Chris Stapleton’s Ryman Auditorium Show Moves Wife to Tears
What happens when you pair multi-Grammy Awards winner Chris Stapleton, the Ryman Auditorium and 2,300 fans together? You get an experience that encapsulates everything that is good, right and true about music.
Stapleton began a sold-out three night run at the hallowed Music City venue on Thursday night (Feb. 18), the standing-room-only crowd hanging onto every lyric. Up-and-comer Maren Morris opened the show, and when it was Stapleton's turn to play, he took the stage with wife Morgane (who provides background vocals for her husband) and his band, including producer Dave Cobb on guitar.
From the very first song, "Nobody to Blame," Stapleton held the captive audience in the palm of his hand. From "Traveller" to "Fire Away" to "Daddy Doesn't Pray Anymore," Stapleton's talent shined bright in the dimly lit auditorium. The crowd was incredibly receptive, even moving his wife to tears. According to the Tennessean, she confessed to the fans, "I’ve got mascara running down my face."
A particularly special moment of the show was "You Are My Sunshine," for which Morgane provided lead vocals while her husband sang backup. The couple plays the well-known tune live quite often, but they recently recorded it for the first time, for Cobb's Southern Family concept album.
Stapleton also brought out his former bluegrass group the SteelDrivers, much to the delight of attendees.
“I called them yesterday and said, ‘Why don’t you come to the Ryman and play me,’” Stapleton told fans. “‘I think people would like it.’ I think I was right" (quote via the Tennessean).
Another of the evening's stand-out moments occurred when Morris joined Stapleton and company for a cover of Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'" (press play on the video below to watch). "The Devil Named Music," Tennessee Whiskey" and "Outlaw State of Mind" were also part of Stapleton's set; he closed the evening with an acoustic version -- just him and his guitar in the spotlight -- of "Whiskey and You."
Stapleton's mini-residency at the Ryman continues on Friday and Saturday (Feb. 19 and 20); both shows are sold out. His album Traveller is available for purchase on Amazon and iTunes.
Watch Chris Stapleton and Maren Morris Sing "Free Fallin'":