Throwback Monday?
After sweeping the CMA Awards back in 2015 by winning every category he was nominated for, Chris Stapleton returned the following year and teamed up with country music icon, Dwight Yoakam, for a legendary performance of the Ray Charles & Willie Nelson hit, “Seven Spanish Angels.”
“Seven Spanish Angels” was written by Troy Seals and Eddie Setser, and was originally released in 1984 off Charles’ studio album, “Friendship.” The album went on to go #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, while the song also topped the Hot Country Songs chart, becoming Charles’ most successful hit at country radio.
Setser later revealed the song was written with Marty Robbins in mind:
“When we finished [Seven Spanish Angels] we thought ‘Who in the world’s gonna do it?’ because Marty was deceased.” Within just two days “Seven Spanish Angels” was sent to Willie Nelson. Before Nelson got around to recording it, producer Billy Sherrill heard the demo and wanted Ray Charles’ name on it. Sherrill then proposed that Nelson and Charles (a very odd duo at the time if we’re being honest) cut the song together and the rest is well, history…
Complete with background vocals from his wife Morgane, Chris and Dwight deliver a stellar performance as if the song was their own. Check it out for yourself here: