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Darius Rucker Gives Ray Charles a Shout-Out in New Single, ‘My Masterpiece’

Darius Rucker can’t play piano like Ray Charles—but few can. On March 12, Darius released a new single, “My Masterpiece,” that name-drops the piano-playing legend.

With his unmistakable vocals, Darius croons the laid-back lyrics: “I’ll never paint a Sistine Chapel / I can’t play piano like Ray Charles / But baby when my life is through / I hope they say my masterpiece is loving you.”

“One of the most common questions I got asked last year was if I had picked up a new hobby during quarantine,” says Darius Rucker. “I always answered that I was trying to learn piano, and someone asked if I was any good yet. [Songwriter] JT Harding heard my response in that interview—‘I can’t play piano like Ray Charles’—and knew we had to write a song around that line.”

Of course, we all know Ray Charles’ talent. No one can play the keys like this man can. But the shoutout is a beautiful tribute, either way.

Darius Rucker Goes Back to Well

Darius, JT Harding, Josh Osborne, and Ross Copperman co-penned “My Masterpiece.” The songwriting foursome was behind Darius’ most-recent No. 1 single, “Beers and Sunshine,” which topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart in February. The recent chart-topper represents Darius’ 10th No. 1 single on country radio.

What’s more, Darius’ upcoming seventh studio album will feature “Beers and Sunshine” and “My Masterpiece.”

“My Masterpiece” will impact country radio on March 22.

Southerner of the Year

In addition to releasing new music this week, Darius picked up a top honor when Southern Living named him Southerner of the Year. The South Carolina native is well-known for his philanthropic endeavors, including raising millions of dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and his support of MUSC Children’s Hospital in Charleston, S.C.

“This is the toughest time we may have seen in the history of our country,” said Darius to Southern Living. “Even when things are good, it’s amazing how many people could use help. Whether you’re supporting a charity or an orphanage or a hospital, it seems to brighten days and make people feel better—and isn’t that what you’re supposed to do?”