Where did hootie and the blowfish get started?

Hootie and the Blowfish originated in Columbia, South Carolina, in the late 1980s. The band was formed by lead vocalist Darius Rucker, guitarist Mark Bryan, bassist Jim "Soni" Sonefeld, and drummer Dean Felber while they were students at the University of South Carolina. They gained popularity performing at local bars and colleges before releasing their breakthrough album, "Cracked Rear View," in 1994.