Chris Stapleton: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

September 14, 2015 by JACOB GANZ
As a songwriter in Nashville, Chris Stapleton has written hits for Kenny Chesney, George Strait and Darius Rucker. As a singer, he once led the bluegrass band The SteelDrivers, and more recently stepped into the solo spotlight with Traveller, his debut album. It's the kind of country record that gets better the more you wear it in: When NPR Music named it one of our favorite albums of the first half of 2015, critic Ann Powers compared it to a "soft denim jacket ... pulled out time after time, lending comfort, suiting every occasion, with treasure stuffed in every pocket."

It's easy to understand why other singers took to his songs — Stapleton writes lyrics that sound classic but never dated — but his softly creaking voice gives them the home they deserve. And even though those songs stand plenty well on their own, it's nice to have a little support. When Stapleton stepped behind the Tiny Desk to play selections from Traveller, he was joined by his wife Morgane on harmony vocals. Between patient, detailed songs of devotion to love, Los Angeles and liquor, they paused for banter about the summer heat in D.C. and the large number of guitars Chris owns ("Not supposed to tell that part," he said to Morgane).

Watch him hide behind a large hat, a beard and a battered vintage guitar; watch her smile at him during "More Of You" with a combination of admiration and affection. Like the songs themselves, their performance is full of private moments worth sharing widely.

Traveller is available now. (iTunes) (Amazon)

Set List
"More Of You"
"When The Stars Come Out"
"Whiskey And You"

Credits
Producers: Jacob Ganz, Morgan Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Walker, Lani Milton; Assistant Producer: Mina Tavakoli; photo by Lani Milton/NPR

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[eduherrera]

I thought I didn't like country. Turns out I've just been listening to the wrong type. New fan.

[SunandSweettea]

Morgane Stapleton doesn’t get the accolades she deserves. She is an amazing singer on her own. The both of them together is magic.

[patrickmize]

The way she looks at him is literally every mans dream when the love of his life looks at him

[daverenfro]

The world is too loud, and Chris Stapleton seems to get that. He's cool letting the empty spaces be empty, and Morgane flutters through those spaces like a buttefly, touching down ever so lightly here and there. They obviously adore each other. It's really very sweet!

[darcyraymond]

She has such control of her own voice and knows his tone so well their voices just meld together, it’s so beautiful

[Iluvmilkandcheese]

Chris Stapleton sounds like a backyard conversation at 12am. priceless

[joycewible]

I am not a fan of country music. This is amazing. His voice. The lyrics. The soft guitar. The way he and his wife sound together. The way she looks at him and they gently joke with each other. I love this. All of this.

[meghanmonroe]

One of my favorite things in life is watching non-country fans react to Chris Stapleton songs on YT. It's always entertaining and fulfilling. He really does transcend genres.

[robertosantos-vxpn]

God I hope one day a woman looks at me the way Chris’s wife looks at him. We are listening to greatness.

[kkilo]

There are few artists these days that can transcend genres. This doesn't feel like country to me, this feels like music to me.

[thcoolestkid]

You can tell she’s infatuatedly in love with him. Wholesome af.

[johnharney]

My wife has end stage cancer. This is a very positive song about a deep relationship. It’s our new theme song. Thank you Chris and Morgan.

[BeckyBoSox]

I am so struck by the amount and depth of love in Morgane's eyes for her husband. What a beautiful performance

[Kryptomatiic]

"When I leave this earth you'll be holding my hand, and it gives me comfort to know you'll be there. And I'll thank the lord for the love we shared... you're heaven to me." If that doesn't hit your soul you better check your pulse.

[Samuel-H]

Had to come back to this gem after watching him sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl. Always just an absolute pleasure to listen to his music. Something that should be cherished forever and ever

[ianeppard]

This is the kind of music that makes me start browsing zillow for 5+ acres below the mason dixon line.

[GordoDustin]

Chris is technically country but he has more blues and soul than anyone in the industry by far. He's restored my faith in this genre that had been dying for over a decade. I hope he can set future country artists back on the right track.

[antivdka]

This doesn't feel like a performance, more like a journey, a story.

[morphreak]

I used to say I didn't like country, now I realized that is only pop country, the one I don't like...but classic real country like this one, makes you feel goosebumps, makes you smile and thank the artist for creating such beautiful pieces. I'm now a big fan of Chris, Greetings from Mexico!

[PhantomOfTheMall]

I love Chris, but Morgane doesn’t get enough credit! Her voice is a perfect match for his.