist to Watch 2024, Pandora 2023 Artist to Watch, an Amazon Music 2023 Breakthrough Artist to Watch: Country Class and a member of CMT’s LISTEN UP 2023 Class, Dover recently released an eight-song collection with Never Giving Up On That, featuring his most-added radio debut “Giving Up On That.” The official music video for premiered with CMT, CMT Music, CMT.com and Paramount’s Times Square Billboard. Directed by Tristan Cusick, the video was filmed near Dover’s hometown in Rome, Georgia.Watch it HERE.

Dover is signed with United Talent Agency for worldwide booking representation in all areas, along with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with Droptine Music Publishing. For more information, visit DaltonDoverOfficial.com or follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook.

Dalton Dover Tour Dates

Jan. 19                         KFRG Riverside 34th Birthday Bash Cabazon, CA
Jan. 29-Feb. 1             Boots on the Beach                                         Punta Canta, Dominican Republic
Feb. 13                        Grand Ole Opry                                              Nashville, TN
Feb. 15                        ETSU Martin Center for the Arts* Johnson City, TN
Feb. 16                        The Ritz* Raleigh, NC
Feb. 17                        Tabernacle* Atlanta, GA
Feb. 23                        Proud Larry’s                                                  Oxford, MS
Feb. 24                        Hub City Brewing Jackson, TN
Feb. 29                        Iron City Bham* Birmingham, AL
March 1                       The Fillmore Charlotte* Charlotte, NC
March 2                       The National* Richmond, VA
March 14                     Jannus Live* St. Petersburg, FL
March 15                     The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon* Fort Myers, FL
March 16                     Clewiston Sugar Festival                                Clewiston, FL
April 5                         House of Blues – Bronze Peacock Houston, TX
April 6                         The Lot                                                           Mansfield, TX
April 11                       40 Watt Club                                                   Athens, GA
April 12                       The Barrelhouse Ballroom                             Chattanooga, TN
April 13                       The Open Chord                                             Knoxville, TN
April 20                       Coast City Country Vancouver, Canada
April 26                       Terminal South                                               Tifton, GA
April 28                       Capitol Theatre                                               Macon, GA
June 20-22                  Country Jam Mack, CO
June 28                        Country Fest 2024                                          Cadott, WI
July 4                          I-105 Country Freedom Fest Quarryville, PA

*Supporting Larry Fleet

About Dalton Dover
Lauded by MusicRow as a “master country talent,” Dalton Dover’s debut radio single “Giving Up On That” via UMG Nashville/Mercury Records was the most-added track at Country Radio upon its debut with 60 first week adds, and it can be found on his latest EP Never Giving Up On That, featuring eight tracks including “Night To Go,” “Baby I Am,” “Hear About A Girl,” and more. Named a Tidal Artist to Watch 2024, Pandora 2023 Artist to Watch, an Amazon Music 2023 Breakthrough Artist to Watch: Country Class and a member of CMT’s LISTEN UP 2023 Class, he will embark on his headlining Never Giving Up On That Tour in early 2024. Dover made his Grand Ole Opry debut in December 2022, followed by his international debut in 2023 at C2C: Country to Country Festival’s CMA Songwriters Series before joining Chase Rice on the Way Down Yonder Tour. This summer, Dover performed across four stages at CMA Fest, including the Nissan Stadium Platform stage and played Luke Combs’ Whiskey Jam Bootleggers Tailgate Party at Gillette Stadium in July. By the age of 16, Dover had picked up a guitar and started teaching himself to play, yet it was his grandfather who turned him on to country music and artists such as Keith Whitley, Rhett Akins, Joe Diffie and Steve Wariner. Performances at local bars soon followed along with sharing covers of some of his favorite songs on TikTok. It was there he caught the ear of producer Matt McV and A&R veteran and founder of Droptine, Jim Catino, who quickly signed Dover. His debut track “You Got a Small Town,” produced by McV, quickly garnered critical acclaim from Billboard, MusicRow, Country Now and Wide Open Country. With his debut and his follow-up “Baby I Am” earning notable playlisting, Dover was named a Spotify Hot Country 2022 Artist to Watch along with a spotlight as Billboard’s February Country Rookie of the Month and a nod for MusicRow’s 2022 Discovery Artist of the Year. For more information, visit DaltonDoverOfficial.com or follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook.

Darius Rucker Honored with Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

December 5, 2023

Three-time GRAMMY Award-winner Darius Rucker was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 4, 2023.

After being introduced by former Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan, Rucker shared, “This is stuff you don’t even dream about when you’re from South Carolina…all I ever wanted was to be a singer, but you never dream that this stuff is going to happen.”

“Usually, you’re going record to record or tour to tour, and when this happens, you get to sit down and think about the whole thing,” Rucker shared with Variety as he reflected ahead of receiving the Hollywood Walk of Fame honor. “You think about when the band started, in a dorm at University of South Carolina, and then all the hard work, playing for seven years before you got a record deal. You think about going to Nashville and being told it was never going to work. You think about the first No. 1 [record] you ever had.

“You think about all that stuff, and you have to believe in fate, because one step to the left or one step to the right, and I’m not here talking to you. So you just thank God everything happened the way it did.”

Praised by People for having “never left his humble roots in the rear view,” Rucker recently released his latest album Carolyn’s Boy, an homage to his late mother, a woman he celebrates as the sole reason for “who I am, how I am, what I am.”

***Photo Credit: Imagery By Oscar/HCC***

About Darius Rucker
Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide including their Double Diamond-certified (21x Platinum) debut Cracked Rear View, which remains among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time. Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has earned a whole new legion of fans with four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart, including RIAA Platinum-certified Learn to Live and True Believers, plus 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits. Rucker was inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012 and in 2014 he won his third career GRAMMY Award for Best Solo Country Performance with his Diamond-certified (11x Platinum) version of “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time. He topped the charts at Country radio once again with “Beers And Sunshine” in 2021 and his latest single, “Fires Don’t Start Themselves” off brand-new album Carolyn’s Boy is available everywhere now.

As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker co-chaired the capital campaign that generated $150 million to help build the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. and has raised over $3.6 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament. In addition, Rucker has advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation and serves as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tenn. Rucker is also an avid sports fan, with his Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics apparel line available at Fanatics.com, and he is part of the Music City Baseball investment group working to bring an MLB team to Tennessee in addition to serving as a partner at the MGC Sports & Entertainment agency.

For more information, visit www.dariusrucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.

Dalton Dover Plots Headlining 'Never Giving Up On That Tour' for 2024

November 1, 2023

After honing his live show with festival dates and supporting acts such as Luke Combs, Tyler Hubbard, Sam Hunt, Parker McCollum, Justin Moore and Chase Rice, Dalton Dover is gearing up to embark on his first headlining club tour with his Never Giving Up On That Tour, kicking off Feb. 9 in Birmingham, Ala., and featuring dates across the southeast into the spring. Tickets are on sale now at DaltonDoverOfficial.com.

“We’ve had so much fun on the road this year, whether we played festivals like CMA Fest, local fairs or supporting some of my favorite artists and introducing ourselves to new fans,” shares Dover. “It’s been amazing to learn from some of the best in the industry on how to deliver a high-impact show, and we can’t wait to bring our best to these shows in 2024!”

Dover recently premiered the official music video for “Giving Up On That” on CMT, CMT Music, CMT.com and Paramount’s Times Square Billboard. Directed by Tristan Cusick, the video was filmed near Dover’s hometown in Rome, Georgia. Watch it HERE.

“Every scene in the video is just somewhere that means something to me, places where I grew up,” Dover shared with CMT.com. “The people in the video are some of the most important people in my life. Growing up, you're playing all these small venues around here. Little did you know 12 years later, you’d sign a record deal and film your first music video at the same exact place, the same bar that you played one of your first hometown shows in.”

Named a Pandora 2023 Artist to Watch, an Amazon Music 2023 Breakthrough Artist to Watch: Country Class and a member of CMT’s LISTEN UP 2023 Class, Dover released Never Giving Up On That via UMG Nashville/Mercury Records. An eight-song collection, the project features two new songs including “Dirt Roads and Jesus” and an alluring cover of “If I Ain’t Got You,” among fan-favorites such as “Baby I Am,” “You Got A Small Town” and “Night To Go.” Listen to Never Giving Up On That HERE.

In addition to being a part of UMG Nashville/Mercury Records, Dover is signed with United Talent Agency for worldwide booking representation in all areas, along with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with Droptine Music Publishing. For more information, visit DaltonDoverOfficial.com or follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook.

