CMT News

Darius Rucker was formally inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member during Tuesday night's (Oct. 16) performance of the long-running radio show. In welcoming him as a fellow Opry member, Vince Gill said, "I don't think there's a more beloved guy in our music than you. ... Before you even open your mouth and sing a song you've written, everybody is really crazy about you. You will find this place right here to be one of the greatest homes you'll ever have. ... Thanks for wanting to be a country music singer." The South Carolina native launched his solo career as a country artist after enjoying multiplatinum rock success as lead vocalist for Hootie & the Blowfish. Having released the solo albums Learn to Live (2008) and Charleston, SC 1966 (2010), his No. 1 singles include "Don't Think I Don't Think About It," "It Won't Be Like This for Long," "Alright," "Come Back Song" and "This." During his Opry induction, Rucker told the crowd, "I was sitting in here at rehearsals today, and there was nobody in here, and I looked up in the stands. I thought to myself, 'Somewhere in those stands right now my mom is looking at me.' And it just blew me away to be here today. ...This means more to me than I could ever say to you."