Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media, Inc.
Chris Stapleton Acknowledges Heartbreaking Losses, Including Close Friend and Collaborator, at the 2023 CMA Awards
During the 2023 CMA Awards on November 8, when Chris Stapleton took the stage to accept the Male Vocalist of the Year award, he took a moment to remember two individuals who had recently passed away.
The first person he honored was Mike Henderson, a founding member of the SteelDrivers and a longtime collaborator who played a significant role in co-writing some of Stapleton’s most impactful hits. Henderson passed away in September at the age of 70.
The second person Stapleton mentioned was Eric Burrows, a less-known figure in the country music community but a significant presence in Stapleton’s life. Burrows, who served as Stapleton’s director of security from 2016 to late 2021, passed away on November 6 while working in Europe. Burrows had also worked in security for other celebrities such as Justin Timberlake and Celine Dion.
Reflecting on Burrows backstage after the awards, Stapleton expressed that Burrows was more than just an employee; he was a close family friend. Stapleton shared, “He toured with us quite a bit, took care of my family, did security on the road. He passed away the day before yesterday, and he was just on my mind.”
Stapleton emphasized the deep connection Burrows had with his family, stating, “The kids loved him dearly. We loved him dearly. He was a wonderful man.”
Despite the somber moments, Stapleton also had notable achievements during the awards show, winning the Male Vocalist of the Year category and delivering both a solo performance and a rendition of his duet with Carly Pearce, “We Don’t Fight Anymore.”
