Kris Jones: From Dad to Internet Star with “Tennessee Whiskey”

“Tennessee Whiskey,” originally released by David Allan Coe in 1981, gained renewed popularity through Chris Stapleton’s R&B-flavored rendition on his 2015 debut album, “Traveller.” This version inspired a wave of cover videos on social media, as noted by Country Thang Daily.

Among these covers, the rendition by Kris Jones, performed in a Home Depot parking lot in 2017, stands out as the most viewed. Captured by his daughter Dayla, who wanted to showcase her father’s vocal talent to her friends, the video quickly amassed 70 million views on various platforms within 14 months, according to Country Music Family.

A viewer, Mr Jinx, praised Jones’s natural talent in a comment, highlighting the genuine quality of his performance without the aid of studio effects, and the visible pride of his daughter. The video not only showcases Jones’s impressive cover but also the heartfelt bond between father and daughter.

Destinie Jones, Kris’s wife, shared the video on Facebook, leading to an invitation from Ellen DeGeneres for Kris and Dayla to appear on her show. There, Jones shared his long-held musical aspirations, which were sidelined by life’s challenges. His journey took a new turn in 2018 with the release of an EP that charted in the country music scene. Below is the Chris Stapleton hit that sparked the trend leading to Jones’s viral fame:

Kris Jones’s backstory is one of resilience. Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, with a diverse family background, he faced significant challenges, including bullying that led to an early departure from school. Music became his refuge, from choir performances to karaoke contests. A turbulent period in his youth resulted in a six-year prison sentence, during which Jones found solace in singing.

Released at 26, Jones rebuilt his life, focusing on family and work. Despite an unsuccessful American Idol audition, he continued to enjoy singing as a hobby. It was his daughter’s request in 2017 that brought his voice to the public’s attention once more.

Following his appearance on The Ellen Show, Jones had opportunities on The Voice and The Four, though his music career has yet to fully ignite. Known affectionately as the “Tennessee Whiskey Dad,” Jones remains a beloved figure, happily married and celebrated for his viral moment.