Dalton Dover’s Never Giving Up On That Tour

Feb. 9              Zydeco Birmingham, AL
Feb. 10            Eddie’s Attic                                                   Atlanta, GA
Feb. 16            Tuffy’s Music Box                                          Sanford, FL
Feb. 17            High Dive                                                       Gainesville, FL
Feb. 23            Proud Larry’s                                                  Oxford, MS
Feb. 24            Hub City                                                         Jackson, TN
April 5             Bronze Peacock                                              Houston, TX
April 6             The Lot                                                           Mansfield, TX
April 11           40 Watt                                                            Athens, GA
April 12           Barrelhouse Ballroom                                    Chattanooga, TN
April 13           Open Chord                                                    Knoxville, TN
April 26           Terminal South                                               Tifton, GA
April 27           Capitol Theatre                                               Macon, GA

Upcoming and Previously Announced Tour Dates

Nov. 4             Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair           Jacksonville, FL
Nov. 12           KASE 101 Acoustic Christmas                      Cedar Park, TX
Jan. 29-Feb. 1 Boots on the Beach Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
June 20-22      Country Jam                                                   Mack, CO
June 28            Country Fest 2024 Cadott, WI

About Dalton Dover
Lauded by MusicRow as a “master country talent,” Dalton Dover’s current chart-climbing single “Giving Up On That” via UMG Nashville/Mercury Records was the most-added track at Country Radio upon its debut with 60 first week adds and can be found on his latest EP Never Giving Up On That, featuring eight tracks including “Night To Go,” “Baby I Am,” “Hear About A Girl,” and more. Named a Pandora 2023 Artist to Watch, an Amazon Music 2023 Breakthrough Artist to Watch: Country Class and a member of CMT’s LISTEN UP 2023 Class, he will embark on his headlining Never Giving Up On That Tour in early 2024. Dover made his Grand Ole Opry debut in December 2022, followed by his international debut in 2023 at C2C: Country to Country Festival’s CMA Songwriters Series before joining Chase Rice on the Way Down Yonder Tour. This summer, Dover performed across four stages at CMA Fest, including the Nissan Stadium Platform stage and played Luke Combs’ Whiskey Jam Bootleggers Tailgate Party at Gillette Stadium in July. By the age of 16, Dover had picked up a guitar and started teaching himself to play, yet it was his grandfather who turned him on to country music and artists such as Keith Whitley, Rhett Akins, Joe Diffie and Steve Wariner. Performances at local bars soon followed along with sharing covers of some of his favorite songs on TikTok. It was there he caught the ear of producer Matt McV and A&R veteran and founder of Droptine, Jim Catino, who quickly signed Dover. His debut track “You Got a Small Town,” produced by McV, quickly garnered critical acclaim from Billboard, MusicRow, Country Now and Wide Open Country. With his debut and his follow-up “Baby I Am” earning notable playlisting, Dover was named a Spotify Hot Country 2022 Artist to Watch along with a spotlight as Billboard’s February Country Rookie of the Month and a nod for MusicRow’s 2022 Discovery Artist of the Year. For more information, visit DaltonDoverOfficial.com or follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook.

Darius Rucker Performs on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” as New Album 'Carolyn’s Boy' Connects

October 13, 2023

With the Tennessean highlighting “his best comprehensive country music work” on brand new album Carolyn’s Boy, Darius Rucker celebrated its release with a rousing performance of “Have A Good Time” on last night’s episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Watch Below and listen to the full project HERE.

Rucker considers the album, his sixth country project and first since 2017, to be his most personal to date, something he credits to taking the past six years to hone the songs and, in turn, reestablishing his passion for making music.

“The album’s meat involves Rucker finally getting to the core of country’s stereotypical three chords and the truth,” acknowledges the Tennessean of that process, with Rucker explaining, “I had a lot of therapy with myself on this record, which allows me to show the world how much I view making music, internally, as a therapeutic outlet for saying what I feel and think.”

“For Carolyn’s Boy, I talked to some of the best songwriters in town about so many of my authentically lived experiences,” he continues. “I feel like I’m finally comfortable doing what I’m supposed to do as a country music artist.”

Named for his late mother, Carolyn, who encouraged his love of country music from a young age, the album pays tribute to the woman whom Rucker told Willie Geist on this week’s “Sunday TODAY” is the reason for everything he is; “She taught us to be nice, she taught us to care, she taught us to give back, she taught us to always be the best person you can be.”

“Now that I’m a dad, three times over with grown kids, I just wanted to pay tribute to my mom who never got to see any of this stuff, any of this success,” he explained to the Associated Press, noting that – while there are somber moments – he hopes the project as a whole epitomizes her joyful personality: “it should sound like a celebration.”

“The thing I love is seeing her picture,” Rucker noted to Forbes of the album’s cover. “She’s 25 in that photo and it’s my favorite picture of her. Having my record named after her, and having her photo all over social media, I love it. I know she’s somewhere laughing and saying, ‘Boy, stop!’”

From recent No. 1 hit “Beers And Sunshine,” his 10th to top the Country charts, to current single “Fires Don’t Start Themselves,” lauded by Billboard for “the impressive vocal control and power in his lower register,” and his latest release, “Southern Comfort,” described by Garden & Gun as “evok[ing] a wistful nostalgia that has become one of Rucker’s calling cards,” the project honoring Carolyn Rucker features 14 tracks, 11 of which boast Rucker as a cowriter.

