Jason Parkin of Raleigh, North Carolina, has died unexpectedly. Darius Rucker’s touring family is in mourning at the passing of a longtime collaborator who worked with him for more than 20 years. Poetically, Production Manager, Jason Parkin (Devil Boy), passed away the day after the trip concluded – as though he knew it would interrupt them.
Darius Rucker Mourns
Jason Parkin, Rucker’s longtime production manager, passed away this week. Parkin, who was from Raleigh, North Carolina, also contributed to the 2019 Group Therapy Tour of Hootie & the Blowfish, headlined by Rucker.
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Jason ‘Devil Boy’ Parkin was a mainstay in the crew for about twenty-five years. He was more than our production manager, he was our brother,” Rucker says in a statement. “The news of his passing this week breaks our hearts. We appreciate you lending him to us for all these years, and our thoughts are with his family.”
Regarding Jason Parkin “Devil Boy”
So many cherished the relationship and eagerly anticipated seeing him whenever they had the chance. He never took a break from his profession. In addition to writing the set lists, he ensured sure your inebriated, foolish friend had a backstage pass. The Hootie & Blowfish family will never be the same without the Devil Boy. Despite his hectic and anxious schedule, he never failed to smile at you anytime you locked eyes. The fans will always love you, DB. They appreciate him providing them with the most exquisite backdrops for the live performances. On his deathbed, no one else could have carried on with his daily task.
About Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker is one of the most intriguing success stories in country music. He is one of the very few rock musicians to successfully cross over into country, and perhaps the only contemporary one to stay. He’s also one of a very few African American performers to succeed in the country genre. Rucker was very well-established in a career as the singer of Hootie & the Blowfish, and had also released one R&B solo album when he signed to Capitol Records Nashville in 2008. He released his country debut, ‘Learn to Live,’ later that year, and scored a No. 1 hit with its lead single, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” marking the first time a black solo performer held the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart since Charley Pride in 1983. He followed up with two more No. 1 hits, “It Won’t Be Like This for Long” and “Alright,” from the same project. Rucker has followed up with three more country solo albums, and built an impressive resume in the genre that rivals his previous rock career, with additional No. 1 hits including “Come Back Song,” “This” and “Wagon Wheel.” He was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2012.
Summary
Jason’s funeral service and obituary will be relayed by his family at a date of their own volition. Please keep them in your loving thoughts and prayers as they go through this painful time.
