Hootie & the Blowfish return to Billboard’s country charts with Scotty McCreery collaboration … More
Three decades ago, Hootie & the Blowfish helped reshape the sound of rock music on American radio. The band introduced its signature blend of heartland rock, alternative influences, and even touches of grunge, pushing a different kind of sound into the mainstream with hits like “Hold My Hand,” “Let Her Cry,” and “Time.”
The group’s time at the top was relatively brief, and for many years, the band remained quiet as frontman Darius Rucker pursued a hugely successful solo career in country music. Now, the rockers are back on the charts, blending styles and scoring a new win in the process.
Hootie & the Blowfish and Scotty McCreery’s New Hit
This week, the former Best New Artist Grammy winners are enjoying a new era of success thanks to a collaboration with a country favorite. Hootie & the Blowfish recently joined American Idol winner Scotty McCreery on his single “Bottle Rockets,” which has now spent several weeks gaining traction in the country genre.
The tune rises to new peak positions on both the Country Digital Song Sales and Country Airplay charts this time around, ascending to Nos. 9 and 24, respectively.
Hootie & the Blowfish’s New All-Time Career Peaks
“Bottle Rockets” now marks a new all-time high for Hootie & the Blowfish on both of those rankings. Previously, the band had peaked at No. 30 on the Country Airplay chart with its own “Hold On,” which debuted in that spot in October 2019. That same cut nearly cracked the top 10 on the Country Digital Song Sales list, but instead managed just a single week at No. 11 in fall 2019.
Hootie & the Blowfish Reaches the Hot Country Songs Chart
The team-up between Hootie & the Blowfish and McCreery also debuts on the Hot Country Songs chart, the multi-metric tally that blends sales, streams, and radio airplay. The collaborative effort launches at No. 47 — a solid start, though not a new peak for either Hootie & the Blowfish or McCreery.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2025/06/23/hootie–the-blowfish-chart-higher-than-ever-on-several-billboard-lists/