Chris Stapleton Biography

The American bluegrass and country music performer Chris Stapleton was born in 1978 in Lexington, Kentucky and grew up in the town of Staffordsville. After graduating from high school, Chris initially began to pursue studies in engineering, but left university after one year to pursue a career as a country music singer.

After moving to Nashville, Chris signed his first publishing contract and joined his first bluegrass group, The Steeldrivers. During this time, as a songwriter he co-wrote music for such notable artists as Patty Loveless (“Higher Than the Wall”); Trace Adkins (“Swing”); Lee Ann Womack (“Either Way”); and Alan Jackson (“Talk Is Cheap.”) He also remained with The Steeldrivers for three years, during which time they scored a few bluegrass hits, but in 2010 he moved on to found The Jompson Brothers.

With Chris on lead vocals, The Jompson Brothers released their self-titled debut album independently, garnering some attention for the group but even more attention for Chris. Ultimately, the band’s moderate success led to an offer from Mercury Nashville for Chris as a solo artist, and Stapleton signed to the label as a in 2013.

Chris Stapleton’s debut single, “What Are You Listening To,” arrived later that year, followed by the debut album, Traveller, in the spring of 2015. The album was a huge hit, rising to the number one spot on the country charts and mainstream charts, and resulting in multiple 2015 CMA Awards, including: New Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Album of the Year. The album also earned Christ Stapleton Grammy Awards for Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Album.

Since that time, Stapleton’s career has been on a steady rise. He most recently delighted audiences with his performance alongside Justin Timberlake at the 2015 Country Music Awards, performing the songs “Drink You Away” and “Tennessee Whiskey.”