Spotlight Series: American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet Member Darius Rucker

The next American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet member in our spotlight series has conquered two genres of music over two decades. Beginning in 1986 with his rock band, Hootie & the Blow Fish, Darius Rucker swayed crowds with his deep intriguing voice.



In 1995, Rolling Stone acknowledged Rucker as the first African-American front man of an otherwise white rock band. Overcoming racial norms would become a pattern for Rucker when in 2008, he reintroduced himself to the world as a country singer. His single, “Don’t think I don’t think about it” became the first top 20 country hit recorded by an African American since 1988.

When Rucker isn’t topping the charts or defying racial norms, he can be found supporting good causes. In 2010, Rucker helped raise over $1.7 million to go towards the relief efforts in Nashville, Tennessee after the city was devastated by floods. A portion of these proceeds went directly to the American Red Cross, making Rucker an integral member of the celebrity council.

"Whether it is a call to action for blood drives, disaster relief, or just community outreach, the American Red Cross does an extraordinary job at not only meeting the immediate needs of a community, but also the preparation and planning for long-term support," says Rucker. "I am honored that they would include me in the Cabinet as a member and contributor."