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 U.K. and Ireland tour dates in early 2024. Tickets to the following shows are on sale now via DariusRucker.com:

        April 27, 2024                 Manchester  ||  O2 Apollo

        April 28, 2024                 Newcastle  ||  O2 City Hall

        April 30, 2024                 Birmingham  ||  O2 Academy

        May 1, 2024                    Bristol  ||  Beacon

        May 3, 2024                    London  ||  Eventim Apollo

        May 5, 2024                    Leeds  ||  O2 Academy

        May 6, 2024                    Glasgow  ||  O2 Academy

        May 9, 2024                    Dublin  ||  Olympia Theatre

        May 11, 2024                  Belfast  ||  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.

Carolyn’s Boy Track List:

Lyrics & label copy available HERE (songwriters in parentheses)

1. Beers And Sunshine (Darius Rucker, JT Harding, Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman)
2. In This Together (Darius Rucker, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Joy Williams)
3. Never Been Over (Darius Rucker, Lee Thomas Miller, John Osborne)
4. Fires Don’t Start Themselves (Ben Hayslip, Jacob Rice, Dan Isbell)
5. Ol’ Church Hymn feat. Chapel Hart (Darius Rucker, Greylan James, Ben Hayslip, Josh Miller)
6. 7 Days (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Charles Kelley)
7. Same Beer Different Problem (Darius Rucker, Tofer Brown, Sarah Buxton, Brad Tursi)
8. Sara (Darius Rucker, Joel Crouse, Kyle Rife, Ed Sheeran)
9. Have A Good Time (Darius Rucker, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick)
10. Sure Would Have Loved Her (Darius Rucker, Wyatt Durrette, Levi Lowrey)
11. Southern Comfort (Chris LaCorte, Matt Rogers, Josh Osborne)
12. 3am in Carolina (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Michael Hardy)
13. Lift Me Up (Temilade Openiyi, Robyn Fenty, Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Goransson)
14. Stargazing (Darius Rucker, Brinley Addington, Jess Cayne, Matt Morrisey)

Mickey Guyton‘s official music video for “Nothing Compares To You” with Kane Brown premieres Thursday (September 7th) at Noon CT on Youtube.

https://twitter.com/MickeyGuyton/status/1699574611657085052

Darius Rucker will be inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville on October 4th at 11am CT. Darius’ favorite all-time wrestler, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, will be in attendance to induct the multi-platinum country superstar. Don McLean of “American Pie” fame, rock and roll guitarist Duane Eddy, and former record-label executive Joe Galante will also be inducted into the Walk of Fame, and the four become the 101^st, 102^nd, 103^rd and 104^th stars.  Inductees are recognized for their significant work of preserving the musical heritage of Nashville and for contributing to the world through song.

Well this is awesome!! Honored to join the amazing names on the Music City Walk of Fame. If you are in Nashville on October 4th, come check it out. I mean… @RicFlairNatrBoy will be there!! More info: https://t.co/bKogJyxpNb pic.twitter.com/Vk1uldAWyc

— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) September 6, 2023

ESPN’s College Game Day new theme song video, featuring Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson and The Cadillac Three singing “Comin’ To Your City,” premiered last Saturday. Check it out here:

Reba McEntire is being honored with a series of tribute corn mazes. With the release of Reba’s new book, Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots, and its companion album, Not That Fancy, 40 farms in 24 states will feature Reba-themed corn mazes. “While l admit being in a corn maze is one of the more unique things I’ve ever been invited to be a part of, I couldn’t be more excited to be involved with some of the things that matter most to me — farming, family, and friends,” says the country icon. “Growing up on a ranch in Oklahoma, I know how important agriculture is, and I love being involved with something that brings more people out to farms across the country for good wholesome fun!” The 5+ acre mazes are scheduled to open Saturday, September 16th, and people can enter to win a chance for a trip to Nashville. Click HERE for your chance to win and check out the 40 participating farms.

Darius Rucker unveiled the official music video for his current single, “Fires Don’t Start Themselves,” with an exclusive CMT world premiere this morning across all platforms, including CMT, CMT Music, the CMT Equal Play channel on Pluto TV, CMT.com and Paramount billboards in Times Square. The cinematic video casts Rucker as a detective hot on the trail of a young couple whose passionate love is setting their town ablaze, both literally and figuratively.

