Musicians On Call Honors Darius Rucker, Celebrates Millions Of Moments At Gala

The nonprofit brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments, and the sold-out event raised more than $250,000 for the organization to further its mission and deliver the healing power of music to more people nationwide.

The special evening featured performances by Sam Hunt, The War And Treaty, Jon Pardi and Charles Esten, and honored Darius Rucker and Universal Music Group Nashville’s Leigh Parr Malleus for more than a decade of support. The event was also shared via livestream with caregivers at MOC’s hospital partners across the country.

Rucker was recognized by actor, singer/songwriter and MOC Board member Charles Esten as he received the Music Heals Golden Ukulele for performing at the bedsides and virtually for adult and pediatric patients, veterans and hospital staff. He was treated to a special congratulatory video filled with messages of thanks from the many facilities where he has volunteered.

“Thank you for letting me be a part of this organization. I’ve been lucky enough to do it for a long time and I can’t tell you what it’s like to go into a hospital and play for someone who’s sick, and for their family. To see their faces and how you’ve given them a brief moment to not think about all that’s going on in their lives. To give them a moment to feel happy and feel love, that means a lot to me,” said Rucker. “Musicians On Call I will be there for you whenever you need me, and I am truly honored tonight.”

Malleus received the Leadership in Music Golden Ukulele from MOC Executive Vice President Katy Epley, and was honored for serving as a Volunteer Guide in Nashville-area hospitals and introducing some of the biggest names in country music to Musicians On Call’s mission.

“This was a monumental night for Musicians On Call as we celebrated the first million people we’ve served and look ahead to the next million. It was a thrill to spotlight some of the incredible stories of hope and healing that transpired with us during the pandemic, and to honor devoted volunteers like Darius Rucker and Leigh Parr Malleus who have helped us make those moments happen,” said Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “It wouldn’t have been a celebration without the artists who gave unforgettable performances, and the hundreds of guests who came out in support of our mission. Thanks to their generosity, we can continue expanding our programs and creating innovative ways to share the healing power of music in facilities nationwide.”

Musicians On Call also unveiled a groundbreaking online platform that will transform MOC’s program delivery model to help the organization meet the growing demand for its programs from both hospitals and volunteers. It will allow hospitals, staff, patients and volunteers to connect more quickly and seamlessly, making live music in a healthcare facility truly “on call.” With the new platform, the organization will have the ability to reach ten times the number of people it currently serves.