Darius Rucker was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville on Wednesday (October 4th) in front of family, friends, industry executives and fans. Darius’ favorite all-time wrestler, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, was in attendance to induct the multi-platinum country superstar.
Flair, who has been friends with Darius for decades, regaled the delighted crowd with humorous and bawdy stories of himself hanging out with the multi-platinum singer, but became particularly emotional when talking about what a great person Darius is, saying he was a “second-to-none musician” and “one of the greatest human beings we’ve all ever been gifted to know.” He also told the story of when he almost died, and Darius rerouted his tour bus to come and visit him and gave him 20 bottles of Dom Perignon.
Darius, with a catch in his throat and tears in his eyes, thanked his family, including daughter Dani, sisters and brothers and more, for the sacrifices they made as he pursued his musical dreams. “I’m just a kid from South Carolina who got lucky twice, so I’m shocked and humbled that I’m here,” said Darius.
Don McLean of “American Pie” fame, rock and roll guitarist Duane Eddy, and former record-label executive Joe Galante were also inducted into the Walk of Fame, and the four become the 101st, 102nd, 103rd and 104th stars. Inductees are recognized for their significant work of preserving the musical heritage of Nashville and for contributing to the world through song. Vince Gill, who was first signed to RCA Records by inductee Joe Galante, talked about Joe’s unwavering support and his long friendship.
Darius is set to release his new album, Carolyn’s Boy, on Friday (October 6th).
What a feeling watching @RicFlairNatrBoy reveal @dariusrucker’s star on #MusicCityWalkofFame! ⭐️ It’s a great day in Music City! @gibsonguitar https://t.co/VzwJS5VH4C pic.twitter.com/QiO7WGb92Z
— Nashville Tennessee (@visitmusiccity) October 4, 2023
When asked what Nashville means to @dariusrucker, he said “To me, Nashville means music. Not just Country Music, but all kinds of music! It’s camaraderie, and it’s friendship!”#MusicCityWalkOfFame | @gibsonguitar pic.twitter.com/p8r0bQgKr8
— Nashville Tennessee (@visitmusiccity) October 4, 2023
Audio / Darius Rucker talks about his friendship with legendary wrestler Ric Flair.
DownloadDarius Rucker (Ric Flair) OC: …that close. :33
“Wild is an understatement. Rick and I’ve been friends for 30 years or something like that, and he’s one of my best buddies. Growing up, he was so important to me. Growing up, I was a wrestling fan, and he was so important to me. And when the Walk of Fame came up here, he was the first person we thought of to do it. And he’s such a great guy. He’s such a character. He is exactly what you think he is, like what he does and what he says is not a character, that’s exactly who he is. And I’m just so proud that he’s going to come and do that for me, and it just warms my heart to know that Rick and I are that close.”