The song, praised by Billboard for Rucker’s “effective use of the impressive vocal control and power in his lower register,” is featured on his highly anticipated new album, Carolyn’s Boy, set for Oct. 6 release and named for his late mother as an “homage to the greatest woman I’ve ever known.” Preorder HERE.

“It’s been six years… We had so much to write about, so I took my time, got with some great guys, got some great songs and I’m really excited for people to hear it,” Rucker shared from the “TODAY” Citi Concert Series stage on Friday (September 1st) as he offered a preview of the project with rousing performances of “Fires Don’t Start Themselves,” No. 1 hit “Beers And Sunshine” and recent release “Have A Good Time,” in addition to treating viewers to his Diamond-certified fan-favorite “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time.

From there, Rucker also made a stop in Charlotte over the weekend to cheer on his beloved USC Gamecocks as the guest picker on ESPN’s College GameDay, debuting his starring role on the show’s new theme song for the season, before performing the National Anthem and serving as an honorary captain for the USC vs. UNC coin toss. Fans across the country can celebrate the start of football season with year three of his Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics line, with an expansion to select NCAA teams for the first time, in addition to new NFL offerings and the debut of a full line of MLB apparel.

Next, Rucker returns to the road on his Starting Fires Tour ahead of the album’s release next month, which will also be celebrated during the second year of his personally curated Riverfront Revival Music Festival set for October 7th-8th in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. 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.

Carolyn’s Boy Track List:
Lyrics & label copy available HERE (songwriters in parentheses)

1. Beers And Sunshine (Darius Rucker, JT Harding, Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman)
2. In This Together (Darius Rucker, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Joy Williams)
3. Never Been Over (Darius Rucker, Lee Thomas Miller, John Osborne)
4. Fires Don’t Start Themselves (Ben Hayslip, Jacob Rice, Dan Isbell)
5. Ol’ Church Hymn feat. Chapel Hart (Darius Rucker, Greylan James, Ben Hayslip, Josh Miller)
6. 7 Days (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Charles Kelley)
7. Same Beer Different Problem (Darius Rucker, Tofer Brown, Sarah Buxton, Brad Tursi)
8. Sara (Darius Rucker, Joel Crouse, Kyle Rife, Ed Sheeran)
9. Have A Good Time (Darius Rucker, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick)
10. Sure Would Have Loved Her (Darius Rucker, Wyatt Durrette, Levi Lowrey)
11. Southern Comfort (Chris LaCorte, Matt Rogers, Josh Osborne)
12. 3am in Carolina (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Michael Hardy)
13. Lift Me Up (Temilade Openiyi, Robyn Fenty, Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Goransson)
14. Stargazing (Darius Rucker, Brinley Addington, Jess Cayne, Matt Morrisey)

Dierks Bentley‘s Whiskey Row will be the new home for Nashville’s musical discovery series, Whiskey Jam, which has hosted over 875 live events in its 13 years serving the artist and songwriting community. Starting September 18th, Whiskey Jam’s regular Monday and Thursday events will take place at the new location. “When we started construction on Whiskey Row seven years ago, my first call was to Ward because I knew he would be able to help us establish a music program that’s representative of the most authentic parts of Nashville, which was really important to me,” said Dierks. “This feels like a natural evolution in our relationship. I’m proud to know that my bar will be home base for artists and fans who want to hear original music of all kinds.”

Chris Stapleton has partnered with Alaska outfitters brand Filson. The new luggage set is titled the Travellers Collection, and it will include five bags and a custom T-shirt. The complete collection will be available October 5th, but you can purchase the T-shirt with all proceeds from the sale of the Tee going to Chris and Morgane Stapleton’s Outlaw State of Kind charity.

Sam Hunt appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America on Friday (September 1st). He performed several songs, including his latest single, “Outskirts,” as well as his multi-platinum, multi-week No. 1 “Body Like A Backroad,” “House Party” and “23.” He also talked about life on the road with his wife and daughter, expecting baby no. 2 and how he’s working on new music.

