Darius Rucker Shows Excitement for Beyonce's Country Music Debut with 'Cowboy Carter' (Exclusive)

Darius Rucker, who switched to country music in 2008, recently commented on Beyoncé's country debut with Cowboy Carter.

In an exclusive interview with We, the 57-year-old musician expressed his happiness for Beyoncé and the genre. He mentioned that her presence in country music has brought more attention to the genre, which he believes is always a positive thing.

Rucker was promoting his upcoming memoir and tour during the interview.

The lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish expressed his hope that Beyoncé's groundbreaking achievement will inspire more people of color to pursue country music opportunities.

Beyoncé, aged 42, made history by becoming the first Black woman to reach the top of the Hot Country Songs chart with her single "Texas Hold 'Em." The album Cowboy Carter, released on March 29, quickly rose to No. 1, marking Beyoncé's eighth chart-topping album. Throughout the record, the Grammy-winning superstar paid tribute to Black women in country music and the genre's rich history, featuring collaborations with top artists and incorporating historical samples and references.

Linda Martell, who is often recognized as the first Black female country artist to achieve commercial success, makes cameo appearances in both "Spaghettii" and "The Linda Martell Show".

Darius Rucker Is Happy For Beyonce and the Country Music Genre Following Cowboy Carter Release

Beyoncé expressed her gratitude on Instagram in March for the support that led to her becoming the first Black woman with a number one single on the Hot Country Songs chart. She hopes that in the future, an artist's race will no longer be a factor in determining which genres of music they can release.

Rucker is known for his contributions to country music and his support for diversity in the genre. He took a break from his band Hootie and the Blowfish, signed with Capitol Nashville in 2008, and released his country debut album, Learn to Live. In the following year, Rucker made history by becoming the first Black American to win New Artist of the Year at the Country Music Awards and only the second Black person to win a CMA.

He made history once again by winning the Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance in 2014 for his song "Wagon Wheel," making him the third Black artist to win a vocal performance Grammy Award in country music.

Rucker continues to switch between music genres. After his European solo music concerts, he will join Hootie and the Blowfish for their Summer Camp With Trucks Tour starting on May 30 in Texas. The band's summer tour coincides with the release of Rucker's memoir, Life's Too Short, on May 28.

With reporting by Leanne Aciz Stanton

Editor's P/S:

Darius Rucker's enthusiastic response to Beyoncé's country debut underscores the transformative moment it represents. Rucker, a trailblazer in country music himself, recognizes the significance of Beyoncé's presence in the genre, echoing her own hope that it will inspire greater inclusion and representation. His comments highlight the power of music to transcend boundaries and foster unity.

Rucker's journey and achievements within country music serve as a testament to the evolution of the genre. His success as a Black artist in a traditionally white-dominated space demonstrates the growing acceptance and appreciation for diversity. As Rucker continues to bridge musical worlds, his voice joins Beyoncé's in advocating for an industry where artists are celebrated for their talent, regardless of their race or background. This ongoing dialogue promises to shape the future of country music, making it more inclusive and reflective of the diverse tapestry of American culture.