Why Darius Rucker sings for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: 'That blew me away'

It's a gift for any country musician to step on the stage of Nashville's Ryman Auditorium — but when Darius Rucker returns there Tuesday, it'll be an especially rewarding night.

The country star and Hootie & The Blowfish frontman will host his 12th annual "Darius & Friends" concert, benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To date, Rucker's all-star shows have raised more than $2 million for St. Jude.

Rucker's support of the hospital goes hand-in-hand with embarking on his second act as a country singer. He first paid a visit while passing through Memphis on his first major country tour in 2008.

"You see these kids who are sick, and they're so happy to be there, because their caregivers are so loving and giving to them," he says.

"And then you find out that nobody ever gets a bill. That blew me away. I was just like, 'We'll figure out some way to help you guys as much as I can.'"

The annual event has given him a chance to share the stage with some of his heroes and biggest influences — country duo Foster & Lloyd leaps to mind for him, as well as Sam Bush and John Cowan of New Grass Revival.

Famous friends like Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Sheryl Crow, Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan and the late Kenny Rogers have also joined him over the years. This year, Rucker is keeping the entire lineup a surprise.

Tuesday's show is one of several dozen dates Rucker has on the books in the coming months. He kept busy while off the road in the past year, releasing singles "Beer & Sunshine" and "My Masterpiece."

He's also looking forward to Hootie & The Blowfish's first-ever "Hootiefest,"  a "destination concert event" at a Mexico resort with several other titans of everyman '90s rock: Barenaked Ladies, Blues Traveler, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Better Than Ezra and Spin Doctors among them.

"Somebody said, 'In 1997, that bill would have cost you about $8 million,'" Rucker says, before letting out a long, hearty laugh that makes it clear that's no longer the case.

"I'm so proud of what we put together. All those bands are friends and we've known them for so long. The ticket sales are crazy. It's gonna be a fun festival. I hope we keep doing it."

Tickets to Tuesday's concert start at $52, and fans can also watch from home by purchasing a livestream ticket ($25) at mandolin.com