Some of the notable cowriters joining him on the project include global superstar Ed Sheeran for the reflective “Sara,” penned during a trip to London and celebrated by People as “a mid-tempo rumination on the hopes of seeking friendship and comfort in a long-lost connection;” reigning ACM Artist/Songwriter of the Year HARDY for the longing “3am in Carolina;” longtime friend and Lady A vocalist Charles Kelley for the despairing “7 days;” and Brothers Osborne’s John Osborne on “Never Been Over,” with Billboard noting Rucker “sings expertly on this track… bolstered by discreet, serene pedal steel and mandolin.”

In addition, the album sees Rucker join forces with Chapel Hart for the collaborative “Ol’ Church Hymn” while also offering his take on Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” from blockbuster film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, with MusicRow summarizing his rendition as “beautifully produced, spiritually uplifting and soul stirring. It builds to anthem-level intensity before receding into an intimate prayer. Essential.”

The album also features vulnerably insightful songs such as “Sure Would Have Loved Her,” “Stargazing,” while offering uplifting reminders to a divided world on tracks such as “In This Together,” “Same Beer Different Problem” and “Have A Good Time.”

Having shared the new music with fans across the country all summer on his Starting Fires Tour, which concludes its North American stretch tomorrow evening in Nashville, Rucker is also gearing up to take his wide-ranging catalog of hits across the pond with a recently announced run of European tour dates in early 2024.

For more information and to purchase tickets to all upcoming shows, visit DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.

About Darius Rucker
Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide including their Double Diamond-certified (21x Platinum) debut Cracked Rear View, which remains among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time. Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has earned a whole new legion of fans with four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart, including RIAA Platinum-certified Learn to Live and True Believers, plus 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits. Rucker was inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012 and in 2014 he won his third career GRAMMY Award for Best Solo Country Performance with his Diamond-certified (11x Platinum) version of “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time. He topped the charts at Country radio once again with “Beers And Sunshine” in 2021 and his brand new album Carolyn’s Boy, featuring his latest single, “Fires Don’t Start Themselves,” is available everywhere now.

As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker co-chaired the capital campaign that generated $150 million to help build the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. and has raised over $3.6 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament. In addition, Rucker has advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation and serves as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tenn. Rucker is also an avid sports fan, with his Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics apparel line available at Fanatics.com, and he is part of the Music City Baseball investment group working to bring an MLB team to Tennessee in addition to serving as a partner at the MGC Sports & Entertainment agency.

Darius Rucker's 'Carolyn's Boy' Available Everywhere Now

October 6, 2023

DARIUS RUCKER DELIVERS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ALBUM
CAROLYN’S BOY, OUT NOW

Watch Rucker Discuss His Late Mother’s Influence & His Role in Country Music with Jan Crawford on “CBS Mornings” HERE

Tune in to NBC This Weekend as He Joins Willie Geist for a “Sunday TODAY” Exclusive
& “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” Next Thursday, Oct. 10 for a New Music Performance

PEOPLE Feature on Stands Now:
“He’s won three GRAMMYs and sold millions of records, but when Darius Rucker was growing up in Charleston, S.C., he wasn’t the best singer in his house—his mother, Carolyn, was.”

Having continuously teased new music as he put the finishing touches on his first solo project in six years, three-time GRAMMY winner Darius Rucker now unveils the highly anticipated final project with today’s release of Carolyn’s Boy. Praised by People in the issue on stands today for having “never left his humble roots in the rear view,” Rucker named the album as an homage to his late mother, a woman he celebrates as the sole reason for “who I am, how I am, what I am.” Listen HERE.

“She believed in me more than I believed in myself,” he shared with Jan Crawford on today’s “CBS Mornings.” “She’d tell me all the time, ‘you’re gonna make it; you’re gonna live your dream. I know you are. I can’t wait.’”

Rucker will further discuss the album and his mother’s influence on this weekend’s episode of “Sunday TODAY” via an exclusive interview with Willie Geist on NBC (check local listings), before bringing a feel-good performance of album track “Have A Good Time” to CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 11:35 p.m. / 10:35 p.m. CT.

The series of television appearances continues what has already been a celebratory week for Rucker, including his induction on the Music City Walk of Fame this Wednesday, Oct. 4, and an intimiate performance that evening at Analog at the Hutton Hotel, taped to air as part of PBS’s “Recorded Live at Analog” series debuting in early 2024.

