About the Song
A slow-burning ballad of redemption and devotion—where heartbreak is healed with love, and the soul pours out smoother than the finest pour.
When Chris Stapleton stepped onto the stage of the 2015 CMA Awards and sang “Tennessee Whiskey” alongside Justin Timberlake, country music had one of its most iconic modern moments. But the song itself? That was already a classic. What Stapleton did was transform it—revive it with grit, soul, and a voice that felt carved from oak and fire.
Originally written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove, and first recorded in 1981 by David Allan Coe, “Tennessee Whiskey” found greater popularity with George Jones’ 1983 version. But when Stapleton released his rendition on his debut solo album, Traveller, in 2015, he gave the song an entirely new identity—not just country, but blues, soul, and Southern gospel all rolled into one smoky, tender plea.
With a slow groove inspired by Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind”, Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” became a masterclass in restraint and emotion. Backed by a gentle electric guitar, warm organ, and a rhythm section that lets every note breathe, he delivers each line with aching conviction. “You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey / You’re as sweet as strawberry wine…”—his voice doesn’t just sing the words, it pours them like honey, aged and true.
The beauty of this version lies not only in its vocal power, but in its emotional weight. It’s a song about being saved—not by a miracle, but by love. The narrator has lived hard, tasted bitterness, and walked alone. But in the arms of someone kind and constant, he finds something purer than any bottle.
Since its release, Stapleton’s version has become a cultural touchstone, going multi-platinum and reaching fans far beyond the boundaries of country music. It’s played at weddings, heartbreak nights, and long road trips. Because when Chris Stapleton sings “Tennessee Whiskey,” it feels like he’s singing your story, too.