Darius Rucker has been living the contents of his new memoir, Life’s Too Short, for 58 years. It wasn’t until he became an empty nester that he felt comfortable sharing his story with the world. “You don’t want your kids to be going to high school hearing, ‘I read your dad’s book,’” Rucker explained, referring to his children Cary, 29, Dani, 23, and Jack, 19. He wanted them to be old enough to handle the truths he was ready to share.
The book, released on May 28, covers Rucker’s journey from singing Al Green for his mother’s friends to achieving fame with Hootie & the Blowfish. It delves into his friendships with stars like Woody Harrelson and Tiger Woods and his challenges breaking into country music as a Black artist. “I wanted it to be like we were sitting in a bar and I was telling you my story,” Rucker said. He hopes readers will be pleasantly surprised by his journey.
Among the more personal aspects of Rucker’s story are his complicated relationships with his late father Billy and his older brother Ricky. Billy was largely absent during Rucker’s childhood, and Life’s Too Short recounts several complex reunions, including a phone call where Billy asked for $50,000. Writing about his father was therapeutic for Rucker, who realized the deep impact these experiences had on him.
Rucker also opens up about his brother Ricky, who struggled with substance abuse and was in and out of jail during Rucker’s childhood. Ricky’s death was a traumatic event that Rucker had to confront while writing the book. “I knew he affected me because once I went away to college, I was never coming home because of him,” Rucker said.
The memoir also addresses Rucker’s own issues with substance abuse during Hootie’s heyday. His ex-wife Beth played a pivotal role in helping him overcome these challenges, giving him an ultimatum that he credits with saving his life.
Rucker’s transition to country music and his impact on the genre as a Black artist are also highlighted in the book. He praises newer artists like Kane Brown and Shaboozey for following the path he helped pave and appreciates Beyoncé’s country album, Cowboy Carter.
Life’s Too Short is a heartfelt tribute to the people and places that shaped Rucker. As he prepares to tour with Hootie & the Blowfish this summer and works on a rock album with R.E.M.’s Mike Mills, Rucker remains grounded. “I’m trying to do the best I can, and people ask me all the time what I want on my tombstone,” he said. “I always say, ‘He was a nice guy.’ That’s how I really try to live my life.”
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