Chris Stapleton returns to high school, donates musical instruments
Not everyone knows who Grammy Award-winning country singer Chris Stapleton is, but the students of Johnson Central High School certainly did -- and they were overjoyed to receive a surprise visit from their hometown hero.
Stapleton is a graduate of the school in Paintsville, Kentucky, and returned last week to perform and hand out instruments to the high schoolers, reports Rolling Stone.
The "Traveller" singer donated $57,000 worth of band instruments through Lifting Lives and the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation.
As if that weren't enough, the next day, Stapleton played a private concert for students and teachers at the high school and then another free concert for the Paintsville community. Stapleton used the latter to unveil and dedicate The Golden Eagle Stage Powered by Ram Trucks, an outdoor stage built by volunteers and students.
"Chris' visit isn't something that anyone here, not the kids, nor the teachers or community, will ever forget," said Johnson Central principal Russell Halsey in a statement. "His hard work is an inspiration to us all and the generosity of Ram, Lifting Lives, Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, and all the volunteers that worked so hard during the two days, was truly overwhelming. It left us all with full hearts."
Stapleton will perform on Sunday's ACM Awards in Las Vegas. A video of Stapleton's visit to Paintsville will air at the ACMs.