Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” is officially the biggest country song of all time in terms of sales. His rendition of the modern country standard—written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove in 1981—has sold over 20 million units in the United States, making it only the third single ever to be certified double diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Stapleton now joins Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are” and Post Malone and Swae Lee’s “Sunflower” in the exclusive club.
Dillon and Hargrove first offered “Tennesse Whiskey” to George Strait, who turned it down. David Allen Coe ended up recording the original version for his album of the same name, and in 1983, George Jones’ cover went to No. 2 on the Billboard Country Singles chart. Stapleton’s take on the song first appeared on his 2015 debut Traveler, peaking at No. 20 on the Hot 100 after he and Justin Timberlake played it live at the 2015 Country Music Awards.
“Chris Stapleton’s undeniable vocal grit and storytelling have connected deeply – driving chart successes, earning major awards, and most importantly, resonating with fans,” RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier said in a statement shared by Stapleton’s label, MCS. “RIAA is proud to celebrate him alongside MCA as ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ today makes history.”
