Chris Stapleton Remembers Being “Speechless” in Starstruck First Meeting With Kris Kristofferson

Considered a pioneer of outlaw country music, Kris Kristofferson first stepped on stage during the 1950s. Over the next six decades, the icon produced hit songs like “Me and Bobby McGee” and “For the Good Times.” His last album, The Cedar Creek Sessions, released back in 2016. The singer also appeared in numerous films like A Star is Born. Sadly, back in September, Kristofferson passed away. Remembering the legacy he left behind and the impact he had on country music, Chris Stapleton recently recalled how speechless he was when they first met.

Much like Kristofferson, Stapleton continues to leave his mark on country music. Outside of the studio, Stapleton produced a legendary performance of the National Anthem at the Super Bowl LVII. Although knowing the nerves that come with performing in front of thousands, he discussed being “speechless” when it came to meeting Kristofferson.

Remembering the moment on The Forward Podcast, Stapleton explained, “The first time I ever stood next to Kristofferson, there was this thing at the Country Music Hall of Fame. I show up and it’s a who’s who of Bluegrass – a bunch of killer players. There’s probably 20 people sitting in a semi-circle in the Country Music Hall of Fame just taking turns picking a song and everyone’s kind of playing along and jamming.”

To those who attended the event, they were shocked when the organizers announced Kristofferson. Stapleton said the country icon walked out and performed a song that Kristofferson claimed, “Johnny Cash told me this was his favorite song.”

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Chris Stapleton Left Speechless By More Than Kris Kristofferson

Not able to remember the name of the song, Stapleton received a special moment when he tried to speak to a friend. “It’s just me standing on the stage and all of the sudden, out pops Kristofferson. I’m standing next to Kristofferson and I’m just kind of looking at him… speechless. First time I’d ever really been star struck in that way.”

Trying to understand the moment he found himself in, Stapleton laughed, “ I just thought that was the coolest thing ever. I said nothing. I just stood there and stared at him like an idiot for I don’t know how long. It felt like an eternity. But I was just standing on the stage and looking. That was the first time I ever felt really starstruck. I felt that way meeting Willie for the first time too.”

(Photo by NDZ/Star Max/GC Images)