Before Darius Rucker became a darling of the Nashville scene, he was the frontman for Hootie & the Blowfish, whose big crowds and widespread popularity he left behind to start his career over from scratch to take on country music. Las Vegas Magazine’s Susan Stapleton talked to him about his Oct. 18 show at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and his transition into country.

The impression is that country music can be a very insular place. Did you encounter that, coming from the rock industry?

You know, it was a lot of hard work to get in. When I made my record deal, I went to 110 radio stations and did all the footwork. There were some naysayers. When they heard the music, they changed their minds. I did have to start all over again. When I signed with Capitol Records, I told them that I wanted to do all the things a new guy would do.

On True Believers, you collaborated with Sheryl Crow, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott. Do you feel like country music has become more of a crossover music scene?

I don’t know about that. Country music has its own scene and way of life.

The Joint is a really big venue. When you look out, do you see a melding of your fans?

It’s very much a mixture of both, a lot of country fans and old Hootie fans. I also get the people that when I play the Hootie & the Blowfish songs don’t know what I’m playing. The younger kids haven’t heard it.

I read that Brad Paisley was the one who asked you to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Why was this one of your childhood dreams?

The Opry has always been a big deal. It’s been around so long. It’s the mother church of country music. It’s family and being accepted. For me, that was the moment that I knew I made it.

Paisley also asked if you were still the worst poker player in the world.

I am the worst. My face tells you what I have. We played a lot of poker. I don’t think I ever won.

You’ve partnered with the PGA Tour on “Together, Anything’s Possible.” I hear you like golf even more than singing. Do you have a favorite golf course here?

I don’t know if I like it more than singing. It’s my only hobby outside of family and my job. Anytime I can play, I do. I like to play the course at Wynn.

You’re also a huge Miami Dolphins fan. When are the Fins going to return to the Super Bowl?

This year, this is our year. I say that every year.