Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” Earns Double Diamond Certification
Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee whiskey” Achieves Double Diamond Status
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Chris Stapleton’s version of “Tennessee Whiskey” is the first country song to receive a 2x Diamond certification from the recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), marking a critically important milestone for the artist and the genre.
What Does Double Diamond Certification Mean?
A 2x Diamond certification signifies that the song has sold or streamed 2 million equivalent units in the United States. This combines physical sales, digital downloads, and on-demand audio and video streams.
The RIAA awards certifications based on equivalent units as defined by the following: 1 permanent digital download = 1 unit; 150 on-demand audio and/or video streams = 1 unit.
- Diamond: 10,000,000 units
- 2x Diamond: 20,000,000 units
The RIAA announced the certification on Monday, January 8, 2024. RIAA
history of the Song
“Tennessee Whiskey” was originally written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove and first recorded by David Allan Coe in 1981.
Stapleton’s rendition gained widespread popularity after a viral video of him performing the song with Justin Timberlake at the 2015 Country Music Association Awards. His version appeared on his 2015 debut album, Traveller.
Traveller debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and has been certified 8x platinum by the RIAA as of November 2023. Billboard
Impact and recognition
The success of “Tennessee Whiskey” has solidified Stapleton’s position as a leading figure in contemporary country music. The song has earned numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance in 2017.
The song’s enduring appeal is attributed to its heartfelt lyrics,Stapleton’s soulful vocals,and its relatable theme of finding solace in a difficult relationship.