Another unlikely partnership for Chris Stapleton, but this one I’m here for.
Chris Stapleton recently teamed up with Kendall Jenner for National Tequila Day to make some cocktails and talk about the power of sad country music. While it sounds like a very odd pairing (which don’t get me wrong, it is. And it was 100% not on my bingo card for 2025), their conversation flows so well, and the two created some great content together.
If you thought that was an odd pairing, then buckle up because this one is even more unexpected.
Before sharing his collaboration with Kendall Jenner, Stapleton stepped onto a TV set, appearing on the children’s show Sesame Street. At first glance, this seems like a very left-field appearance for Stapleton. Given that he does not appear on TV more often than necessary, he typically does the usual tour of late-night shows and award show performances, but he prefers to keep a low profile and, well, make music.
But when you take a deeper dive, it’s not that random. Stapleton and his wife, Morgane, have five children together, so it’s not uncommon to think that Stapleton has heard his fair share of Sesame Street songs over the years.
In addition, Sesame Street features a diverse range of famous musical faces to help sing educational songs to its young viewers. Country music has had a strong presence on the show over the years, with artists such as Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Loretta Lynn, Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton, Kelsea Ballerini, Carrie Underwood, and Brad Paisley performing.
If I were a parent, I’d have this episode on repeat for my kid because Stapleton’s country children’s song his honestly a heater. Given that all of Sesame Street’s shows have an educational aspect, Stapleton teaches viewers about the different emotions that songs can evoke in them. “You’ve Got A Friend In Music” tells children that no matter what they are feeling, there is a song that can help them through it.
“Music is the of your friends gathering around
And the smiles and the frowns on their faces
Music helps you feel, feelings true and real
And they’re felt by people in different places
So if you’re little or you’re grown
No, you’ll never be alone
Someone somewhere knows what you’re going through…”
Honestly, this song would hit on a Chris Stapleton record without the voices of Sesame Street characters, and would more than likely be a hit for the “White Horse” singer. Sesame Street knew what they were doing, having Stapleton perform a song about the emotions music can evoke, because no one evokes emotion like Chris Stapleton.
If Sesame Street continues to feature performers like Chris Stapleton in its rotation, today’s youth will grow up with impeccable music taste. God bless Chris Stapleton for creating music like this for children (and parents) to enjoy.
Turn it up:
