Chris Stapleton's 'Tennessee Whiskey': A Double Diamond Country Classic
Chris Stapleton's rendition of the classic track "Tennessee Whiskey" has made history by becoming the first country song to achieve a double diamond certification from the RIAA, indicating 20 million units sold. While the RIAA has yet to officially confirm this status on their website, the song is currently listed as 17 times platinum as of November 2024. Once verified, "Tennessee Whiskey" will join the ranks of only a few other songs to reach double diamond status, such as Bruno Mars' "Just The Way You Are" and the Post Malone/Swae Lee collaboration "Sunflower."
Originally written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove, "Tennessee Whiskey" was first released by David Allen Coe in 1981, followed by a cover from George Jones in 1983. Chris Stapleton, an established country songwriter, included his bluesy rendition of the song on his debut album "Traveler" in 2015. Despite not being released as an official single or receiving a music video, Stapleton's version gained immense popularity after a performance with Justin Timberlake at the 2015 CMA Awards, propelling it to #20 on the Hot 100 chart.
Since then, "Tennessee Whiskey" has become a fan favorite and a staple in Stapleton's live performances. The song's enduring appeal and soulful delivery have solidified its place as one of Stapleton's standout tracks. With its rich history and widespread acclaim, "Tennessee Whiskey" continues to captivate audiences and showcase Stapleton's exceptional talent.