“Wagon Wheel” biggest + “Beers and Sunshine” latest
by Preshias Harris
Darius Rucker was the focus of a triple celebration October 27 as friends and peers joined him for a private party at the Electric Jane in Nashville, hosted by UMG Nashville.
During the event, Darius and record producer Frank Rogers were presented with an RIAA Diamond award for the hit song “Wagon Wheel.” The party also recognized Darius’ achievement of ten Number One singles. Particular focus was on his latest chart topper, “Beers and Sunshine” that he wrote together with Ross Copperman, J.T. Harding and Josh Osborne. Copperman also produced the hit single.
Read the full report, including my Q&A with Darius, under the “Preshias On The Row” tab at Center Stage Magazine here.
“Beers and Sunshine” apparently made history as the first Country No. 1 to have been not only written but also entirely recorded via Zoom. Darius told me that the process was ‘nervy’ for him.
“It was crazy and I love the song and it sounds great, but I never want to do it again!”
— Darius Rucker, on recording a song via Zoom
Darius and producer Frank Rogers were presented with a special RIAA Diamond plaque for “Wagon Wheel.” Craig Melvin, anchor of NBC’s ‘Today’ program was on hand to present the trophy that recognizes sales of at least ten million units.
Only three other country songs had achieved this remarkable milestone: “Cruise” recorded by Florida Georgia Line, “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton and “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus. “Wagon Wheel” now joins that exclusive club and has already achieved sales of more than eleven million.
- In other news… Darius Rucker makes his return as an actor in an episode of “Big Sky: Deadly Trails” on ABC-TV. In the role of Possum, Rucker guest stars as a hired gun who works at night like his nocturnal namesake, partnering with expert tracker Tex (Lyle Lovett), for better or worse, on this particular job.
More about Darius Rucker at his website with tour and ticket info including the four-day HootieFest: The Big Splash in Cancun, Mexico, in April 2023. Follow Darius on Instagram and Twitter (@dariusrucker) and on Facebook.
Read a full report of the celebration, including my Q&A with Darius, at Center Stage Magazine.
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available here. Follow her blog and read her regular ‘Preshias On The Row’ news stories at Center Stage Magazine. #PreshiasHarris