Captivating audiences with what Billboard praises as “one of the most distinctive voices of country’s modern era” Rucker describes the album six years in the making as his favorite he’s ever released, as Garden & Gun declares, “Carolyn’s Boycontains some of the most emotional, vulnerable music of Rucker’s career” with MusicRow adding that it offers “a beautiful blend of feel-good, fun tunes and deeper, moving numbers.”

From recent No. 1 hit “Beers And Sunshine,” his 10th to top the Country charts and what he describes as a perfect summary of Carolyn’s joyful personality, to current single “Fires Don’t Start Themselves,” lauded by Billboard for “the impressive vocal control and power in his lower register,” and his latest release, “Southern Comfort,” described by Garden & Gun as “evok[ing] a wistful nostalgia that has become one of Rucker’s calling cards,” the project features 14 tracks, 11 of which boast Rucker as a cowriter.

Some of the notable cowriters joining him on the project include global superstar Ed Sheeran for the reflective “Sara,” penned during a trip to London and celebrated by People as “a mid-tempo rumination on the hopes of seeking friendship and comfort in a long-lost connection;” reigning ACM Artist/Songwriter of the Year HARDY for the longing “3am in Carolina;” and longtime friend and Lady A vocalist Charles Kelley for the despairing “7 days.”

In addition, the album sees Rucker join forces with Chapel Hart for the collaborative “Ol’ Church Hymn” while also offering his take on Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” from blockbuster film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, with MusicRow summarizing his rendition as “beautifully produced, spiritually uplifting and soul stirring. It builds to anthem-level intensity before receding into an intimate prayer. Essential.”

The album offers vulnerably insightful songs such as “Sure Would Have Loved Her,” “Stargazing” and “Never Been Over,” lauded by Garden & Gun in yesterday’s exclusive premiere as “[one] of the album’s highlights,” while also offering uplifting reminders to a divided world on tracks such as “In This Together,” “Same Beer Different Problem” and “Have A Good Time.”

In all, the album demonstrates what the Tennessean praises as Rucker’s “Southernness and soulfulness [which] occupy a uniquely American creative identity. His material caresses, not straddles, the intersections of pop’s unique variants.”

Rucker will also celebrate the release of his new album during the second year of his personally curated Riverfront Revival Music Festival this weekend in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. In addition to Rucker himself, fans will be treated to performances by Turnpike Troubadours, Lainey Wilson, Band of Horses and more. View the full lineup and daily schedule HERE.

Having shared the new music with fans across the country all summer on his Starting Fires Tour, Rucker is also gearing up to take his wide-ranging catalog of hits across the pond with a recently announced run of European tour dates in early 2024.

For more information and to purchase tickets to all upcoming shows, visit DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.

About Darius Rucker
Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide including their Double Diamond-certified (21x Platinum) debut Cracked Rear View, which remains among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time. Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has earned a whole new legion of fans with four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart, including RIAA Platinum-certified Learn to Live and True Believers,plus 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits. Rucker was inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012 and in 2014 he won his third career GRAMMY Award for Best Solo Country Performance with his Diamond-certified (11x Platinum) version of “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time. He topped the charts at Country radio once again with “Beers And Sunshine” in 2021 and his latest single, “Fires Don’t Start Themselves” off brand-new album Carolyn’s Boy is available everywhere now.

As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker co-chaired the capital campaign that generated $150 million to help build the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. and has raised over $3.6 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament. In addition, Rucker has advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation and serves as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tenn. Rucker is also an avid sports fan, with his Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics apparel line available at Fanatics.com, and he is part of the Music City Baseball investment group working to bring an MLB team to Tennessee in addition to serving as a partner at the MGC Sports & Entertainment agency.

Dalton Dover Premieres Video for "Giving Up On That" on CMT, CMT Music, CMT.com and Paramount's Times Square Billboard

September 27, 2023

On the heels of the release of his Never Giving Up On That collection, Dalton Dover premieres the official music video for his latest single “Giving Up On That” on CMT, CMT Music, CMT.com and Paramount’s Times Square Billboard. Directed by Tristan Cusick, the video was filmed near Dover’s hometown in Rome, Georgia. Watch it below.

“Every scene in the video is just somewhere that means something to me, places where I grew up,” Dover shared with CMT.com. “The people in the video are some of the most important people in my life. Growing up, you’re playing all these small venues around here. Little did you know 12 years later, you’d sign a record deal and film your first music video at the same exact place, the same bar that you played one of your first hometown shows in.”

