In a quiet announcement on January 12, 2026, Chris Stapleton achieved something no other country artist has ever done: his iconic rendition of “Tennessee Whiskey” was certified Double Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). This milestone means the song has surpassed 20 million equivalent units in the United States alone—a combination of sales, downloads, and streams—making it the first country track in history to reach this elite level. The news sent shockwaves through the music world, reminding everyone that some songs don’t just fade with time; they grow, resonate deeper, and quietly rewrite the record books.
“Tennessee Whiskey” first appeared on Stapleton’s breakthrough 2015 debut album Traveller, but it wasn’t released as a traditional single. Instead, its explosion came from a spontaneous soundcheck moment that turned into a live staple, and then a legendary performance at the 49th Annual CMA Awards in November 2015. That night, Stapleton and Justin Timberlake delivered a medley of “Tennessee Whiskey” and Timberlake’s “Drink You Away,” blending gritty soul with pop polish. The performance went viral, propelling the song onto the Billboard Hot 100 (peaking at No. 20) and introducing Stapleton’s raw, gravelly voice to a broader audience. Suddenly, what had been a hidden gem from his album became a phenomenon, crossing genres and generations.
The song itself has deep roots. Written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove in 1981, it was first recorded by David Allan Coe as the title track of his album that year. George Jones took it to No. 2 on the country charts in 1983 with a more polished version. But Stapleton’s take—soulful, bluesy, and deeply felt—transformed it into something timeless. His version borrows melodic elements from Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind,” adding emotional layers that resonate with listeners on a profound level. The lyrics, about love as smooth and intoxicating as whiskey, paired with Stapleton’s voice that feels like aged oak and smoke, created a sound that defied trends and expectations.
From the beginning, “Tennessee Whiskey” moved differently. It climbed charts slowly but steadily, fueled by word-of-mouth, live performances, and streaming. By March 2020, it had sold nearly 2 million pure copies in the U.S. alone. Streaming numbers exploded in the years that followed, with the track consistently racking up millions of plays weekly. It crossed the 1 billion stream mark on Spotify in 2024, joining an elite group of country songs. But the Double Diamond certification—equivalent to 20 million units—marks a new threshold. RIAA defines a unit as one permanent digital download, 10 track downloads, or 1,500 on-demand streams (audio or video). In today’s streaming-dominated era, this achievement reflects massive, sustained popularity over more than a decade.
RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier celebrated the milestone in a statement: “Chris Stapleton’s undeniable vocal grit and storytelling have connected deeply—driving chart successes, earning major awards, and most importantly, resonating with fans. RIAA is proud to celebrate him alongside MCA as ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ today makes history, becoming the first country single ever to earn a Double Diamond certification with twenty million units in the U.S. alone. It’s a remarkable achievement and another defining moment in Stapleton’s career.”
The certification places “Tennessee Whiskey” in rare company. Only two other songs across all genres have reached Double Diamond: Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are” (2010) and Post Malone & Swae Lee’s “Sunflower” (2018). In country music, Diamond certifications (10 million units) are already scarce—only 18 songs have achieved that level. To double that number is unprecedented, especially for a track that never had aggressive radio promotion or a traditional single push.
What makes this moment so striking is how quietly it happened. “Tennessee Whiskey” didn’t rely on viral challenges, TikTok trends, or heavy marketing. It grew organically through live shows, word-of-mouth, and the power of Stapleton’s voice. The song found new listeners year after year, hitting harder with time rather than fading. It became a wedding staple, a barroom singalong, and a go-to for anyone needing a soulful escape. Its longevity speaks to Stapleton’s authenticity—he never chased trends; he simply sang the truth in his own voice.
The milestone arrives at a pivotal time in Stapleton’s career. Traveller celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2025, and the album itself has spent over 500 weeks on the Billboard 200, the first country album to do so. Stapleton continues to tour his All-American Road Show, with dates extending through 2026, including stadium stops in Nashville, Atlanta, and Boston. His catalog remains strong, with recent projects like the 2023 album Higher earning critical acclaim and Grammy nods.
This achievement also underscores a broader shift in country music. While streaming has propelled newer acts to massive numbers, “Tennessee Whiskey” proves that timeless songs—rooted in tradition yet universally resonant—can outlast and outpace even the biggest viral hits. It’s a reminder of how far Stapleton has come: from a respected Nashville songwriter and SteelDrivers frontman to a once-in-a-generation artist whose voice defines modern country.
As the RIAA plaque is hung and the numbers are tallied, one thing is clear: “Tennessee Whiskey” didn’t just break a barrier—it redefined what longevity looks like in country music. Years after its release, it keeps growing, quietly proving that the best songs don’t slow down; they simply keep finding new hearts to touch.
