Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Chris Stapleton Pays Tribute to Late Rock Legend Chris Cornell

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.

Yes, many would agree! Chris Stapleston’s tribute to the late rock legend would have to be one of the most unforgettable tributes in rock music history.

In honor of the rock legend, Chris Cornell, who passed away in 2017, several talented artists joined forces to celebrate his wonderful life. The tribute event called I Am The Highway: A Tribute to Chris Cornell was a celebration that focused on the impact Cornell had left on the music world. He was definitely an icon and what he has done has greatly impacted rock music.

The event was held Wednesday last week, Jan. 16, 2019. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, some of the performances included Soundgarden, Audioslave, and Temple of the Dog. Meanwhile, there were also special performances by the Foo Fighters, Metallica, Ryan Adams, among many others.

However, country music has also been represented in the event. One of the most powerful tributes to have graced the show was Chris Stapleton.

A Rock Legend: Chris Cornell

Chris Cornell left quite a legacy. He was best known for his time as the lead vocalist of the rock bands Soundgarden and Audioslave. Also, he has written quite a number of rock hits but his four-octave vocal range stands out the most. Hence, his powerful belting techniques made him stick out above the rest.

Chris Cornell | hollywoodreporter.com

In fact, Rolling Stones magazine ranked him No. 9 in their list of “Best Lead Singers of All Time.” In addition, Cornell was a two-time Grammy awardee.

Chris Stapleton Sings of an Emotional Tribute

Country powerhouse Chris Stapleton did not disappoint fans as he went on and smashed Cornell’s 2011 hit, “The Keeper.”

Chris Stapleton | billboard.com

Stapleton then took the stage with the rock legend’s photo behind him. He powerfully belted out the rock ballad by himself with just his guitar and raw vocals. His raspy voice perfectly complemented the rich tone and melody of the song. More than that, it became more of a soulful tune as it spoke more emotion and feelings.

“I cannot see the light. At the end of the tunnel tonight. My eyes are weary and before I let one more life get erased from the ashes, I will rise for you and the ghosts. I am the keeper.”

The crowd went wild and were full of emotion as Stapleton ended his powerful tribute. Every soul in the ja-packed arena was touched and most were in tears.

Watch the incredible performance of Chris Stapleton here:

Latest Stories

Lainey Wilson and Chris Stapleton perform side by side with acoustic guitars, a fitting snapshot as she joins his 2026 All-American Road Show.

Lainey Wilson Spoke It Into Existence and Now She’s Takin’ Over the Road With Chris Stapleton

There is manifesting, and then there is Lainey damn Wilson. Before the country queen even stepped foot on the 2026 All-American Road Show stage, she had already planted the seed. ...

Hardy and wife Caleigh smile with their baby daughter, reflecting the personal heart behind their $45,000 donation to Mothers’ Milk Bank of Tennessee.

Hardy and His Wife Just Gave $45,000 to Support New Moms and Babies Across Tennessee

Now this is how you put your money where your heart is. Country hitmaker HARDY and his wife Caleigh just made one of the most meaningful moves of the year, ...

Kenny Chesney performs at the Las Vegas Sphere, dwarfed by psychedelic skull visuals that famously distracted him mid-song.

Kenny Chesney Got So Distracted by the Las Vegas Sphere He Forgot His Own Lyrics

Even a seasoned pro like Kenny Chesney can get a little shook when the lights go down in Vegas. The king of No Shoes Nation may have decades of sold-out ...

Dolly Parton sings onstage in a rhinestone outfit, embodying the timeless star power celebrated with her official Dolly Parton Day.

Gov. Lee Proclaims January 19 as ‘Dolly Parton Day’ in Honor of Her 80th Birthday

The Queen of Country just got what she has long deserved, and that is her very own day in the state she put on the map. On January 19, 2026, ...

Keith Urban sits for a candid interview, reflective and stripped back, as he opens up about life, healing, and simplicity after his divorce.

Keith Urban Just Sat Down for His First Interview Since the Divorce and Nothing Was Off Limits

Keith Urban is speaking with a clarity that only comes after heartbreak and healing. In his first long-form interview since his split from Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban did not hold ...

Waylon Jennings performs from a seated spot, still commanding the stage with outlaw grit that defined his final chapter in 2000.

Waylon Jennings Took the Stage for the Last Time in 2000 and Country Music Hasn’t Been the Same Since

He might have been sitting in a chair, but Waylon Jennings still owned the damn stage. In January 2000, the outlaw king himself stepped onto the hallowed floor of the ...

Dolly Parton, Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Reba McEntire, and Queen Latifah in studio recording powerful new version of "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" – star-studded collaboration anthem of hope and resilience.

Dolly, Lainey, Miley, Reba, and Queen Latifah Just Gave Us the Comfort Song of the Year

Sometimes a song hits you straight in the heart, and this one walks right in, takes its boots off, and stays a while. Dolly Parton just gave us a reason ...

Jelly Roll performing in pouring rain on stage with intense passion, singing into microphone under dramatic lights, symbolizing redemption and faith journey in country music.

Jelly Roll Gets Honest About Faith, Forgiveness, and the Two Values He Says the World Needs Most

When Jelly Roll talks about his faith, you stop and listen because it does not sound like a sermon. It sounds like the truth. The “Son of a Sinner” singer ...

Kelly Clarkson delivers a powerful soulful performance of "No One Else Like Me" by The Red Clay Strays on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

Kelly Clarkson Puts Her Whole Soul Into Red Clay Strays Cover and Proves Nobody Can Out-Sing Her

Kelly Clarkson just took a Red Clay Strays song to church and back again, and fans are still picking their jaws up off the floor. It all went down during ...

Country icon Dwight Yoakam sings into microphone under stage lights in cowboy hat and denim, hosting a star-studded benefit "Rockin' for the Kids" at The Roxy on January 28, 2026, to support Children's Hospital Los Angeles with special guests including Charley Crockett, Marcus King, and Lukas Nelson.

Dwight Yoakam to Host Star-Studded Benefit for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles at The Roxy

Country legend Dwight Yoakam is trading the honky-tonk for heartfelt giving with a guitar in hand and a cause close to home. Just ahead of Grammy week, Dwight Yoakam is ...