Chris Stapleton's rendition of 'Tennessee Whiskey' has achieved a historic milestone as the first country song to earn double diamond certification from the RIAA, surpassing 20 million units sold in the US. The announcement highlights the track's enduring appeal since its revival in 2015. Only two other songs have reached this level previously.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced on Monday that Chris Stapleton's 'Tennessee Whiskey' has sold more than 20 million units, earning it double diamond status. This marks the first time a country single has achieved this certification, joining an elite group that includes Bruno Mars's 2010 hit 'Just The Way You Are' and 'Sunflower' by Swae Lee and Post Malone from 2018.
RIAA CEO Mitch Glazier praised the accomplishment 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 20 million units in the U.S. alone. It’s a remarkable achievement and another defining moment in Stapleton’s career.”
The song's origins date back to 1980, when Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove wrote it in about an hour at the Bluebird Cafe. It first gained traction as a modest hit for David Allan Coe in 1981 and reached number two on the Hot Country Singles chart in George Jones's 1984 version. Stapleton's 2015 cover, which incorporates the melody from Etta James's 1967 track 'I'd Rather Go Blind,' breathed new life into the song. His performance at the CMA Awards that year, alongside his wife Morgane and Justin Timberlake, propelled it to number one on the charts.
Since then, 'Tennessee Whiskey' has been covered by artists including T-Pain and Carín Leon. Reflecting on its cross-genre appeal, Stapleton once told Rolling Stone, “I don’t pretend to know how to explain magic or how to use it.” This certification underscores the song's status as a 21st-century classic in country music.
