Chris Stapleton quickly became a household name in 2015 after his debut album, Traveller, became a favorite of music elites that it swept just about every award at the 2015 Country Music Association Awards. Not only that, but he also stole the show with an iconic performance with his pal Justin Timberlake.
Stapleton’s album then went to No. 1 and even earned four nominations from the Grammy Awards. Through the years, he kept on earning recognitions left and right.
While some may think Stapleton came out of nowhere, what most people don’t know is that he moved to Nashville in 2001, kicking off his career as a songwriter for other music artists. He spent his days whipping up hits for Alan Jackson, Thomas Rhett, Darius Rucker, and a lot more!
Keep scrolling to find out songs you may not have thought were written by Chris Stapleton!
1. Crash and Burn by Thomas Rhett
Stapleton worked with hit songwriter Jesse Frasure for “Crash and Burn,” which became Rhett’s fourth consecutive No. 1. The heartbreak ballad about a relationship that went down in flames was released as the debut single from Rhett’s sophomore album, Tangled Up.
2. If It Hadn’t Been for Love by Adele
Stapleton wrote this murky murder ballad for his bluegrass band SteelDrivers on their 2008 debut album. Three years later, Adele took her own larger-than-life voice to “If It Hadn’t Been for Love” as a bonus track on the deluxe version of her blockbuster album 21 – bringing the song to everyone’s attention.
3. Whiskey and You by Tim McGraw
The song that tells the story of a man comparing his heartache to the pain of a hangover brought on by drinking his sorrow away may have caught country fan’s attention when Stapleton released it off his 2015 album Traveller – but the heart-wrenching ballad, “Whiskey and You,” was actually first recorded by Tim McGraw for his 2007 album Let It Go.
4. Never Wanted Nothing More by Kenny Chesney
Released in 2007 as the first single from Chesney’s album Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates, “Never Wanted Nothing More” became his fastest-climbing No. 1 single to date. Stapleton wrote this twangy song with singer-composer of bluegrass music, Ronnie Bowman.
5. Winning Streak by Ashley Monroe
“Winning Streak” has an uptempo beat with letdown lyrics, adding pep and punch to Monroe’s 2015 album, The Blade. Stapleton wrote the song with Monroe and Jessi Alexander. According to Monroe, a gospel music provided inspiration for the track – thanks to Vince Gill, who was the co-producer of her album.
6. Love’s Gonna Make It Alright by George Strait
Stapleton penned this romantic ballad for George Strait’s album Here For A Good Time. “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright” was released in 2011 as the second single, earning praises from music critics.
For You
7. Drink A Beer by Luke Bryan
“Drink A Beer” showcased Stapleton’s unique approach to the theme of grief after learning that a loved one has passed away. Bryan even described the song as “the coolest sad song ever.”
8. Homesick by Sheryl Crow featuring Zac Brown
“Homesick” is a track from Crow’s first Country music album, Feels Like Home. She wrote the song with Stapleton. You’ll also hear the voice of Zac Brown, lead singer of The Zac Brown Band, on harmony.
9. Your Man by Josh Turner
When Turner released this romantic ballad in 2005, it went straight to No. 1, making it his first chart-topper. “Your Man” helped Stapleton take home various awards as a songwriter.
10. Come Back Song by Darius Rucker
Rucker joined forces with Stapleton to pen this song together with fellow songwriter Casey Beathard. It was released in 2010 as the lead single to Rucker’s second country music album, Charleston, SC 1966.
Despite receiving mixed reviews, it still took the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Country charts.
Some More Songs You Probably Didn’t Know Were Penned By Chris Stapleton
Shop Chris Stapleton
- TravellerVinylWith “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Fire Away”See it on Amazon
- HigherVinylWith “What Am I Gonna Do” and “It Takes a Woman”See it on Amazon
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Indeed, Stapleton is not only one of today’s brightest country stars but is a dependable country hitmaker for everyone else in Nashville. Check out some more songs he wrote for other artists.
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