Darius Rucker memorializes two entertainment legends who died in 2017

During award shows, the “In Memoriam” segment is always one of the most popular parts of the program. It’s a chance for an entertainment industry to honor its members who have died in the past year, while giving fans another chance to appreciate their greatness.

All too often, viewers are left yearning for more as the segment is often rushed, or unable to properly convey the artist’s talents in a short span.

ABC did its best to address that issue Monday. It broadcast an hour-long program, “The Year: In Memoriam,” which paid tribute to celebrities across the spectrum of cinema, television, music and beyond who died in 2017.

An all-star cast of celebrities was called upon to talk about the wide range of performers – from Mary Tyler Moore to Tom Petty – and discuss what made them great.

ABC did a good job of finding a who’s who of popular people to pay homage to the departed. Many hailed from the same field of entertainment as those who had died, and could actually speak to their accomplishments, not just the flavor of the month grabbing for more publicity.

That’s why Darius Rucker was such a suitable choice. The former Hootie & the Blowfish front man turned country music star memorialized not one, but two of the entertainment icons who left us in 2017.

His own knowledge of multiple platforms of music and entertainment gives him a unique insight into all types of performers, and he was more than credible giving testimonials in remembrance of rock and roll icon Chuck Berry as well as country music jack-of-all trades Glen Campbell.

Wearing a black South Carolina Gamecocks baseball cap, Rucker was able to offer insights and reflections on two men who were legendary in different genres of music.

But Rucker handled the responsibility flawlessly, and if the segments were shown on separate programs the USC alum’s insights would carry the same impact.

Chuck Berry

“When I think about Chuck Berry the first thing that comes to mind is the innovative rock and roll,” Rucker said of the rock and roll pioneer who died March 18 at the age of 90. “He really heard a style of music before anybody else was playing it.

“He took the blues and took some country and a little jazz and brought it all together with his guitar sound and turned it into a whole new genre of music.”

Berry was one of modern music’s first true guitar playing stars. He was known for innovative riffs that hooked listeners, perhaps most famously with his song “Johnny B. Goode.” Considered by many to be Berry’s greatest hit, Rucker explained how vital it is to the history of rock and roll.

“That’s one of those songs that somebody comes here and doesn’t know what rock and roll is, you can play that song and I think they would all get it,” Rucker said. “You couldn’t take your eyes off him when he was on the stage.”

Perhaps the most poignant observation Rucker made was on the issue of race. As a black singer in two music industries (pop and country) dominated by white men, Rucker could probably say a lot of things about having to deal with stigmas and some of the challenges he has faced.

Berry definitely dealt with those issues as one of the first black artists who became a mainstream star. He was a trailblazer who broke barriers in his own way, and Rucker pointed that out.

“Chuck was one of those artists that transcended color. You know he was one of those artist that could go and play in white theaters because the kids wanted to see it,” Rucker said. “He’s somebody we should always remember and never forget.”

Glen Campbell

Like Berry, Campbell was an accomplished guitar player, even if their styles varied. In spite of his prowess picking, or the opportunities afforded him for his boyish looks, Campbell is best known for his voice.

Rucker did his best to capture that sound.

“Glen Campbell’s voice is like a warm Sunday morning,” Rucker said of Campbell, who died Aug. 8 at the age of 81 after battling Alzheimer’s disease. “Glen Campbell was the musicians musician and the entertainers entertainer.”

While Campbell is most commonly associated with country music, he was a crossover star who had hits on the pop charts. Campbell made history in 1967 by winning four Grammys in the country and pop categories.

He was also a star on the small and big screens. Campbell achieved success as the host of a variety show, “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour,” and was immortalized as one of the stars of the Academy Award winning film “True Grit.”

While Rucker pointed out Campbell’s versatility, he showed that he really knows Campell’s background, beyond his nine No. 1 hits.

“Being one of 12 kids, and growing up as humbly as he did, I think that music is one of those things that you cling to. When you’re 4 years old, and somebody gives you a $5 Sears guitar, you wanna go learn play that thing,” Rucker said of the icon who lived in Nashville, where Rucker has become a staple as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Rucker even got a little choked up when reflecting on one of Campbell’s final public performances. It was at the 54th Grammy Awards, where he played one of his greatest hits, “Rhinestone Cowboy.”

“That performance of ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ that he gave. It wasn’t only great because it was Glen with Alzheimer’s, it was really great because it was great.”

Rucker is a three-time Grammy-winning singer. The Charleston native and bandmates formed Hootie & the Blowfish while they were students at South Carolina. He’s known now as one of the Gamecocks biggest fans and can often be spotted at football and basketball games, including a women’s basketball game Sunday, where he sang the national anthem.

The Hootie & the Blowfish album “Cracked Rear View” went platinum 16 times in the U.S., became the best-selling album of 1995, and was one of the fastest-selling debut albums of all time.

More recently, Rucker has been touring to promote the release of his new album, “When Was the Last Time.”

Rucker has been busy when he isn’t performing, or cheering on the Gamecocks or playing golf. He came out with his own brand of whiskey, Backstage Southern Whiskey, and joined the sports agent business, partnering with MGC Sports. Rucker also has his own monthly golf talk show, “On Par with Darius Rucker,” which airs on Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio.

This story was originally published December 19, 2017 at 12:44 AM with the headline "Darius Rucker memorializes two entertainment legends who died in 2017."