It turns out that Darius Rucker has sung “The Star-Spangled Banner” a lot. What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July in Charleston than by watching 30 minutes of Hootie frontman and Grand Ole Opry member Darius Rucker singing the anthem a capella? Happy Fourth.
1995 World Series Game One – Braves vs. Indians
Score: 8/10
He’s young and damn he’s already got it. Should’ve gone for the “Home of the Braves” though.
2013 NBA Finals Game 5 – Heat vs. Spurs
Score: 4/10
Starts off a little weak, seems tired. Not a great effort. Boring NBA Finals anyway.
2014 College of Charleston game – CofC vs. James Madison University
Score: 7/10
Definitely stronger than his NBA Finals performance. Maybe he was putting on a little for the hometown crowd, but also definitely holding back a little bit. Super Bowl could be coming around the corner, y’know?
2010 Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway
Score: 6/10
Rocking a USC shirt, can’t hate on that too much. Looks a little wet — sloppy track. Let’s blame a few off notes on the rain, how bout that? Late point for the F-18 flyover.
2014 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race
Score: 6/10
Definitely feeling this one from the start. Gamecocks fleece again. A bit speedy down the backstretch, but sticks the landing just fine. No flyover.
2014 Charleston Stingrays game
Score: 7/10
Some sketchy intro work here while Sir Darius waits, but our man didn’t waste any time once he stepped onto the ice and does the stars and stripes a good honor in ye olde North Charleston Coliseum.
2014 Final Four – UConn vs. Kentucky
Score: 5/10
A nice assist from the high school choir here, but still not a bad performance for the Dallas crowd. Bonus points for Calipari losing.
2016 Indianapolis 500
Score: 8/10
Bit of a surprise here, a nice slowed down performance that turned out pretty good. Video not great, unfortunately.
2017 Saints-Dolphins game in London
Score: 7/10
“The Star-Spangled Banner” being sung at an American football game in jolly old England. Got ’em. A good version here. Did the anthem proud despite the London fog. But a dash for the French jacket, should’ve just brought an L.L. Bean. Nice misdirection with the Lacoste though.
2009 Monday after Masters event
Score: 6/10
A fine effort here. Included because Darius hosts this event and essentially hired himself to sing the anthem. Power move.
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