Did you know that in 2015, a single eight-minute song caused a 6,000 percent explosion in record sales? It sounds like a made-up fairy tale, but it is a hard fact.
For years, Chris Stapleton stayed behind the curtain and wrote hits for other people while nobody knew his face. Then came the night he stepped into the light at the CMA Awards. That night, he performed Tennessee Whiskey. The fun part is Justin Timberlake shared the stage with him.
Chris Stapleton, Justin Timberlake – Tennessee Whiskey / Drink You Away | CMA Awards 2015
The fans who watch this today still feel that same rush of energy. One viewer wrote that they have watched this a hundred times and it still feels like the first time. Another person said that this is the day they realized real music was coming back to the radio.
That explosive night on television was just the first step on a very long road. Now, Chris is making it even more personal for his fans. In early 2026, he is breaking all the rules.
He is going on tour with a No Openers rule for his special evening shows. This is a turning point where the music becomes a direct talk between him and the audience.
Pure, honest, and minimal: Meet the trio behind Chris Stapleton’s unique sound
In this deeper look, we see that Chris does not use any of the fancy tricks most singers use today. He records his music live in a room with no computers to fix his voice. It makes the 2026 tour feel even more special because you know you are witnessing the truth.
Chris Stapleton has built a career by being the most honest man in the room. He only cares about the song and the soul behind it.
To stay close to the music, you should follow Chris Stapleton on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. His 2026 tour is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear a legend at his best.