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Listen To Chris Stapleton Take The Country Classic “Folsom Prison Blues” To Funky Town

Chris Stapleton Folsom Prison Blues
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

If you haven’t heard Chris Stapleton’s cover of “Folsom Prison Blues” yet, you’re missing half of your life! This happened in a concert in 2014, wherein Stapleton took center stage for a riveting rendition of Johnny Cash’s country hit by putting his own spin on things.

What’s there to expect? Well, Chris Stapleton did not hesitate to bring his signature soulfulness to the country classic. He made it slightly more upbeat and fun-sounding and even added a little bit of darkness to it. It also featured his wife, Morgane, who sang background vocals as well as the last few lines. 

One of Johnny Cash’s Most Covered Song

Written by Johnny Cash himself, “Folsom Prison Blues” was inspired by the movie Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison, which he had seen during his time in the United States Air Force – in which he was stationed at Landsberg, Bavaria. It was then released as a single off his 1955 debut studio album and peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. 

However, more than a decade later, Cash performed to a group of inmates at Folsom State Prison. His live performance was released and became a No. 1 hit on the country charts. It even took home a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance.

Since then, so many country greats have recorded and put their own spin on the country ballad – including Ernest Tubb, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Jerry Reed.

Now, Stapleton can add his name to that long list. After all, he is a force to be reckoned with in the genre. So, make sure to listen to his rendition of “Folsom Prison Blues” by playing the video below.

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