Darius Rucker Arrested on Misdemeanor Drug Charges in Tennessee

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Darius Rucker was reportedly arrested on three misdemeanor charges in Williamson County, Tennessee on Thursday (Feb. 1). Rucker’s attorney, Mark Puryear, said in a statement to Billboard that Rucker “is fully cooperating with authorities related to misdemeanor charges.”

Rucker, 57, who is known for his solo country hits such as “Wagon Wheel” and “Alright” as well as his hits including “Hold My Hand” as part of Hootie and the Blowfish, was booked on two misdemeanor drug charges, for simple possession and casual exchange of a controlled substance, according to TMZ.

He also received a third misdemeanor charge of a violation of Tennessee’s vehicle registration law, for expired tags on his vehicle. Rucker was brought into jail around 10 a.m. PT on Thursday and was released approximately an hour later, on bond.

Rucker has earned nine No. 1 Country Airplay hits including “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” and “Come Back Song.” His most recent album, Carolyn’s Boy, was released in October 2023. He has also won three Grammys — best country solo performance (“Wagon Wheel”), the all-genre best new artist award with Hootie and the Blowfish, and best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal, for the Hootie hit “Let Her Cry.”

Most recently, he’s enjoyed a hit collaboration with fellow artist Dax, on their song “To Be a Man.” The song reached No. 3 on Billboard’s digital song sales chart in November.

During the Billboard Power 100 party this week, Dax told Billboard that the vulnerable song “is really touching a lot of men…not only men, but women as well, and just to be part of it, I’m really thankful.”