Chris Stapleton is one of the most acclaimed and successful country artists of his generation. With his distinctive voice, soulful songwriting, and virtuosic guitar skills, he has won numerous awards and accolades, including eight Grammy Awards, 10 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 14 Country Music Association Awards.
Stapleton was born on April 15, 1978, in Lexington, Kentucky, and grew up in Staffordsville, Kentucky. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2001 to pursue a career in music. He started as a songwriter, penning hits for artists like Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Adele, and Taylor Swift. He also sang lead vocals for two bands: the bluegrass group The SteelDrivers and the rock band The Jompson Brothers.
In 2015, Stapleton released his solo debut album, Traveller, which became a critical and commercial success. The album topped the Billboard 200 chart and sold over four million copies in the US. It also earned him three Grammy Awards, including Best Country Album and Best Country Solo Performance for the title track. His rendition of "Tennessee Whiskey" with Justin Timberlake at the 2015 CMA Awards became a viral sensation and a signature song for Stapleton.
Stapleton followed up his breakthrough album with two more albums in 2017: From A Room: Volume 1 and From A Room: Volume 2. Both albums were praised for their raw and authentic sound, showcasing Stapleton's diverse influences from country, blues, rock, and soul. He won another Grammy Award for Best Country Album for From A Room: Volume 1.
In 2020, Stapleton released his fourth studio album, Starting Over, which featured collaborations with Tom Petty's Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench. The album received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, and earned Stapleton his third Grammy Award for Best Country Album. The album also spawned the hit singles "Starting Over" and "Arkansas".
Stapleton is currently working on his fifth studio album, Higher, which is set to be released on Nov. 10, 2023. He has already shared the first single from the album, "White Horse", a rocking anthem co-written with Dan Wilson of Semisonic fame. The album will also include songs like "What Am I Gonna Do", "South Dakota", "Trust", and "The Fire".
Stapleton is not only a talented musician but also a devoted husband and father. He has been married to fellow singer-songwriter Morgane Stapleton since 2007. They have five children together and often perform as a duo on stage. Morgane is also a co-producer and background vocalist on Stapleton's albums.
Stapleton is known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. He has been praised for his generosity and kindness by his peers and fans. He has also supported various causes and charities, such as MusiCares, Outlaw State of Kind, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and Habitat for Humanity.
Stapleton is one of the most influential and respected artists in country music today. He has been hailed as a modern-day legend by Rolling Stone magazine. He has also been recognized as the ACM's Artist-Songwriter of the Decade in 2022. He continues to tour across the country and around the world with his All-American Road Show tour. He is a true country soul who inspires millions with his music.