Chris Stapleton
The singer-songwriter whose fourth album *Starting Over* won Best Country Album at the 64th Grammy Awards.
Chris Stapleton is an American musician whose fourth studio album, *Starting Over*, was released on November 13, 2020, by Mercury Nashville. The album won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album at the 64th Grammy Awards. Stapleton's work is characterized by a blend of country, soul, and rock influences, and he is known for his songwriting and vocal performances.
- Role
- Singer-Songwriter and Guitarist
- Affiliation
- Mercury Nashville
- Status
- Active
- Primary Instruments
- Vocals, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
- Musical Style
- Country Soul, Southern Rock, Blues
Lore & Background
Stapleton's album *Starting Over* features fourteen tracks produced with Dave Cobb, with writing contributions from John Fogerty, Mike Henderson, Mike Campbell, Susanna Clarke, and Guy Clark. In an interview with Vulture Magazine, Stapleton described the album as 'very reactionary and in the moment,' contrasting it with his earlier work where songs 'sat around for a number of years.' He noted that this project is 'much more about my current day-to-day life.' The album received generally positive reviews, with a Metacritic score of 81 based on 10 reviews, indicating 'universal acclaim.'
In Their Own Story
When *Starting Over* was released on November 13, 2020, it debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, selling 103,000 units in its first week. Critics noted its experimental nature: Jonathan Bernstein of Rolling Stone wrote that the album 'feels comfortable experimenting with whatever its author throws at it,' while Chris Willman of Variety observed that it includes 'not just one but two Guy Clark covers that pay homage to one of Stapleton's songwriting heroes.' Jeremy Winograd of Slant Magazine highlighted the 'sparse and uncluttered' arrangements and the 'raw' quality of Stapleton's voice, also noting the vocal presence of his wife Morgane.
Reader's Guide
Chris Stapleton is a singer-songwriter and musician whose career is marked by his work on the album *Starting Over*. The album was produced by Dave Cobb and Stapleton himself, and it features contributions from notable songwriters including John Fogerty and Guy Clark. Stapleton's approach to this album was more immediate and personal than his previous work, as he explained in a Vulture Magazine interview: 'This project is much more about my current day-to-day life.' The album's critical reception was strong, with a Metacritic score of 81, and it achieved commercial success by debuting at number three on the US Billboard 200 with 103,000 units sold in its first week.
Did You Know?
- Chris Stapleton's album *Starting Over* won Best Country Album at the 64th Grammy Awards.
- The album features writing contributions from John Fogerty, Mike Henderson, Mike Campbell, Susanna Clarke, and Guy Clark.
- *Starting Over* debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, selling 103,000 units in its first week.
- The album received a Metacritic score of 81, indicating 'universal acclaim' based on 10 reviews.
- Stapleton described *Starting Over* as 'very reactionary and in the moment,' contrasting it with his earlier work where songs 'sat around for a number of years.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chris Stapleton?
Chris Stapleton is an influential American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for blending traditional country with soul, blues, and rock influences. Before his solo fame, he spent years writing hit songs for other major Nashville artists.
What are Chris Stapleton's primary musical roles and instruments?
He serves as a lead vocalist and masterful guitarist who plays both electric and acoustic styles to create his signature sound. His performances often highlight his deep, soulful voice alongside complex blues-rock guitar work.
How did Chris Stapleton first gain major public attention?
His breakthrough moment occurred during the 2013 CMA Awards, where he delivered a powerful performance that introduced his raw talent to a global audience. This event marked his transition from a behind-the-scenes songwriter to a headlining star.
Why is Chris Stapleton considered important in modern music?
He redefined contemporary country by successfully merging vintage aesthetics and traditional sounds with the energy of Southern rock and blues. His authenticity has inspired a new generation of artists to prioritize songwriting and instrumental skill over polished production.
What is Chris Stapleton's current status in the music industry?
He remains an active and highly celebrated figure, currently releasing music through his own label, Stapleton Music Group, and Mercury Nashville. His career continues to thrive as he tours worldwide and releases critically acclaimed albums.
More in Collaborators & Band Members
Elsewhere in the Chris Stapleton universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record