country-throwback-chris-stapleton-crushes-folsom-prison-johnny-cash-cover-2014

Country Throwback: Chris Stapleton Crushes ‘Folsom Prison’ Johnny Cash Cover in 2014

After Chris Stapleton gave an iconic performance at the 2015 CMA award show, he gave an arguably more impressive performance. The star country singer-songwriter sang an incredible cover of the ultra-popular Johnny Cash song, “Folsom Prison Blues.”

2015 really marks the start of Stapleton’s meteoric rise to stardom. Even though the musician was enjoying a lot of popularity, there is one performance that aided his rise.

Since the “Folsom Prison Blues” cover, the video has well over 2 million views on YouTube. The 2014 cover took off in 2015 after it finally got the recognition it deserves.

Chris Stapleton and Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” History

Johnny Cash originally wrote and recorded the song in 1955 on his debut album, With His Hot and Blue Guitar. Amongst the 11-track album, the song was buried. It wasn’t until thirteen years later that the song became popular. In 1968 “Folsom Prison Blues” became a number one hit.

Additionally, Cash’s song rose to number one after the singer re-released it as a live recording. Famously, Cash recorded the song at Folsom Prison. The song was amongst others in his album called At Folsom Prison.

Almost immediately, the song took the top spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart as well as being the number one song in Canada.

Since this re-release, many famous artists have taken the time to cover the song. Notably, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and Brooks & Dunn all put their unique spins on the song.

Later, Chris Stapleton added his patented twang to the song. His version of the song is a signature performance. The cover is a soulful and emotional tribute to the late great musician.

Stapleton’s “Folsom Prison Blues” is a more upbeat and fun version of the original. As opposed to the rather ominous, dark sounds of Cash’s original version.

Additionally, the song features Morgane, Stapleton’s wife, who sings the backup vocals as well as the last few lines. She certainly adds an amazing new perspective to the song.

Stapleton could probably sing all the words in a dictionary and still be incredibly captivating.

[H/T Classic Country Music]