Darius Rucker appeared on NBC’s TODAY Show on Friday (September 1st). Between performances on the Citi Concert stage, Darius talked about his upcoming album, “Carolyn’s Boy” — his first album in six years. He also opened up about being an empty nester now that his children are all out of the house with his youngest, son Jack, heading off to college. Darius performed his new song, “Have A Good Time,” “Fires Don’t Start Themselves,” his fan-favorite smash “Wagon Wheel” and his recent No. 1 “Beers And Sunshine.”

Darius Rucker will sing the national anthem as his beloved South Carolina Gamecocks host the University of North Carolina’s Tar Heels this Saturday (September 2nd).

https://twitter.com/HootieTweets/status/1696598596790128988

Carrie Underwood will perform live on NBC’s TODAY Show on Thursday, September 14th.

Carrie will be performing LIVE on @TODAYshow on Thursday, September 14 on NBC! Be sure to watch that morning or if you’d like to attend, go to https://t.co/PiZJ7Zt2NS for more info. -TeamCU pic.twitter.com/F2biC9vI6h

— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) August 30, 2023

CBS Mornings went behind-the-scenes of Little Big Town‘s appearance on the network’s new unscripted musical series, Superfan. The LBT episode aired Wednesday evening (August 30th)

During the one-hour episode of the show, five contestants try to prove they are their favorite artist’s biggest fan. Shania Twain, Kelsea Ballerini, Pitbull, Gloria Estefan and LL Cool J are also spotlighted.

Luke Bryan‘s Boldly Grown Peanuts are officially on sale. In conjunction with Fendt, Luke handpicked three flavors — Homegrown Honey Roasted, Down Home Dill and Sizzlin’ Sriracha Ranch. You can pick up your favorite flavor or flavors at boldlygrowngoods.com. When supplies sell out, Fendt will donate $50,000 to National Future Farmers of America.

Fendt & Luke Bryan’s Boldly Grown Peanuts are officially on sale! Choose from three delicious flavors handpicked by me at https://t.co/Eyw4RIvXIG. Best of all, when supplies sell out, @Fendt_NA is donating $50,000 to @nationalffa! Go nuts, y’all! pic.twitter.com/B2sFxOblF4

— Luke Bryan (@lukebryan) August 31, 2023

Little Big Town will help find their biggest fan on Wednesday night’s (August 30th) episode of the TV show, Superfan. Each contestant, or fan, will share their story of why they’re LBT’s biggest fan. The band will also perform their songs, “Boondocks” and “Hell Yeah,” on the show. Superfan will air Wednesday (August 30th) at 9pm ET/8pm CT on CBS.

Darius Rucker will live on the plaza in New York City as part of the Citi Concert Series on NBC’s TODAY Show. Catch all the action on your television beginning at 8am (local time).

In other Darius Rucker news, he will be one of the new voices for ESPN’s College GameDay anthem, “Comin’ To Your City,” along with The Cadillac Three and Lainey Wilson. Check it out beginning Saturday (September 2nd) at 9am.

https://twitter.com/CollegeGameDay/status/1696236225936437548

Sam Hunt will perform during ABC’s Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series from Central Park on Friday (September 1st).

Having previously teased the forthcoming project on NBC’S “TODAY,” Diamond-certified star Darius Rucker announces that his first solo album in six years, Carolyn’s Boy, is set for release October 6th via UMG Nashville and available for preorder now. Brand new song “Have A Good Time” is also available everywhere Friday (August 4th) as a further preview of the project alongside his latest single “Fires Don’t Start Themselves,” currently climbing the charts at Country radio.

“I wanted to name the record Carolyn’s Boy because Mom never got to see any of my success,” Rucker explained during the “TODAY” interview. “She died before any of this happened, so it’s just another homage to the greatest woman I’ve ever known.”

When asked why now is the right time to honor her, Rucker was reflective, conceding, “years ago, I wasn’t really sure what my place in Country music was and I was trying to find it. Now I have found it – I know – and I think it’s time to give that record.”

Years ago, I wasn't really sure what my place in Country Music was and I was trying to find it. Now I've found it – I know – and I think it's time to give you all that record.
'Carolyn's Boy', named after the greatest woman I've ever known, my mom, is out October 6th!… pic.twitter.com/I5LDKuKkVO

— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) August 4, 2023

Rucker will return to “TODAY” on September 1st to perform new songs off the project along with his fan-favorite hits as part of the Citi Concert Series. Fans can also catch Rucker on his Starting Fires Tour, currently underway, and he’ll bring the new music to his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina during his personally-curated Riverfront Revival Music Festival as it returns for a second year on album release weekend (October 7th & 8th).

