Prolific songwriter. Stunning vocalist. Proficient guitar player. Grammy Award winning country music superstar Chris Stapleton is all that and more. When you listen to his songs, you can clearly hear his connection to the lyrics. He speaks from the heart. Everyone can relate to his message, which is why so many singers want to record his songs. Take a look below. Did you know Chris Stapleton gave these 15 amazing songs away to other artist?

Before he became a well know performer, Stapleton wrote a slew of songs that have been recorded by other artists, and some of them were huge hits. From pop stars to country stars, Chris has had a hand in writing for some big names over the years, and some big hits. From Luke Bryan to Adele, Chris has been a part of so many artists’ careers, in several genres. Check out the list and see if you can picture Stapleton singing these, or if they were truly meant for other artists.

As we come upon Chris Stapleton’s 45th birthday this weekend (April 15), let’s dive into the creations of one of the music world’s greatest artists.

• 1. Never Wanted Nothin More

  Kenny Chesney’s fasting rising single came in 2007, with the release of “Never Wanted Nothin’ More.” It was featured on his album, Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates. This #1 hit was co-written by Chris Stapleton and Ronnie Bowman.

• 2. Love's Gonna Make It Alright

  George Strait released this Stapleton-penned song about love, family and friends, right around the same time Chris was was recording some hillbilly rock music with the Jompson Brothers. “Love’s Gonna Make it Alright” is from Strait’s 2011 album, Here For A Good Time. 

• 3. Crash and Burn

  “Crash and Burn” was certainly a different vibe for a Stapleton song. He co-wrote this Thomas Rhett #1 with Jesse Frasure. It’s a fun, soulful, dance jam that really shows off Chris’ range. This song was the lead single off Thomas Rhett’s sophomore album, Tangled Up, and became his 4th #1 single.

• 4. If It Hadn't Been for Love

  This gem recorded by Adele was originally written and performed by Stapleton and the SteelDrivers on their 2008 debut album. Adele put her own spin and booming vocals to this 2011 release from her album 21. 

• 5. Your Man

  Josh Turner’s signature hit beautifully blends his big baritone voice with traditional country instrumentation. Written with Chris DuBois and Jace Everett, “Your Man” gave both Stapleton and Turner their first #1 hit! If you have a couple of minutes, watch Stapleton perform the song himself, it’s stunning. 

   

• 6. There's More Where That Came From

  Lee Ann Womack liked this Stapleton song so much, not only did she record it, she named her 2005 album after it.

• 7. Come Back Song

  The #1 hit, “Come Back Song,” has become one of Darius Rucker’s most well-known songs. Stapleton has written two songs with Darius, “Forever Road” and “Come Back Song.”

• 8. Keep on Lovin' You

  This song was written by Stapleton and Trent Willmon and introduced country music fans to the duo Steel Magnolia. The real life couple (at the time) Joshua Scott Jones and Meghan Linsey scored their only hit with “Keep On Lovin’ You.” It went top 5 in 2010. They broke up, the duo was no more, but Linsey went on to compete on The Voice in 2015. She came in 2nd place.

• 9. Swing

  Trace Adkins lead single from his Dangerous Man album was the baseball punned hit, “Swing.” It was written by Stapleton and Frank Rogers. 
  
  

• 10. Drink A Beer

  “Drink a Beer” revealed the serious side of Luke Bryan, not often seen by his fans. From Bryan’s 2013 album Crash My Party, this Chris Stapleton co-write with Jim Beavers went to #1. Luke called it “the coolest sad song ever.” Watch Stapleton chime in with some amazing backing vocals, here, in Luke’s live performance video:

• 11. Homesick

  What a cast in this song. Chris Stapleton co-wrote “Homesick” with Sheryl Crow, who sings the duet with Zac Brown! This was released on Crow’s 2013 debut country album, Feels Like Home.

   

   

• 12. Something To Do With My Hands

  Thomas Rhett co-wrote his debut single, from his debut album It Goes Like This, with Chris Stapleton. “Something to Do with My Hands” went top 15 in 2013 putting the new artist(at the time) on the map. It shows off both songwriters’ rock edge. 

   

• 13. Miles To Go

  Alison Krauss recorded and released “Miles to Go” in 2011.  Chris Stapleton co-wrote this with Alison’s bandmate from Union Station, bassist Barry Bales. The song was considered a higlight of Alison’s Paper Airplane album.

• 14. Ready To Roll

  Blake Shelton is a big fan of Chris’. In fact, Shelton has recorded 6 Stapleton-penned songs, including “Ready to Roll.” This was on Blake’s 2011 album, Red River Blue (one of 3 Stapleton songs on the album).

• 15. Nobody's Fool

  Miranda Lambert recorded this Stapleton song for her 4th studio album, Four the Record, in 2011.  She put her sass-factor on “Nobody’s Fool,” a song about playing it cool while trying to get over an ex. 

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