Darius Rucker Gives Veteran A Free House


Singer Darius Rucker has given a veteran a free house. The former Hootie and the Blowfish frontman said that Daniel Branham, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, is not only a fan — he is an American hero.

Branham served 15 months in the United States Army before he was wounded by an IED in Iraq. Although he suffered life-threatening wounds, Branham managed to save nine other soldiers and drive them to safety.

Rucker presented the veteran the keys to his free house during Wednesday’s edition of the Today show.

Daniel Branham is one of 11 veterans who will each receive a free home through Darius Rucker’s initiative. As reported by Greenville Online, the initiative is also sponsored by Dr. Pepper Snapple Group’s Project Rebuild, Military Warriors Support Foundation, Walmart, and Wells Fargo.

The homes will be awarded to all 11 veterans veterans during Rucker’s summer tour. A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Rucker was raised in a family of musicians.

Although he began singing with his church and high school choirs, he aspired to start his own band.

While attending the University of South Carolina, Rucker teamed up classmates Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, and Jim Sonefeld, to form Hootie and the Blowfish.

Rucker is often mistakenly referred to as “Hootie.” However, the band’s name actually refers to two other USC students — who were not even part of the band. As reported by Biography, “one had owl-like glasses, the other had a rotund face.”

The popular rock band released five studio albums and won two Grammy Awards between 1994 and 2005. However, in 2008, Bryan, Felber, Rucker, and Sonefeld parted ways, as Rucker wanted to pursue a solo country music career.

Between 2008 and 2015, Darius Rucker released five studio albums, including a Christmas album. He was also honored with a 2013 Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance.

As reported by Look to the Stars, the talented musician is also a strong supporter of numerous charitable organizations, including Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the Special Olympics.

In his lastest initiative, Rucker will give free houses to 11 veterans, who each personify the concept of the American hero.

[Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartMedia]

Share this article: Darius Rucker Gives Veteran A Free House
More from Inquisitr