Chris Stapleton Set to Release First Album, ‘Traveller’

Right now, Chris Stapleton may be best known for writing some of country music's biggest hits for other people. But this spring, the award-winning singer-songwriter will become a household name in his own right.

Stapleton is set to release his debut solo album this May.

Since moving to Nashville in 2001, Stapleton has made a name for himself, both as the lead singer and guitarist of the Grammy-nominated bluegrass band the SteelDrivers, and with some pretty impressive songwriting credits. He's penned huge hits for stars like Kenny Chesney -- 'Never Wanted Nothing More' -- George Strait with 'Love’s Gonna Make It Alright,' and even Luke Bryan's famed 'Drink a Beer.'

Lucky for fans, Stapleton has saved some of that songwriting prowess for his own music.

On Jan. 22, the bluegrass singer played an intimate listening party for his first studio album as a solo act. The record is called 'Traveller,' and if the positive response from country music journalists and execs is any indication, it's going to be just as good as fans are hoping. Maybe better.

"This record was made standing on the shoulders of friends, family and heroes," Stapleton said during the listening party, which also included a live recording of 'Sometimes I Cry' that will be included on the new album. "I hope people enjoy listening to it as much as I’ve enjoyed making it."

'Traveller' will be released via Mercury Nashville on May 5.

Chris Stapleton, 'Traveller' Track Listing:

1. 'Traveller'
2. 'Fire Away'
3. 'Tennessee Whiskey'
4. 'Parachute'
5. 'Whiskey and You'
6. 'Nobody to Blame'
7. 'More of You'
8. 'When the Stars Come Out'
9. 'Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore'
10. 'Might as Well Get Stoned'
11. 'Was It 26'
12. 'The Devil Named Music'
13. 'Outlaw State of Mind'
TBD 'Sometimes I Cry'