The Story Behind 'Tennessee Whiskey': From George Strait's Missed Opportunity to Chris Stapleton's Historic Milestone
George Strait, known as the "King of Country" in the 80s and 90s, was highly sought after to record songs. Dean Dillon was fortunate to have Strait record around 60 of his songs. However, there was one significant song that Strait turned down. During a Facebook livestream with Kacey Musgraves, Strait revealed that he passed on recording "Tennessee Whiskey," a song written by Dean Dillon. Despite being pitched the song in the 80s, Strait chose not to record it, acknowledging that he missed out on it. Chris Stapleton later covered the song in 2015 and received critical acclaim for his rendition.
Before Chris Stapleton's version, "Tennessee Whiskey" had been recorded twice, first by David Allen Coe in 1981 and then by George Jones in 1983. Stapleton's performance of the song at the CMA Awards in 2015 propelled its popularity, leading to him winning three awards that night. In January 2026, Stapleton's version of "Tennessee Whiskey" achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first country song to receive a Double Diamond Certification, with 20 million units sold in the U.S. alone.
The Recording Industry Association of America acknowledged Chris Stapleton's achievement, praising his vocal talent and storytelling ability that resonated with fans. The RIAA celebrated the song's historic milestone, recognizing it as a defining moment in Stapleton's career. Despite being written decades ago, "Tennessee Whiskey" continues to surpass expectations and remains a timeless country classic.