Watch Jamey Johnson Honor Chris Stapleton With Special “Whiskey and You” Performance at ACM Honors

Having spent almost two decades in country music, Jamey Johnson produced hit songs like “High Cost of Living” and “In Color.” He also got the chance to collaborate with iconic singers like George Strait, Trace Adkins, Willie Nelson, and numerous others. And just last month, Johnson received the special honor of celebrating Chris Stapleton at the 17th Annual ACM Honors. Although celebrating the accomplishments of Stapleton last month, the special didn’t air till last night. And for those who might have missed it, here is his mesmerizing performance of “Whiskey and You.” 

While “Whiskey and You” gained high praise from fans when Stapleton released it on his 2015 album Traveller, the song was recorded back in 2007 when Tim McGraw covered it for his Let It Go record. Over the years, artists like Jason Eady and Aaron Lewis covered the hit song. But no matter how many times the song was performed, fans gushed over Johnson’s performance.

Looking at the comments, fans wrote, “I stand by this, Mr. Johnson has one of the best voices of all time. Literally a living legend.” Another person added, “I had never listened to Jamey much until lately. He is such a Talent. He has overcome alot and though I am sure it is tough on him at times he still sharing his talent with us. After reading and article about him and seeing him on the Toby Keith Tribute (Never to be forgotten) and listened to him sing with Lainey Wilson, I have a high respect for him.”

[RELATED: Chris Stapleton Gives Carrie Underwood a Run for Her Money With His ‘Monday Night Football’ Week 2 Performance]

Chris Stapleton Discusses Writing Process Behind “Whiskey & You”

Outside of being honored during the celebration, Stapleton opened up about the writing process behind the song and how the story came together with Lee Thomas Miller. “This was a title brought into a writing session by my dear friend Lee Miller. The title wrote the song in my opinion. It was an album cut on a Tim McGraw record. I always thought it was one of the better songs I had been a part of so I decided to play it out. Over time it became a song that I was rarely allowed to leave the stage without singing. We went through several versions of recording this song until I finally decided it was best to present it in its original form: me, a guitar and one microphone.”

While thrilled to watch others perform his hit songs, Stapleton didn’t walk away empty-handed as he received the 59th ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year Award. Just another accolade to add to his long list of accomplishments that continues to grow.

(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

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