Columbia, SC (AP) – Hootie & the Blowfish started at the University of South Carolina and now has memorabilia from a Grammy Award -winning rock band at the school.
On Friday, longtime fan Rick Noble donated his collection of all Hootie & the Blowfish items – including CDs, tickets, autographed guitar and T -shirt – to the school where the band was formed on 1986.
“The story of Hutt and Bluff is eternally intertwined with the University of South Carolina – it is one of the most exciting parts of our modern history,” interim president Harry Pastides said in a statement. “Rick’s collection will help capture this history and preserve it for future generations. We are extremely grateful for his understanding, dedication and generosity in sharing the gift that enriches the University Library’s music collections.
Noble, who has now retired from a nonprofit career, including longtime CEO of Richland County First Steps, said he has been collecting the group’s memorabilia since 1993, a year before the band’s debut album, Cracked. Rear View. . He said he first became interested in the band after listening to a copy of his son’s first album. He then interacted with the band members and his management when they performed at a Noble benefit concert.
“They just started selling T-shirts and other things,” Noble recalled. “And I’m just going to get out of there. It’s a treasure hunt. ‘
The band’s merchandise is the second most memorable collection of contemporary music to hit university libraries. A large collection of guitars, photos and costumes were donated by rock band KISS in 2020.
Library Dean Tom McNally said the special collections help attract science and university students and hopes other collectors and musicians will continue to donate items for display, teaching and research.
Library staff organizes, reviews, and maintains donated items, including drums, hut candles, and golf balls. Upon completion, a public viewing is scheduled.
The Nobel prize came shortly after the University of South Carolina press released a book about the band’s history, “Only Wanna Be with You: The Inside Story of Hootie & the Blowfish.”
“It’s a special and perfect time to return his collection to the UofSC Library and we couldn’t be more grateful for his support for our band and our university,” said Darius Rucker, the band’s lead singer.
Source: Huffpost