In celebration of the album announcement, Riverfront Revival is offering a limited allotment of 6-Pack GA Weekend Ticket Bundles, allowing fans to bundle and save $15 per pass while supplies last at RiverfrontRevival.com. Showcasing the best of country and rock music along with the finest in food, arts and culture the Lowcountry has to offer, the 2023 lineup includes Rucker, Turnpike Troubadours, Lainey Wilson, Band of Horses and more.

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

Carolyn’s Boy Lyrics & Label Copy Available HERE

Carolyn’s Boy Track List:
(songwriters in parentheses)
1.   Beers And Sunshine (Darius Rucker, JT Harding, Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman)
2.   In This Together (Darius Rucker, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Joy Williams)
3.   Never Been Over (Darius Rucker, Lee Thomas Miller, John Osborne)
4.   Fires Don’t Start Themselves (Ben Hayslip, Jacob Rice, Dan Isbell)
5.   Ol’ Church Hymn feat. Chapel Hart (Darius Rucker, Greylan James, Ben Hayslip, Josh Miller)
6.   7 Days (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Charles Kelley)
7.   Same Beer Different Problem (Darius Rucker, Topher Brown, Sarah Buxton, Brad Tursi)
8.   Sara (Darius Rucker, Joel Crouse, Kyle Rife, Ed Sheeran)
9.   Have A Good Time (Darius Rucker, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick)
10. Sure Would Have Loved Her (Darius Rucker, Wyatt Durrette, Levi Lowrey)
11. Southern Comfort (Chris LaCorte, Matt Rogers, Josh Osborne)
12. 3am in Carolina (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Michael Hardy)
13. Lift Me Up (Temilade Openiyi, Robyn Fenty, Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Goransson)
14. Stargazing (Darius Rucker, Brinley Addington, Jess Cayne, Matt Morrisey)

Upcoming Starting Fires Tour Dates:
Aug. 4  |  Bridgeport, Conn.  |  Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
Aug. 5  |  Farmingville, N.Y.  |  Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hill
Aug. 10  |  Sterling Heights, Mich.  |  Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
Aug. 11  |  Milwaukee, Wis.  |  BMO Pavilion
Aug. 12  |  Maryland Heights, Mo.  |  Saint Louis Music Park
Aug. 18  |  Irvine, Calif.  |  Five Point Amphitheatre
Aug. 19  |  Stateline, Nev.  |  Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys
Aug. 23  |  Los Angeles, Calif.  |  Greek Theatre
Aug. 25  |  San Diego, Calif.  |  Gallagher Square at Petco Park
Aug. 26  |  Highland, Calif.  |  Yaamava’ Resort & Casino
Sept. 8-9  |  Durant, Okla.  |  Choctaw Casino & Resort Grand Theater
Sept. 10  |  Oklahoma City, Okla.  |  The Zoo Amphitheatre
Oct. 7-8  |  Charleston, S.C.  |  Riverfront Revival Music Festival
Oct. 13  |  Lexington, Ky.  |  Showdown Lex
Oct. 14  |  Nashville, Tenn.  |  Ascend Amphitheater

Darius Rucker and the Hootie & The Blowfish just celebrated the 29th anniversary of their 1994 debut album Cracked Rear View on July 5th.

29 years of @HootieTweets 'Cracked Rear View'!!!! How is that even possible?!? Who had a copy way back when? https://t.co/AYIeR21MK7

— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) July 5, 2023

Following yesterday’s premiere of “CMA Fest: 50 Years of Fan Fair” on Hulu, the Country Music Association revealed the documentary will make its broadcast debut  July 18th at 9pm ET/8pm CT on ABC. The 75-minute special, which features Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Dolly Parton, Wynonna Judd, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton and many others, explores the festival’s 1972 debut of Fan Fair.

https://twitter.com/CountryMusic/status/1676969763548037123

Keith Urban has been announced as one of the nominees for the 2023 class for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He’s nominated alongside Steven Curtis Chapman, Martie Maguire and Gillian Welch and David Welch (nominated as a team) in the Contemporary Songwriter/Artists category. The 53rd Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala will take place October 11th at the Music City Center. The nominees for the Contemporary Songwriters category are Casey Beathard, Shawn Camp, Jim Collins, Don Henry, David Lee Murphy, Leslie Satcher, Darrell Scott and Victoria Shaw.