Last week, Dover revealed his eight-song project Never Giving Up On That via Mercury Records/UMG Nashville, featuring two new songs including “Dirt Roads and Jesus” and an alluring cover of “If I Ain’t Got You,” among fan-favorite hits such as “Baby I Am,” “You Got A Small Town” and “Night To Go,” as well as “Giving Up On That,” which debuted as the most-added song at Country radio and continues to climb the charts. Listen to Never Giving Up On That HERE.

Dover made his international debut earlier this year at C2C: Country to Country Festival’s CMA Songwriters Series before joining Chase Rice on the Way Down Yonder Tour. This summer, he performed across four stages at CMA Fest, including the Nissan Stadium Platform Stage, and played Luke Combs’ Whiskey Jam Bootleggers Tailgate Party at Gillette Stadium in July. He has been on the road with select dates supporting Tyler Hubbard, Parker McCollum, Justin Moore and Priscilla Block among festival performances. For more information and tickets, visit DaltonDoverOfficial.com.

Dalton Dover Upcoming Tour Dates

Sept. 27           Pasadena Rodeo Pasadena, TX
Oct. 5              Capitol Center for the Arts                                         Concord, NH
Oct. 7              Homespun Festival                                                     Rockmart, GA
Oct. 8              WPOC Sunday in the Country                                   Columbia, MD
Oct. 13            WXCY BBQ Fest                                                       Aberdeen, MD

Darius Rucker Brings Forthcoming Album 'Carolyn's Boy' to Analog 10/4 Ahead of Album's 10/6 Release Aol

September 26, 2023

Three-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist Darius Rucker is set to take the stage at Analog at the Hutton Hotel for an unforgettable evening of music on Wednesday, Oct. 4, just days ahead of the highly anticipated release of his forthcoming studio album Carolyn’s Boy, his first solo project in six years. The songwriter-style event will be recorded as part of the “Recorded Live at Analog” series supported by Heaven’s Door and debuting on PBS in early 2024. Limited tickets are available for $20 starting tomorrow, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. CT HERE.

Praised by Oxford American as “a master at choreographing his audience’s mood, bringing the energy up, then making things quiet, then up again…[Rucker] is a genuinely inspired performer in this way, unafraid to bring not only muscle and sweat but also well-timed vulnerability, a crack in the mask.” That masterful performance will be on full display as Rucker and a stripped-back band perform both his chart-topping hits and brand-new music for the intimate room.

“Recorded Live at Analog” is produced by iMaggination, Inc. and also features the recently-recorded “Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska: Celebrating A Rough Masterpiece” – which included performances by Emmylou Harris, Noah Kahan, Lyle Lovett, The Lumineers, Lucinda Williams and surprise guest Eric Church – with additional shows in the series to be announced soon.

“I’m so excited to finally share this album with our fans after working on it for so long,” reflects Rucker. “It’s a really joyful album that celebrates the most joyful woman; the woman who was always in my corner and is the reason I am where I am today. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than this special show right here in Nashville.”

Named for his late mother as an “homage to the greatest woman I’ve ever known,” Carolyn’s Boy features Rucker as a cowriter on 11 of its 14 tracks, with recent release “Southern Comfort” joining current single “Fires Don’t Start Themselves” as well as No. 1 hit “Beers And Sunshine,” recent release “Have A Good Time,” his take on Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” from Marvel’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and Chapel Hart collaboration “Ol’ Church Hymn” in previewing the forthcoming project.

In addition, Rucker has been sharing full-band performances of the new music with fans across the country all summer on his Starting Fires Tour – which wraps its stateside run on Oct. 14 at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater – and is now gearing up to take his wide-ranging catalog of hits across the pond with a recently announced run of European dates in early 2024. Tickets to all shows are on sale now via DariusRucker.com.

He will also celebrate the album’s release during the second year of his personally curated Riverfront Revival Music Festival set for Oct. 7-8 in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. In addition to Rucker himself, fans will be treated to performances by Turnpike Troubadours, Lainey Wilson, Band of Horses and more. Limited tickets remain at RiverfrontRevival.com.

For more information on all things Darius Rucker, visit DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.

About Darius Rucker
Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide including their Double Diamond-certified (21x Platinum) debut Cracked Rear View, which remains among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time. Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has earned a whole new legion of fans with four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart, including RIAA Platinum-certified Learn to Live and True Believers,plus 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits. Rucker was inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012 and in 2014 he won his third career GRAMMY Award for Best Solo Country Performance with his Diamond-certified (11x Platinum) version of “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time. He co-hosted the 54th annual CMA Awards in 2020 and topped the charts at Country radio once again with “Beers And Sunshine” in 2021. Rucker’s new single, “Fires Don’t Start Themselves” is available everywhere now with his forthcoming album, Carolyn’s Boy, set for Oct. 6 release.

