Chris Stapleton and Dwight Yoakam’s Rendition of ‘Seven Spanish Angels’ Captivates at 2016 CMA Awards
In 2016, at the 50th Annual CMA Awards, a performance unfolded that instantly cemented itself as one of the most hauntingly beautiful moments in country music history. Chris Stapleton and Dwight Yoakam took the stage to deliver a rendition of “Seven Spanish Angels” that sent chills through the audience, blending the soul of tradition with the power of raw, contemporary emotion. The pairing of their voices, distinct and seasoned, breathed new life into the already legendary ballad.
Chris Stapleton, a Kentucky-born artist whose voice blends blues, soul, and country, had only recently skyrocketed to fame with his debut solo album Traveller in 2015. His background as a prolific Nashville songwriter gave him depth and subtlety, while his unmistakable, gravelly timbre set him apart in the modern country scene. Dwight Yoakam, on the other hand, had long been an icon—his honky-tonk revivalism and Bakersfield-inspired style had earned him legendary status decades earlier. Together, they represented two powerful eras of country music converging for a single, unforgettable performance.
“Seven Spanish Angels” has a rich history. The song was originally released in 1984 as a duet between Ray Charles and Willie Nelson. Written by Troy Seals and Eddie Setser, it tells the sorrowful tale of a fugitive couple’s final stand and the angels who come for them in death. Charles and Nelson’s version was deeply spiritual and emotional, blending gospel tones with a narrative rooted in love and sacrifice. Their recording became a massive hit, climbing to the top of the country charts and expanding Charles’s reach into a genre he had already helped reshape.
The original production was lush and minimalistic, focusing on the soaring piano lines, Nelson’s acoustic stylings, and the emotive back-and-forth between two of music’s most respected vocalists. It was both dramatic and tender, making it one of the few country songs that crossed genre boundaries while still holding firm to its roots. The track’s orchestration gave it a cinematic quality, and its themes of redemption and eternal love struck a chord with listeners far and wide.
When Stapleton and Yoakam took on the song, they approached it with reverence but also with their own unmistakable flair. Stapleton’s soulful inflection gave the verses a new grit, while Yoakam’s twang added that haunting edge only he could deliver. Morgane Stapleton, Chris’s wife and frequent harmony partner, joined with ethereal backing vocals that elevated the entire arrangement. What started as a simple duet evolved into a layered, almost spiritual experience on the CMA stage.
The performance wasn’t just praised for vocal excellence—it was the emotional weight behind each line that resonated so deeply. The crowd, filled with legends like Garth Brooks and Ricky Skaggs, sat visibly moved, many with tears in their eyes. The staging was minimal, allowing the voices to do the heavy lifting. In a night designed to celebrate the genre’s past and future, this moment felt like the perfect intersection of both.
Although the original version was a chart-topper, Stapleton and Yoakam’s performance wasn’t about commercial success—it was about paying tribute. The CMA’s 50th celebration brought together the old and new guard of country, and this rendition reminded everyone of the storytelling power country music holds when it’s done right. It wasn’t flashy. It was real.
For Stapleton, this moment further validated his position as one of the most authentic voices of his generation. Though still early in his solo career at the time, his ability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a legend like Yoakam—and not just keep up, but complement—was a testament to his deep musical roots. For Yoakam, the performance was yet another reminder of his timeless relevance and his uncanny ability to adapt while staying true to himself.
“Seven Spanish Angels” has always been a song other artists admired and respected, but rarely attempted due to its emotional depth and iconic status. Yet this performance proved that, in the right hands, a classic can not only be honored—it can be reborn. Their version didn’t try to outshine the original. Instead, it stood as a loving homage that expanded the song’s legacy.
In the wake of the performance, fans and critics alike flooded social media with praise. Many called it “the best version since Ray and Willie.” Some even went further, calling it one of the best CMA performances of all time. It was the kind of moment people replay for years, not just because of how it sounded, but because of how it made them feel.
Even years later, the performance remains a benchmark for how to honor the past while staying rooted in the present. It bridged generations of fans and reminded them of the shared emotions that lie at the heart of country music: loss, love, sacrifice, and redemption.
The song’s legacy continues to grow, with this rendition contributing to its status as one of the most emotionally impactful ballads in the genre’s history. It has become a staple reference point for duets that aim to blend reverence with innovation.
Ultimately, what made Stapleton and Yoakam’s performance so unforgettable wasn’t just the skill, or even the song itself—it was the chemistry. The quiet understanding between two great artists, both shaped by the past but deeply present in the moment, gave “Seven Spanish Angels” wings all over again. And for everyone watching, it felt like a prayer shared across time.
