Chris Stapleton is arguably the best in the business.
The country music superstar flew under the radar for years, known around Nashville as one of the best in the business but never breaking out into the mainstream – until the release of his debut album Traveler in 2015.
Now, Stapleton is one of the biggest country artists on the planet, selling out festivals and stadiums with his powerful vocals and thoughtful songwriting, accompanied by his bluesy sound that truly makes him stand out among the crowd in today’s country music.
But not only is Stapleton loved by his fans, but also by his colleagues.
Last night, the 2023 ACM Honors highlighted the career milestones of some of the biggest names in country music. The intimate event held separately from the ACM Awards celebrates artists, but also the songwriters and country music executives who make significant contributions to the genre each year.
And this year, Chris Stapleton was the recipient of the Triple Crown Award.
To be considered for the award, you must win ACM Awards for New (Female or Male) Vocalist of the Year, (Female or Male) Vocalist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year.
Stapleton received Entertainer of the Year during the 2022 awards, gaining the final piece of the puzzle for the Triple Crown.
As only the ninth artist to ever receive the award, Stapleton was filled with gratitude as he thanked the crowd.
Marty Stuart gave Stapleton a glowing introduction before he took the stage, noting:
“His sound is so unique and so far ahead of the curve, it’s no surprise he is getting this award tonight. His fan base stretches across all genres of music; I recently witnessed this on the road with Chris this summer.
It’s so evident, Chris, that your fans and other artists alike appreciate your remarkable musicianship. Most importantly, you stick to your roots. And as I said, you come from the heart, and you’re my brother.
Congratulations, Triple Crown man, come on up.”
Stapleton then took the stage to give a heartfelt thank you to all who made his career possible.
“I am so grateful to everybody who has supported me over the years.
I’ve got to thank my wife Morgane, who’s not here with us tonight, and all my kids at home, who give up so much of their time, our energy, and our presence to let us do this thing.
It’s a wonderful and rare thing to get to do something you love so much for a living. It’s just unbelievable that I continue to get to do this, and I’m so grateful to all the country music fans…all the fans.
Anybody that ever comes to a show or hears something and tells somebody about us. That’s what has made this happen.
So thank you, everybody, we really appreciate this. I’ll cherish.”
The crowd burst into applause at the conclusion of his speech.
The War and Treaty also honored the booming voice of Stapleton by putting their powerful vocals on his track “Cold.”
The incredible cover will give you chills with the addition of violins, giving the lyrics a haunting feel.
Stapleton is seen standing from the start of the song, beyond impressed with their take on his track. Throughout the rest of the song, he is nodding his head along.
The Ryman Auditorium is filled with applause during the bridge as The War and Treaty knocks each note out of the park.
What a way to honor the works of Stapleton with a performance that will give you chills.