As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker co-chaired the capital campaign that generated $150 million to help build the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. and has raised over $3.6 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament. In addition, Rucker has advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation and serves as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tenn. Rucker is also an avid sports fan, with his Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics apparel line available at Fanatics.com, and he is part of the Music City Baseball investment group working to bring an MLB team to Tennessee in addition to serving as a partner at the MGC Sports & Entertainment agency.

Dalton Dover Releases 'Never Giving Up On That' Collection

September 22, 2023

Named a Pandora 2023 Artist to Watch, an Amazon Music 2023 Breakthrough Artist to Watch: Country Class and a member of CMT’s LISTEN UP 2023 Class, Dalton Dover releases his eight-song collection Never Giving Up On That via Mercury Records/UMG Nashville, featuring two new songs including “Dirt Roads and Jesus” and an alluring cover of “If I Ain’t Got You.” Listen to Never Giving Up On That HERE.

“This has been such an exciting time in my life, and it means so much to be able to share it with all of you,” shares Dover. “So many milestones and memories have been made with these songs and what better way to celebrate that than putting them all together and adding some new ones. We can’t wait to bring more new music to you soon.”

Along with “If I Ain’t Got You,” a staple and fan-favorite in his live set, “Dirt Roads and Jesus,” written by Dover with his producer Matt McVaney and Alex Maxwell, is a striking ballad, expressing where he feels closest to God. As he debuted the song during his first performance at the Grand Ole Opry, he explained he’d faced some tough times throughout his life, but his faith has always brought him out the other side to better days.

Today’s release follows barn-burner “Night To Go,” praised by MusicRow as Dover “has already proved himself to be a masterful country balladeer, a story-song teller, a heartache prince and a heart-tugging sentimentalist…He can also spit out a country rocker with the best of ‘em: this kicks hillbilly butt,” asserting the song is “more proof that stardom should knock on his door.”

Dover’s first official single “Giving Up On That” debuted as the most-added song at Country radio and continues to climb the charts. The official music video, filmed near Dover’s hometown in Rome, Georgia, will premiere next Wednesday, Sept. 27 on CMT, CMT Music, CMT.com and Paramount’s Times Square Billboard.

He made his international debut earlier this year at C2C: Country to Country Festival’s CMA Songwriters Series before joining Chase Rice on the Way Down Yonder Tour. This summer, Dover performed across four stages at CMA Fest, including the Nissan Stadium Platform Stage, and played Luke Combs’ Whiskey Jam Bootleggers Tailgate Party at Gillette Stadium in July. He has been on the road with select dates supporting Tyler Hubbard, Parker McCollum, Justin Moore and Priscilla Block among festival performances. For more information and tickets, visit DaltonDoverOfficial.com.

Dalton Dover Upcoming Tour Dates

Sept. 23           Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre (w/ Justin Moore)      Greenwood Village, CO
Sept. 26           CMT Equal Access Showcase                                    Nashville, TN
Sept. 27           Pasadena Rodeo                                                          Pasadena, TX
Oct. 5              Capitol Center for the Arts                                         Concord, NH
Oct. 7              Homespun Festival                                                     Rockmart, GA
Oct. 8              WPOC Sunday in the Country                                   Columbia, MD
Oct. 13            WXCY BBQ Fest                                                       Aberdeen, MD

About Dalton Dover
Lauded by MusicRow as a “master country talent,” Dalton Dover’s current chart-climbing single “Giving Up On That” via UMG Nashville/Mercury Records was the most-added track at Country Radio upon its debut with 60 first week adds and can be found on his latest EP Never Giving Up On That, featuring eight tracks including “Night To Go,” “Baby I Am,” “Hear About A Girl,” and more. Named a Pandora 2023 Artist to Watch, an Amazon Music 2023 Breakthrough Artist to Watch: Country Class and a member of CMT’s LISTEN UP 2023 Class, Dover made his Grand Ole Opry debut in December 2022, followed by his international debut in 2023 at C2C: Country to Country Festival’s CMA Songwriters Series before joining Chase Rice on the Way Down Yonder Tour. This summer, Dover performed across four stages at CMA Fest, including the Nissan Stadium Platform stage and played Luke Combs’ Whiskey Jam Bootleggers Tailgate Party at Gillette Stadium in July. Dover is currently on the road with select dates supporting Tyler Hubbard, Parker McCollum and Priscilla Block among festival performances. By the age of 16, Dover had picked up a guitar and started teaching himself to play, yet it was his grandfather who turned him on to country music and artists such as Keith Whitley, Rhett Akins, Joe Diffie and Steve Wariner. Performances at local bars soon followed along with sharing covers of some of his favorite songs on TikTok. It was there he caught the ear of producer Matt McV and A&R veteran and founder of Droptine, Jim Catino, who quickly signed Dover. His debut track “You Got a Small Town,” produced by McV, quickly garnered critical acclaim from Billboard, MusicRow, Country Now and Wide Open Country. With his debut and his follow-up “Baby I Am” earning notable playlisting, Dover was named a Spotify Hot Country 2022 Artist to Watch along with a spotlight as Billboard’s February Country Rookie of the Month and a nod for MusicRow’s 2022 Discovery Artist of the Year. For more information, visit DaltonDoverOfficial.com or follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook.

