In a defining moment for the country music genre, Chris Stapleton’s signature hit “Tennessee Whiskey” was officially certified double diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on January 13, 2026. This historic achievement signifies over 20 million units sold or consumed in the United States, including streaming equivalents, making it the first country song ever to reach this elite milestone.
Originally featured on Stapleton’s 2015 breakout album Traveller, “Tennessee Whiskey” has spent more than a decade resonating with audiences across musical tastes and formats. Its combination of soulful delivery, blues-inspired instrumentation, and country roots has given the track rare crossover appeal—allowing it to thrive not only on country radio but also on pop and adult contemporary charts. In doing so, it has continually gained new fans while maintaining a strong foothold in its core genre.
Written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove in the early 1980s, “Tennessee Whiskey” had already been recorded by David Allan Coe and famously by George Jones. But it was Stapleton’s emotive, stripped-down rendition that elevated the song into modern classic status. Performed with deep grit and heart, Stapleton’s version breathed new life into the lyrics and introduced a new generation to the storytelling power of country music.
The track’s popularity soared after Stapleton’s 2015 duet performance with Justin Timberlake at the Country Music Association Awards, a moment widely credited with catapulting the song and Stapleton into mainstream consciousness. Since then, the song has not only remained a streaming juggernaut but has also become a staple at weddings, bars, and live performances. It is consistently ranked among the most-played country songs of the streaming era.
Industry experts say the song’s double diamond certification is more than just a numerical milestone—it reflects a deeper shift in how country music is consumed and appreciated. The track’s blend of genres, timeless feel, and emotional authenticity have made it a bridge between traditional country fans and a broader, more diverse listening audience. Its success illustrates that genuine musical expression can resonate across cultural lines and survive beyond fleeting trends.
RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier noted that Stapleton’s achievement is historic not only for the numbers but for what it represents in the digital music age. He praised the artist’s ability to bring soul, craftsmanship, and emotional weight to a genre that continues to evolve. Stapleton’s double diamond award now places him in a rare category of artists across all genres, with only a handful of tracks ever having reached the 20-million-unit mark in U.S. music history.
The news arrives as Stapleton embarks on his All-American Road Show tour, where “Tennessee Whiskey” remains a centerpiece of his setlist. As fans across the country pack stadiums and amphitheaters, the track continues to be an anthem of resilience and romance, often drawing the loudest cheers of the night. For Stapleton, the song represents not only a career breakthrough but a lasting connection with audiences that spans age, geography, and musical background.
More than a decade after its release, “Tennessee Whiskey” is now firmly enshrined as one of the most iconic and commercially successful songs in American music. Its double diamond status is not just a testament to sales and streams—it’s a celebration of enduring artistry, genre-defying appeal, and the power of a song to become part of the cultural fabric.
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