Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has extended its worldwide publishing agreement with multi-platinum selling artist/songwriter Darius Rucker.

The agreement encompasses his forthcoming album as well as previous works, Learn to Live, and Charleston, SC 1966.

Kent Earls, executive vice president/general manager, UMPG Nashville said: “We’re thrilled to extend our already successful relationship with Darius Rucker.

“Darius has raised the bar with his upcoming album and we look forward to many more years of hit songs, including the newest single, True Believers.”

Rucker commented: “UMPG has been a partner from the beginning – since Learn To Live – and they are as passionate about my music as I am.

“For me, that’s what’s it’s all about. I can hardly wait to share this new music with the fans.”

Rucker’s platinum-selling debut album, Learn to Live (Capitol Records Nashville) went to No.5 on the Billboard 200 Top Albums chart and became No.1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums.

It produced three hit singles (Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It, It Won’t Be Like This For Long, and Alright) that reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. All of the songs were co-written by Rucker.

In 2009, he won top honors from the Country Music Association (CMA) including New Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year at the Country Music Awards.

Rucker, managed by McGhee Entertainment, has sold over 25 million albums – both as a solo artist and as a member of the band Hootie & the Blowfish. [MusicWeek]