Kris Jones: The Father Whose “Tennessee Whiskey” Cover Took the Internet by Storm

“Tennessee Whiskey,” initially brought to the music scene by David Allan Coe in 1981, gained renewed popularity through Chris Stapleton’s R&B-inspired rendition on his 2015 debut album, Traveller. This version sparked a trend on social media where fans shared their covers, as highlighted by Country Thang Daily.

Among these covers, the rendition by Kris Jones, performed in a Home Depot parking lot in 2017, stands out for its widespread appeal. Encouraged by his daughter Dayla to showcase his vocal talent, the video quickly amassed an estimated 70 million views on various platforms within 14 months, according to Country Music Family.

A comment from Mr Jinx highlights the genuine talent displayed by Kris Jones in the video, praising the natural quality of his performance without the need for any enhancements. The video not only captures Jones’s impressive cover but also the heartwarming interaction between father and daughter, making it a touching display of their relationship.

The viral sensation caught the attention of Ellen DeGeneres, leading to an invitation for Kris and Dayla to appear on her show. Jones shared his long-held musical aspirations hindered by life’s challenges. His journey took a new turn in 2018 with the release of an EP that charted in the country music scene. Here’s the Chris Stapleton hit that ignited the viral trend leading to Jones’s online fame:

Kris Jones’s background is marked by adversity, growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, in a biracial family during a less accepting time. Music became his refuge, from singing in church choirs to participating in karaoke contests. Facing severe bullying, Jones left school early for his safety and entered the workforce at a young age, leading to a troubled period in his life.

After serving time for aggravated assault, Jones was determined to rebuild his life, finding stability in employment and family. Despite a missed opportunity with American Idol, music remained a part of his life through karaoke. It was his daughter’s request in 2017 that led to the unexpected viral success of his “Tennessee Whiskey” cover.

Jones’s appearance on The Ellen Show and subsequent invitations to music competitions like The Voice and The Four marked notable moments in his pursuit of a music career. Despite the challenges, Kris Jones, known affectionately as the “Tennessee Whiskey Dad,” remains dedicated to his family and his passion for music.