Darius Rucker Mourns Loss of Longtime Crew Member

Darius Rucker, the popular country singer and former lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish, is mourning the loss of his longtime production manager, Jason Parkin.

Parkin, who passed away this week, had been with Rucker’s team for nearly 25 years, making him a central figure in Rucker’s touring crew.

Rucker, along with his team and family, is devastated by the sudden loss of someone they considered a brother.

Keep reading for more details!

Jason Parkin’s Long Career with Rucker and Hootie & the Blowfish

Jason Parkin, often called “Devil Boy” by those close to him, first started working with Darius Rucker in 1998.

He was hired as the production manager, a role he excelled in.

Parkin’s job involved handling many important tasks, like designing stage setups, budgeting for tours, hiring crew members, coordinating travel, managing stage events, and much more.

Over the years, Parkin became a vital part of Rucker’s team, helping to make each show a success.

In addition to working with Rucker, Parkin also worked with Hootie & the Blowfish, the rock band Rucker led before transitioning to country music.

Moreover, Parkin was a key part of their 2019 Group Therapy Tour, helping the band return to the stage after many years apart.

Hootie & the Blowfish: From College Friends to Rock Legends

Hootie & the Blowfish is a rock band that originated in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1986, formed by college friends Darius Rucker, Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, and Jim “Soni” Sonefeld.

They quickly gained popularity for their unique blend of rock, pop, and country sounds.

Their 1994 debut album, Cracked Rear View, became a massive hit, selling over 22 million copies in the U.S. alone.

It features chart-topping singles like “Hold My Hand,” “Let Her Cry,” and “Only Wanna Be with You.”

The band won two Grammy Awards and left a lasting mark on the music scene with their catchy melodies and relatable lyrics.

After a successful run, they took a hiatus in 2008, but in 2019, they made a triumphant return with a reunion tour.

They released their first new album in 14 years, Imperfect Circle, proving that their music still resonates with fans old and new.

Hootie & the Blowfish’s Imperfect Circle: Their First Album in 14 Years

Imperfect Circle is Hootie & the Blowfish’s first new album in 14 years, released on November 1, 2019, by Capitol Records Nashville.

The album was highly anticipated and featured in Entertainment Weekly and The New York Times.

Although it had mixed reviews and modest success, fans were excited for the band’s return.

The album was announced in 2018 along with their Group Therapy Tour, marking their first tour since 2008.

The band worked with producers Frank Rogers and Jeff Trott and recorded 17 songs.

Some of the songs came from solo ideas like guitarist Mark Bryan’s “Turn It Up” and “Wildfire Love,” which Darius Rucker co-wrote with pop star Ed Sheeran.

The band wanted the songs to feel real and relatable, asking writers to make them authentic.

Moreover, singles like “Rollin‘,” “Miss California,” and “Lonely on a Saturday Night” were released before the full album.

In 2020, the band added a cover of R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” to the digital version of Imperfect Circle.

Darius Rucker’s Heartfelt Tribute

Darius Rucker shared an emotional statement after Parkin’s death, calling him more than just a coworker.

“For nearly 25 years, Jason ‘Devil Boy’ Parkin was a staple in our crew,” Rucker said.

“He was more than our production manager; he was our brother. We are devastated by his passing this week. Our prayers are with his family—thank you for loaning him to us all these years.”

Rucker added, “Rest in peace, DB, til we meet again,” showing just how much Parkin meant to him and his team.

Rucker also shared a photo of Parkin working in a concert venue, capturing him in the middle of doing the work he loved.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker)

Parkin’s Impressive Career

Jason Parkin had an impressive career in the music industry.

According to his LinkedIn profile, his skills ranged from managing logistics, like loading trucks and organizing labor, to coordinating catering and stage setups for concerts.

He was an expert in every detail that goes into putting on a live show, ensuring that everything ran smoothly.

When Parkin first joined Rucker’s team in 1998, he quickly became a trusted member of the group.

Over nearly 27 years, he played a crucial role in countless tours and performances.

His dedication to his job and his ability to manage complex productions made him irreplaceable.

Darius Rucker’s Latest Album: Carolyn’s Boy

Darius Rucker released his most recent album, Carolyn’s Boy, in 2023.

The album is named after Rucker’s mother, Carolyn, to whom he was very close.

Carolyn passed away years ago, and Rucker has always spoken about how much she meant to him.

Dedicating this album to her is a way for Rucker to honor her memory and the impact she had on his life.

While celebrating the success of Carolyn’s Boy, Rucker now faces the heartbreaking loss of Parkin, someone who played a key role in his career and life for nearly three decades.

A Final Farewell to a Beloved Friend

The death of Jason Parkin is a huge loss not only for Darius Rucker but for everyone who knew him.

His hard work and dedication were instrumental in making Rucker’s tours run smoothly for so many years. His passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill.

As Rucker and his team continue to tour and make music, Parkin’s memory will live on in the shows they create together.

For Rucker, losing someone he considered family is incredibly difficult, but his heartfelt tribute shows how much Parkin meant to him and everyone he worked with.

Overview of Darius Rucker’s Biography

Conclusion

• The passing of Jason Parkin marks the end of an incredible chapter in Darius Rucker’s career, where a close-knit crew became more like family.
• For nearly 25 years, Parkin was a cornerstone in Rucker’s world, someone who made sure every tour was a success and brought life to the stage with his behind-the-scenes magic.
• His dedication and skills went far beyond his title as production manager—he was the glue that held everything together.
• While his loss leaves a deep void, Parkin’s memory will forever be honored through the music and shows he helped bring to life.
• As Rucker moves forward, he carries the weight of this loss with him.
• Parkin’s influence and presence will always be felt in every concert, every performance, and every song.
• With heartfelt tributes and lasting memories, Jason Parkin’s legacy will live on, both in the music and in the hearts of those who knew him.

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