Chris Stapleton Honors Legends with Kris Kristofferson Classic on Hank Williams' Guitar
In a moment that beautifully intertwined the past and present of country music, Chris Stapleton delivered a performance that fans will not soon forget. During a recent ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Stapleton took to the stage with a guitar that once belonged to two of the genre's greatest icons, Johnny Cash and Hank Williams. The occasion was part of a special event celebrating Marty Stuart’s extraordinary donation of over 20,000 country music artifacts to the Hall of Fame.
This collection, now a cornerstone of the Country Music Hall of Fame’s exhibits, includes over 100 instruments, 1,000 pieces of stage wear, and a wealth of original song manuscripts. Among these treasures are items that belonged to legends such as Jimmy Rodgers, Patsy Cline, George Jones, and of course, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash.
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The highlight of the ceremony was Stapleton's rendition of Kris Kristofferson's iconic song, "Why Me." The performance took place at the Ford Theater within the Hall of Fame, where Stapleton strummed the Martin D-45, a guitar previously owned by both Cash and Williams. Backed by a band of seasoned musicians—Mike Bub on bass, Shawn Camp on acoustic guitar, Charlie Cushman on banjo, Jimmy Stewart on dobro, Johnny Warren on fiddle, and Jeff White on mandolin—Stapleton's soulful delivery of the country-gospel classic was a fitting tribute to the rich history of country music.
"Why Me," which Kristofferson released as the final single from his 1973 album Jesus Was a Capricorn , remains a powerful testament to his songwriting prowess. It was his only solo No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and even made its mark on the Hot 100 chart. The song’s emotional depth and Kristofferson’s heartfelt plea for divine assistance found a new voice through Stapleton's performance, capturing the essence of the original while adding his own unique touch.
Marty Stuart's donation, which also includes photographs he has taken over the years, offers a comprehensive look at country music’s evolution over the past century. The artifacts will be displayed in the exhibit “Sing My Back Home: Folk Roots to the Present,” allowing fans and historians alike to connect with the musical heritage preserved in these pieces.
Stapleton’s performance on this historic guitar was more than just a musical tribute; it was a celebration of country music’s legacy, a reminder of the genre’s enduring power, and a nod to the legends who paved the way for today’s artists. As Stapleton's voice filled the Ford Theater, it became clear that the past and present of country music are forever intertwined, each new generation building on the rich foundation laid by those who came before.
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