EP Lyrics Available HERE

Darius Rucker Brings "Southern Comfort" to Fans With Today's Release; New Album 'Carolyn's Boy' Out 10/6

September 15, 2023

Three-time GRAMMY Award-winner Darius Rucker is once again captivating audiences with what Billboard praises as “one of the most distinctive voices of country’s modern era” as he further previews his highly anticipated new album, Carolyn’s Boy, with today’s release of feel-good song “Southern Comfort.” Listen HERE and preorder the album out Oct. 6 HERE.

Written by Chris LaCorte (“Ain’t That Some,” “Blue Tacoma”), Matt Rogers (“‘Til You Can’t,” “Freedom Was a Highway”) and Josh Osborne (“Never Wanted to Be That Girl,” “Body Like a Back Road”), the heartfelt homage to the South captures the essence of a region deeply rooted in tradition, hospitality and the joy of shared moments:

That gentle breeze makes me think I’m three sheets to the wind
When the fireflies light me up right makes the whole world spin
If sunsets were like whiskey, man, I’d be seeing double
Ain’t nothing in this bottle gets me drunk as Southern Comfort

Today’s release joins current single “Fires Don’t Start Themselves” as well as No. 1 hit “Beers And Sunshine,” recent release “Have A Good Time” in previewing his first solo project in six years, Carolyn’s Boy, named for his late mother as an “homage to the greatest woman I’ve ever known.”

Having shared the new music with fans across the country all summer on his Starting Fires Tour, Rucker is gearing up to take his wide-ranging catalog of hits across the pond with a recently announced run of European tour dates in early 2024. Tickets to the following shows are on sale now via DariusRucker.com:

April 19, 2024 Cologne, Germany || Cologne Live Music
April 21, 2024 Zurich, Switzerland || Zurich Kaufleuten
April 22, 2024 Munich, Germany || Backstage
April 24, 2024 Amsterdam, Netherlands || Paradiso
April 27, 2024 Manchester, U.K. || O2 Apollo
April 28, 2024 Newcastle, U.K || O2 City Hall
April 30, 2024 Birmingham, U.K || O2 Academy
May 1, 2024 Bristol, U.K || Beacon
May 3, 2024. London, U.K || Eventim Apollo
May 5, 2024 Leeds, U.K || O2 Academy
May 6, 2024 Glasgow, U.K || O2 Academy
May 9, 2024 Dublin, Ireland || Olympia Theatre
May 11, 2024. Belfast, U.K || Waterfront Hall

Rucker will also celebrate the release of his new album during the second year of his personally curated Riverfront Revival Music Festival set for Oct. 7-8 in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. In addition to Rucker himself, fans will be treated to performances by Turnpike Troubadours, Lainey Wilson, Band of Horses and more. View the full lineup and daily schedule HERE. Limited tickets remain at RiverfrontRevival.com.

For more information on all things Darius Rucker, visit DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.

About Darius Rucker
Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide including their Double Diamond-certified (21x Platinum) debut Cracked Rear View, which remains among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time. Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has earned a whole new legion of fans with four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart, including RIAA Platinum-certified Learn to Live and True Believers, plus 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits. Rucker was inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012 and in 2014 he won his third career GRAMMY Award for Best Solo Country Performance with his Diamond-certified (11x Platinum) version of “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time. He co-hosted the 54th annual CMA Awards in 2020 and topped the charts at Country radio once again with “Beers And Sunshine” in 2021. Rucker’s new single, “Fires Don’t Start Themselves” is available everywhere now with his forthcoming album, Carolyn’s Boy, set for Oct. 6 release.

As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker co-chaired the capital campaign that generated $150 million to help build the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. and has raised over $3.6 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament. In addition, Rucker has advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation and serves as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tenn. Rucker is also an avid sports fan, with his Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics apparel line available at Fanatics.com, and he is part of the Music City Baseball investment group working to bring an MLB team to Tennessee in addition to serving as a partner at the MGC Sports & Entertainment agency.