Jordan Davis released his Apple Music Sessions live EP on Thursday (July 6th). You can watch him perform “Tucson Too Late,” “Church In A Chevy” and a cover of Foy Vance’s “Guiding Light” (which features special guest Sam Hunt).

.@JordanCWDavis and @AppleMusic have teamed up to bring you an exclusive Live EP bundle featuring special performances of "Tucson Too Late," "Church In A Chevy," and "Guiding Light" that you don't want to miss!

Watch here: https://t.co/XJstYvw3mz pic.twitter.com/3SZMf9l97E

— Universal Nashville (@UMGNashville) July 6, 2023

Thank ya @SamHuntMusic for singing on one of my favorite songs with me for my #AppleMusicSessions..y’all check out our version of “Guiding Light” exclusively on @AppleMusic. https://t.co/ughSnBkzrI pic.twitter.com/dnfOBqSeYq

— Jordan Davis Music (@JordanCWDavis) July 6, 2023

Eric Church has been announced as part of a new group of Nashville city leaders of a 16-person Music City Host Committee whose goal is to book high-profile events for the upcoming enclosed Tennessee Titans stadium in Nashville. The committee includes former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, Tennessee State University head football coach Eddie George and many others, to look at a potential Super Bowl, the 2031 NCAA Men’s Final Four and a college football National Championship game reportedly on the list, according to the Nashville Business Journal.

Bill Anderson will be celebrated by the Grand Ole Opry as the longest-serving Opry member in the show’s history on July 22nd. Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Jeannie Seely, Ricky Skaggs are scheduled to perform.

The Grand Ole Opry will celebrate member @WhisperinBill as the longest-serving Opry member in the show’s history on Saturday, July 22. pic.twitter.com/VvAsWT24Hv

— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) July 6, 2023

Chris Stapleton and Lucchese released a behind-the-scenes of their new boot collection. “Everything can be refined to an art and that’s what I love about Lucchese boots — they’ve taken boot making and refined it to an art.” — Chris Stapleton  “A lucchese boot is what a cowboy boot should be.”

Celebrating artistry through superior craftsmanship and vintage designs. Years in the making, Chris and Lucchese built a collection that reflects their mutual respect of tradition, quality, and timeless style. With every purchase, a portion of the proceeds supports Chris & Morgane Stapleton’s charitable fund Outlaw State of Kind.

Jordan Davis will take part in CMT’s new series, Summer Sessions, which will air Friday nights beginning July 7th. Ashley McBryde, Breland, Chris Janson, Lee Brice and Tanya Tucker will also be featured.

Maddie & Tae and Anne Wilson will perform as part of “A Covenant Knight at the Opry House” on August 7th, along with Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen, Old Dominion, Lee Brice and many more. The event will benefit The Covenant School Community Fund to continue mental health support for healing, ease the transition back into the building and equip the school for a safe, successful new year together, following the tragedy that took place at the Nashville-area school earlier this year. Following the August 7th show, “A Covenant Knight at the Grand Ole Opry House” will air for six consecutive nights on Circle Network, starting August 19th.

I’ll be performing at “A Covenant Knight at the Opry House” on August 7th, along with many other wonderful artists. This night will be benefiting The Covenant School Community Fund to continue mental health support for those affected by the tragedy that took place at Covenant… pic.twitter.com/x8t1AtL8YH

— Anne Wilson (@Annewilsonmusic) June 28, 2023

Darius Rucker will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as part of the Class of 2024. He’ll be joined by Gwen Stefani, Def Leppard, Sammy Hagar, Toni Braxton and Andre “Dr. Dre” Young, among others in the Recording category. Other famous faces who will be inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame include Chadwick Boseman (posthumously), Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kerry Washington, Eugene Levy, Ken Jeong, Christina Ricci and more.