Wagon Wheel Old Crow Medicine Show Darius Rucker
Wagon Wheel is a song that has become a staple in American folk music. It was originally written by Bob Dylan in the 1970s but was never completed. Old Crow Medicine Show, a string band from Nashville, Tennessee, finished the song and released it in 2004. The song gained popularity over the years and was later covered by Darius Rucker, bringing it to a wider audience. In this article, we'll explore the origins of the song, the story of Old Crow Medicine Show, and how Darius Rucker's version became a hit.
The Origins of Wagon Wheel
Bob Dylan wrote the chorus for Wagon Wheel in the 1970s but never finished the song. The chorus, "Rock me mama like a wagon wheel, rock me mama any way you feel," was recorded during the Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid sessions. Dylan gave the unfinished song to his friend, the musician and producer Jim Keltner, who gave it to his friend, the musician and producer, Billy Swan. Swan recorded a demo of the song, but it was never released.
Fast forward to the 1990s, when a student at the University of North Carolina discovered the demo and shared it with his friend, Ketch Secor, who was a member of Old Crow Medicine Show. Secor was inspired by the chorus and wrote the verses, creating the completed version of the song. The band started playing the song at their shows, and it quickly became a fan favorite. They recorded it for their album, O.C.M.S., which was released in 2004.
The Story of Old Crow Medicine Show
Old Crow Medicine Show is a string band that formed in 1998 in New York City. The band consists of Ketch Secor, Critter Fuqua, Kevin Hayes, Morgan Jahnig, Chance McCoy, and Cory Younts. They got their start busking on street corners and playing in subway stations, and eventually made their way to Nashville, Tennessee. They were discovered by the musician David Rawlings, who helped them get a record deal. They released their first album, O.C.M.S., in 2004, which included the now-famous Wagon Wheel. The band has since released several more albums and has become known for their high-energy live shows.
Darius Rucker's Cover of Wagon Wheel
In 2013, Darius Rucker released a cover of Wagon Wheel on his album, True Believers. The song became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earning Rucker a Grammy nomination. Rucker's version of the song features a more polished sound than Old Crow Medicine Show's original, with added instruments like electric guitar and drums. Rucker's cover also includes a guest appearance by Lady Antebellum, who provide backing vocals.
Rucker has said that he has been a fan of Old Crow Medicine Show for years and that he was drawn to Wagon Wheel because of its infectious melody and relatable lyrics. He has also said that he was nervous about covering such a beloved song but that he wanted to put his own spin on it.
The Legacy of Wagon Wheel
Wagon Wheel has become a beloved song in American folk music, with countless covers and renditions by musicians of all genres. The song's popularity can be attributed to its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and the fact that it appeals to a wide range of audiences. It's a song that can be played at a bluegrass festival, a college party, or a wedding reception.
Wagon Wheel has also brought attention to Old Crow Medicine Show, who continue to tour and release music. The band has said that they are grateful for the success of the song and that they never expected it to become as popular as it has.
In conclusion, Wagon Wheel is a song that has taken on a life of its own. From its origins as an unfinished Bob Dylan song to its status as a modern-day classic, the song has captured the hearts of music fans around the world. Whether you prefer the raw energy of Old Crow Medicine Show's original or the polished sound of Darius Rucker's cover, there's no denying the power of Wagon Wheel.