No. 1 Celebration: Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel”

Pictured (L-R): Gaylord Entertainment/Grand Ole Opry’s Steve Buchanan, SESAC’s Tim Fink, co-writer Ketch Secor, BMI’s Clay Bradley, Darius Rucker, producer Frank Rogers, and Capitol Nashville’s Mike Dungan. Photo: Rick Diamond

Monday night (Sept. 16), guests gathered at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium to celebrate Darius Rucker’s No. 1 hit “Wagon Wheel.” BMI and SESAC hosted the celebration on the Ryman’s stage, where guests wandered in the footsteps of so many storied performers. Written by Ketch Secor and icon Bob Dylan (who was not present), “Wagon Wheel” is published by Blood Donor Music and Special Rider Music.

BMI’s Clay Bradley welcomed the crowd, congratulating both Rucker and the song’s writers. “Where else would Bob Dylan, Ketch Secor and Darius Rucker come together but in Nashville, Tennessee,” he said before handing Secor a BMI guitar to celebrate his first No. 1. “We expect big hits to come out of that guitar,” he joked.

The song’s producer Frank Rogers stepped up to briefly discuss the story behind “Wagon Wheel” and Rucker’s fervor to record it. SESAC’s Tim Fink joined the stage to present special plaques and praise “Wagon Wheel,” saying, “’It’s been done in folk and bluegrass and now Darius Rucker brings it to country in a way I don’t think anyone else could.”

UMG’s Mike Dungan commanded the crowd’s attention, taking the stage to present “Impaler Awards” and honor the song. “It’s great to make music that has some impact, but it’s great to work with someone that changes your life,” he said, referencing his friendship with Rucker.

Presentations followed by Country Radio Broadcaster’s Bill Mayne and The Opry’s Steve Buchanan, who revealed plans to induct Old Crow Medicine Show into the Opry Tuesday evening, Sept. 17. Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox was also present to announce that a contribution had been made in the writers’ names to the Martha O’Bryan Center, where Secor volunteers.

Secor took the microphone to convey thanks and discuss the meaning of his first No. 1 song. “I’m humbled but ever so proud to share this song and this special night with my hero Bob Dylan,” he said.

Finally, Rucker expressed his gratitude, saying, “This is my sixth No. 1 in country music and that’s amazing to me. It’ll probably be the biggest song I ever have.” The singer ended his speech by turning to Secor and saying, “The best thing that came out of this for me was my friendship with Ketch.”

After the presentations ended, guests continued to mingle on the stage while evening light filtered through the Ryman’s stained glass windows.