Darius Rucker was popularly known for his rocker persona in the past that's why many fans were surprised when he suddenly changed genres. More recently, the musician opened up about why he decided to retire from being a rock star to pursue being a country singer.

The musician walked the red carpet of this year's CMT Music Awards and he gave more context about his transition in an interview with Fox News.

Rucker was formerly known as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, he told the outlet that there was a moment when he and his bandmates had a meeting where they opened up about not going on tour anymore.

After speaking to his pals, he took the risk and went to Nashville to figure out what was next for him.

"We said we weren't going to tour anymore. So I knew it was time for me to go to Nashville and see if I could do it," he said. (via Outsider)

Darius Rucker Says First Country Record Was Pressured to be Successful

Elsewhere in the conversation, the musician revealed there was pressure for his debut album in the country scene to be successful.

Since he already has somebody paying for his music project, his first thought was he hopes of making another one.

READ MORE: Coachella 2023 Live Stream: Here's How to Watch the Festival on YouTube

"I didn't really expect the success that I've got but I'm really glad it happened," he added. Rucker released his album "Learn to Live" in September 2008 under Capitol Nashville Records. The album was produced by Frank Rogers.

Darius Rucker Country Music: People Were Skeptical With His Music at First

The vocalist came from a rock background that's why there were many people in Nashville, Tennessee, who were skeptical of him as they didn't think he could sing songs under the country genre.

Despite other people's judgment, the singer didn't give up and continued pursuing his fashion.

"You know, when I very first started it was a lot of naysayers and everything... But once I had hit you know, I think acceptance started," he added.

Fortunately for Rucker, he continued his path and later became a successful country singer. Today, it appears that the singer doesn't have any plans of stopping soon as he noted in the interview that he's enjoying and music has been a dream of his since he was four that's why it's "pretty cool" that he gets to do it at the age of 56.

READ MORE: George Michael 'Careless Whisper': Classic Song Achieves This BIG Milestone on YouTube

Join the Discussion