Charleston, South Carolina native Darius Rucker has been named Southern Living‘s 2021 “Southerner of the Year” in the magazine’s April issue. He is being honored for his success, his philanthropy and the inspiration he provides to others.
The magazine sites the $2 million-plus he has helped raise for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital over the last several years, as well as his role as the first Black co-host of the CMA Awards since Charley Pride in 1975.
Darius is also applauded for his support of public education and junior golf in South Carolina, and taking on the role of national chair for the new National Museum of African American Music.
He told Southern Living that he makes a point to give back “because it's the right thing to do,” adding, “You know, I'm so fortunate. Even before, when I was performing at clubs making $100 a night, we used to play a show every year for an orphanage in Columbia, (South Carolina), just because it was something we wanted to support. But really it's what my mom taught me.”
Darius recently topped the charts with “Beers And Sunshine,” the debut single from his upcoming studio album.
