Breaking news—Chris Stapleton can sing. The eight CMA trophies for Male Vocalist of the Year speak for themselves (and so does Luke Combs’ viral reaction.) From original hits like “You Should Probably Leave,” to timeless covers like “Tennessee Whiskey,” Stapleton can belt it all. And when you add Willie Nelson’s legendary harmonica player, Mickey Raphael, to the 10-time Grammy Award winner’s velvety vocals, how can you go wrong?
Mickey Raphael Shares Stage With Chris Stapleton In First-Ever Headlining Show
Iconic harmonica player Mickey Raphael has been touring with Willie Nelson and The Family since 1973. He has performed with many industry heavyweights, including Emmylou Harris, Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings. And on Tuesday (Dec. 3), the 73-year-old took center stage at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl for his first-ever headlining show.
As usual, Raphael surrounded himself with enormous talent, including Jason Isbell, ZZ Top’s Billy F Gibbons, and Amos Lee. However, the highlight of the night came when Chris Stapleton joined Raphael onstage for a cover of the timeless “Georgia On My Mind.”
The crowd erupted into cheers as soon as Stapleton, 46, sang the first word. That applause returned in full force when Raphael began his harmonica solo.
Georgia native Ray Charles recorded the most widely-known version of the song in 1960. Willie Nelson covered it 18 years later for his 1978 album Stardust, peaking at No. 1 and winning a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male.
Chris Stapleton’s voice and Willie Nelson’s harmonica player—truly a match made in heaven.
It’s Been a Long Time Coming
Brooklyn Bowl brand and venue owner Peter Shapiro first approached Mickey Raphael two years ago about booking his inaugural headlining gig.
At first, “I had no ambition to do this,” Raphael told The Tennessean. “But over time, it occurred to me that if I didn’t try it once, I’d end up on my deathbed wondering why I never took the gig.”
Not wanting to bother Chris Stapleton, the iconic harmonica player “politely asked him if he’d sit in for the evening.”
“He responded, ‘Yeah, we’ll see’ — and then he did!” Raphael said.
