Chris Stapleton Honors Willie Nelson With “Promiseland” Performance
on May 08, 2026
Chris Stapleton Performs On The Late Show
Few artists have a style as recognizable as Chris Stapleton. No matter what he sings, his voice and talent are undeniable.
On Wednesday, May 6th, Stapleton was a special guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and paid homage to country icon Willie Nelson. The “White Horse” singer put a bluesy twist on “Living in the Promiseland.”
Willie Nelson released “Living in the Promiseland” in February 1986 as the first single from his album The Promiseland. It became his twelfth career number-one hit as a solo artist.
To make the performance even more special, Stapleton was accompanied by Nelson’s longtime harmonica player, Mickey Raphael. The musician has been a part of Nelson’s touring and recording group, The Family, since 1973.
Watch Chris Stapleton perform “Living in the Promiseland” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert below!
Is Chris Stapleton retiring from music?
With no new music on the horizon, fans are left wondering what is next for Chris Stapleton. During a visit to Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, the singer admitted to finding himself at a crossroads in his career.
He said that he was “not really in the mood” to write another song or release another record, and added:
“I don’t know how much longer I’ll even go play – I don’t know.”
Stapleton says he feels he “owes some things” to his family, who have made sacrifices for his music career. He has been married to his wife, Morgane, since 2007. Together they have five children: Waylon (16), Ada (15), Macon and Samual (twins, 7), and a 6-year-old son whose name has not been shared publicly.
“I’ve done more than I’ve ever set out to do… Now I have to get a new dream,” said Stapleton. He clarified, “I’m not saying I’m hanging up my spurs. I’m just saying I’m looking for the fire. I need the fire.”
Hear Chris Stapleton talk about his future on Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard below!
