By taking home a trio of Country Music Awards in 2015, Chris Stapleton announced his arrival at the next country music star.
Many watching this ceremony at home or reading about it the next day were left with one lingering question, however:
WHO IS CHRIS STAPLETON? We"re so glad you asked…
1. Quite the Debut
Singleton released his debut solo LP, “Traveller,” in May. It won him Album of the Year at the CMAs.
2. An Industry Veteran
Can we really call him a “newcomer?” The Kentucky native moved to Tennessee in 2001. Since that time, he has worked as a songwriter for 15 years, teaming with such major artists as Adele. However, he didn’t get his big break until he signed with Warner Chappell Music as a solo artist in January 2014.
3. You’ve Known him For Years… Without Really Knowing Him
Stapleton both wrote and did backup vocals for Adele’s “If It Hadn’t Been for Love,” Luke Bryan’s “Drink a Beer,” Kenny Chesney’s “Never Wanted Nothing More,” Blake Shelton’s “100 Miles,” and “Too Fast” for Jason Aldean. That’s quite the resume!
4. Banding Together
Before going off on his own, Chris was the lead singer for the band SteelDrivers from 2008 to 2010. He also founded the Southern rock band The Jompson Brothers and opened for the Zac Brown Band in 2010 as part of that group.
5. What About Movies and Television?
Yup, he’s dipped his talented toes into these waters, too. Stapleton has contributed to the soundtracks of 2010’s Country Strong and 2010’s Valentine’s Day. He also has writing credits on installments of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Apprentice, Late Night with Seth Meyers and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
6. He’s Taken
Stapleton has a son and daughter with his wife, singer-songwriter Morgane. He’s quite smitten with her, telling the CMA audience after winning Male Vocalist of the Year: “I gotta thank my wife again. She always pushes me to be the best I can be and do anything.”