Every artist has his muse; Kentucky’s country music and bluegrass singer/songwriter Chris Stapleton has his wife of nine years, Georgia harmonist and songwriter, Morgane Hayes Stapleton.
We have all heard the raspy voice and blaring guitar solos, the lyrics that tell stories, the melodies that make us think, hurt, cry, stomp to the beat or sway. Listening to Chris Stapleton is taking a walk down memory lane, when country music told stories and made us feel something.
If you listen close enough to these beautiful songs, you’ll hear the sweet harmony, the voice that complements Chris’, the sound of Morgane Stapleton slowly and hauntingly singing along.
Chris and Morgane met working in publishing houses next door to each other, Sea Gayle Music and Arista Nashville (respectively), both pursuing music careers in Nashville, Tennessee.
Their first date consisted of writing a song together, but Morgane admits in a Washington Post article that not much writing was done that night.
The two married in 2007, and are now parents of a son and a daughter, both of whom will live a life with parents as legends. The couple is well on their way to becoming the next Johnny and June.
I was lucky to witness firsthand the way their voices complement each other on-stage, when Stapleton’s "Traveler" tour stopped in Champion’s Square in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 12.
Hearing the beautiful rendition of “You Are My Sunshine” live sent chills down my spine. It was hard to sing along when all I wanted to do was stand there (or sway) and listen, hold on to every word and shed a few tears.
Though Morgane Stapleton prefers to sing harmony as opposed to lead, I personally think she should give herself more credit than she does. It’s obvious most of Stapleton’s inspiration for his music comes from her, and her voice is far too powerful to keep hidden in the background.
According to an article in Country Living, the song "Traveler" itself, which I am happily listening to as I write this, was prompted by Morgane’s idea of a road trip from Phoenix, Arizona back to Nashville in a 1979 Jeep Cherokee after the death of Stapleton’s father, a coal miner from Lexington, Kentucky.
We should all be inspired by the Stapletons’ relationship — their affection is evident in the way they support each others’ dreams, build each other up and stand side by side every step of the way.
When you’re listening to "Tennessee Whiskey," "More of You," "Parachute" or, my personal favorite, "What Are You Listening To," stop for a minute and listen closely. Stapleton doesn’t sing a song without his wife, his harmony, by his side.
Multiple times during the concert in a muggy, packed Champion Square, Stapleton acknowledged the huge impact his wife had on his music.
His songs have more meaning than we realize, laced between the lyrics and guitar strums is a deep love and appreciation for his wife, and how much she has done to get him where he is now.
In the Washington Post article, Morgane admits, “Oh, we drive each other crazy once in a while, but being without each other drives us even more crazy.”
Together, the two will inevitably become legends through their stories and their music. The Stapletons are going to start an immense revolution for the country music genre. Frankly, I forget that Stapleton’s life of fame has just begun every time I hear a song. His music takes me way back to when country music meant something other than long, tan legs and country girls “shakin’ it” for Luke Bryan.
I want to thank the Stapletons for coming to New Orleans, for inspiring me, and for being the humble, talented, wonderful singers and people they are.
Everyone should take a few moments to listen to this awe-inspiring duet of “You Are My Sunshine” by Chris and Morgane Stapleton! You won’t regret it, I promise.
