Columbia, SC · roots rock

Hootie & the Blowfish

1 upcoming festival

'Cracked Rear View' forever — Darius Rucker and the gang's easygoing roots-rock reunion, good-natured hits played exactly as remembered.

Hootie & the Blowfish came together in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1989, formed by students at the University of South Carolina: Darius Rucker on lead vocals, Mark Bryan on guitar, Dean Felber on bass and Jim Sonefeld on drums. The sound is straightforward roots rock and pop-rock, with jangling guitars, harmony vocals and Rucker's deep, unhurried delivery at the centre.

The group's 1994 album Cracked Rear View sold in enormous numbers and produced the singles "Hold My Hand," "Let Her Cry" and "Only Wanna Be with You." Later records followed before the band stepped back and Rucker turned to country music. The original lineup has since reunited for touring and new recordings, playing the older material largely as it was recorded.

roots rock