Chris Stapleton: The Voice of Modern Outlaw Country

Chris Stapleton is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his powerful, soul-inflected voice and masterful blend of country, blues, and Southern rock. Hailing from Kentucky, his solo career catapulted to mainstream success with his 2015 debut album Traveller, which has sold millions of copies and earned multiple platinum certifications.

Early Career

Long before his name became a headline act, Chris Stapleton built a formidable reputation in Nashville as a songwriter for other artists. After moving to Tennessee in 2001, he found success fronting the bluegrass band The SteelDrivers and later the rock group The Jompson Brothers. This period honed his distinct style and established him as a versatile and respected figure behind the scenes, penning hits for major country stars.

Breakthrough

Stapleton's solo breakthrough arrived in 2015 with the release of Traveller on Mercury Nashville. The album, a critical and commercial smash, debuted at number one on the US Billboard Top Country Albums chart and eventually crossed over to the top of the Billboard 200. Its success was cemented by a show-stealing performance with Justin Timberlake at the 2015 CMA Awards, which led to Traveller achieving multi-platinum status and winning the Grammy Award for Best Country Album.

Key Tracks

Traveller - The title track and lead single set the tone for his authentic, introspective songwriting style and rootsy sound.

Tennessee Whiskey - His soulful rendition of the David Allan Coe classic became a cultural phenomenon and a definitive song of his career.

Fire Away - This emotional ballad showcased the depth of his writing and vocal delivery, becoming a fan favorite and award-winning music video.

Broken Halos - The lead single from his second album, From A Room: Volume 1, won the Grammy for Best Country Song and topped the country airplay charts.

You Should Probably Leave - A hit from his 2020 album Starting Over, this track demonstrated his continued mastery of classic country storytelling and melody.

Following the phenomenon of Traveller, Stapleton released a pair of albums in 2017, From A Room: Volume 1 and Volume 2, both of which debuted at number one on the Country Albums chart and added to his collection of Grammy and CMA awards. His 2020 album Starting Over continued this streak, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and producing several chart-topping country singles. He is known for high-profile collaborations with artists like Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Pink, and Ed Sheeran, further expanding his reach beyond the country genre.

Fans of Chris Stapleton's gritty, soulful approach to country music often appreciate the work of Sturgill Simpson, who similarly blends traditional country with psychedelic and rock influences. Jason Isbell shares a commitment to profound, literary songwriting within the Americana and country-rock sphere. The raw vocal power and bluesy instrumentation of Eric Church also resonate with Stapleton's audience, while Zac Brown Band offers another take on genre-blending Southern rock and country.

Chris Stapleton's music is a staple on modern country and Americana radio formats, from mainstream country FM stations to dedicated outlaw and alternative country streams. His songs regularly feature in rotations that celebrate songcraft and vocal prowess, connecting with listeners who seek substance in their music.

The music of Chris Stapleton, from his songwriting classics to his chart-topping solo work, is featured on radio stations available through our service. Listeners can explore his catalog and hear his latest hits by tuning into the country and Americana stations accessible on our platform.