Chris Stapleton Brings a Timeless Western Story to Life in Star-Studded ‘White Horse’ Video
By Website Content Manager
The visually striking video brings the GRAMMY- and CMA-winning track to life.
Chris Stapleton brings together a star-studded cast to bring his GRAMMY- and CMA-winning track “White Horse” to life in a cinematic music video.
Shot amid the sweeping landscapes of Marfa, Texas, the video—produced by Strange Arcade and directed by Running Bear Films—features acclaimed actors Josh Brolin (No Country for Old Men, True Grit), Mae McKagan, and Tommy Martinez. Stapleton also appears alongside his wife and creative partner, Morgane, adding an intimate dimension to the story.
The narrative follows a couple on the run after a bank heist, with Brolin playing a sheriff caught between duty and compassion. Despite his role in upholding the law, he forms a protective, almost fatherly bond with the young woman as she navigates the turmoil. The story concludes with the couple marrying and riding into the sunset, leaving their past behind.
Discussing the concept, Running Bear directors Stephen Kinigopoulos and Alexa King Stone shared, “Listening to ‘White Horse’ repeatedly, we imagined a couple on the run and decided to add depth with the parental-sheriff dynamic between Mae and Josh’s characters. What started as an action-driven love story evolved into a tale about trust and letting go.”
The evocative visuals of the video perfectly complement “White Horse,” a song Stapleton co-wrote with Dan Wilson more than 12 years ago. The pair were originally asked to create a track for the 2013 Lone Ranger film starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer. With very little information about the movie’s plot, they based the song on the title alone, crafting a track that combined electric guitar riffs with Stapleton’s soulful vocals.
The result is a dusty, western-inspired sound that enhances a love story reminiscent of a fairytale, complete with a cowboy riding off into the sunset on a white horse.
Although the song didn’t make it onto the movie’s soundtrack, it was included on Stapleton’s full-length project and received extensive country radio play. It became the Kentucky-born singer’s fourth No. 1 hit and achieved 135 radio adds in a single day—the biggest for country radio in 2023. Additionally, it earned the highest chart debut of Stapleton’s career on Mediabase, entering at No. 31.
The release of the new video coincides with another major year of recognition for Stapleton. He is currently nominated for four awards at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, including Best Country Song for “A Song To Sing” (with Miranda Lambert), Best Country Solo Performance for “Bad As I Used To Be,” and two nominations for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “A Song To Sing” and “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame” (with George Strait).
Stapleton is also heading into next week’s CMA Awards with nominations for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Music Video of the Year for “Think I’m In Love With You.” This year marks a decade since his memorable CMA duet with Justin Timberlake and the release of his breakthrough debut album, Traveller.