A trip home for Chris Stapleton
Yesterday and today, the town of Paintsville, Kentucky, was full of buzz thanks to a bearded man and his wife. Chris Stapleton and Ram Trucks teamed up with ACM Lifting Lives when Stapleton visited his hometown, Paintsville, KY hometown for two concerts in the Johnson Central High School gym.
During his visit, Ram Nation volunteers (a grassroots team of Ram truck owners) and students from the school’s carpentry program dedicated an outdoor performance space, The Golden Eagle Stage Powered By RAM Trucks, for the school’s use.
Chris Stapleton also donated $57,000 worth of instruments for the band. A little history bit – back in the day, he graduated Valedictorian in his class and performed “Memories,” a song he wrote. This week, Stapleton got word that he was awarded Best New Male Artist from the Academy of Country Music. That award will sit nicely on the shelf next to his CMA and Grammy awards. Nevertheless, fame has not changed for Chris Stapleton as he is proud of where his roots originated in Johnson County, Kentucky.
Here are a few scenes from today:
![]() |
Chris Stapleton Cupcake from Nonnie’s Cake Corner |
![]() |
Chris Stapleton with US 23 Country Music Highway Museum Staff – via Paintsville Adventures Tourism Facebook |
![]() |
Courtesy of Johnson Central High School |
![]() |
Courtesy of Johnson Central High School |
![]() |
Courtesy of Johnson Central High School |
Shot and edited by Kevin Horn today as Chris Stapleton filmed his new commercial for Dodge Ram.Posted by aroundpaintsville.com on Thursday, March 24, 2016

Jessica Blankenship is the owner and founder of Kentucky Country Music website with over 20 years experience in music journalism, concert planning, photography, and promotion. Jessica is a Kentucky Colonel and alumni of the 2019 Leadership Kentucky BRIGHT Class and a recipient of the Laurel County’s Ten Under 40 Award. Listen to her each week on WFKY on Friday mornings for the Nashville News Roundup.