The track was written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove at 4:00 AM after meeting at Nashville's Bluebird Cafe. While earlier versions followed a traditional country style, Stapleton's version was born almost by accident.
Chris Stapleton's rendition of is a genre-blurring anthem that transformed a 1980s country standard into a modern classic. Originally recorded by David Allan Coe (1981) and later popularized by George Jones (1983), Stapleton’s version fused classic country storytelling with a soulful, bluesy R&B groove. The Story Behind the Song Chris Stapleton - Tennessee Whiskey (Audio)
: Stapleton first sang his version on a whim during a soundcheck in Charlottesville, Virginia. The track was written by Dean Dillon and
Though never officially released to radio as a single, the song became a global phenomenon following Stapleton's electrifying duet with at the 2015 CMA Awards. Originally recorded by David Allan Coe (1981) and
: After the performance, sales for the album Traveller jumped 6,000%, propelling both the album and song to No. 1 on the Billboard country charts.
: The arrangement famously borrowed its slow-burning melody from Etta James’ soul classic, "I'd Rather Go Blind".