Darius Rucker Reflects on the Making of Hootie and the Blowfish's Classic 'Let Her Cry'

Hootie & the Blowfish have produced many memorable songs, such as "Hold My Hand" and "Only Wanna Be with You," making it difficult to choose a favorite. However, "Let Her Cry" stands out as a particularly special track. In a recent episode of We's "Anatomy of a Song," Darius Rucker revealed some interesting details about the creation of this hit song.

Surprisingly, "Let Her Cry" was actually inspired by another popular song from the '90s. Darius Rucker shared that one night, while hanging out at a bar where his friend worked as a bartender, he heard "She Talks to Angels" by The Black Crowes. The song resonated with him so much that he asked his friend to play it multiple times, ultimately influencing the creation of "Let Her Cry."

Rucker continued to go to different bars, insisting that they play "She Talks to Angels" because he believed it was the best song he had ever heard.

That night, Rucker, feeling pretty intoxicated, went home and listened to a Bonnie Raitt album while playing Madden. When the album finished, he decided to write the song himself, figuring out the chords as he went along in a stream of consciousness.

Darius Rucker Looks Back on Hootie & the Blowfish’s Hit Single ‘Let Her Cry’

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Rucker played the song a few times before going to bed. The next morning, he remembered he had written a fan favorite. He excitedly shared it with the bass player, Dean Felber, who agreed it was really good.

The music video for “Let Her Cry” was the band's second video at the time. They filmed it at an old house in upstate South Carolina. Despite being new to the process, they had a great day and were open to trying anything.

"That's still one of my favorites," he mentioned. Winning a Grammy for "Let Her Cry" is definitely one of the highlights of his career, along with the 21-times platinum certification of Cracked Rear View.

Three decades have passed, but Rucker and his band are still going strong. On May 30, Hootie & the Blowfish will be embarking on their first tour since 2019 for the Summer Camp With Trucks Tour, featuring supporting acts Collective Soul and Edwin McCain.

Darius Rucker Looks Back on Hootie & the Blowfish’s Hit Single ‘Let Her Cry’

HarperCollins

Rucker is thrilled to share that his new book, Life’s Too Short: A Memoir, will be released on May 28. In this book, he delves into his childhood, the journey of Hootie, and the wild partying days. His main goal in writing this book was to be honest and share the truth with his fans.

If you are eager to get your hands on a copy, Life’s Too Short: A Memoir is currently available for pre-order.

Editor's P/S:

"Let Her Cry" by Hootie & the Blowfish remains a timeless classic, not only for its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, but also for the unique story behind its creation. Inspired by The Black Crowes' "She Talks to Angels," Darius Rucker's drunken stream-of-consciousness writing session resulted in a song that has touched the hearts of countless fans. The band's willingness to experiment and their love for music is evident in the song's enduring popularity.

Beyond the song itself, the article reveals the personal journey of Darius Rucker. His memoir, "Life's Too Short," promises to offer an intimate look into his childhood, the formation of Hootie & the Blowfish, and the highs and lows of their career. Rucker's honesty and desire to connect with his fans make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes stories of one of the most beloved bands of the '90s.