Chris Stapleton Couldn’t Refuse the Offer to Record Elton John’s ‘I Want Love’
“He wanted us to do this particular song that we’ve done on this record, and what are you going to say if Elton John calls you up and asks you to do something like that other than, ‘Yes, absolutely,'" Stapleton said.
The minute Chris Stapleton heard Sir Elton John’s voice on the phone asking him to be a part of an upcoming cover project, the country singer jumped right on board to be a part of it all.
Calling the phone call “surreal” among many life-changing moments in the past few years of his career, Stapleton felt completely honored to take on “I Want Love” as a part of a collection of unique renditions of the British icon’s tracks. Stapleton just wanted to do the song justice, but accepted the opportunity nonetheless when John graciously offered the gig.
“He wanted us to do this particular song that we’ve done on this record, and what are you going to say if Elton John calls you up and asks you to do something like that other than, ‘Yes, absolutely.’ And, ‘I’ll do my best, Sir Elton,’” Stapleton explained during an interview with Amazon Music.
Although some musicians may look at the task as a fun one, Stapleton just hoped to emulate the same sort of emotion that John created so many years ago in the original recording. Not an easy goal to accomplish, the “Traveller” singer still gave his performance everything after receiving John’s blessing to record in the first place.
Restoration Cover art; Courtesy Universal Music Group Nashville
“What people don’t realize, I think, is how much he’s driving not just the singing, but he’s driving the feel of things with his playing, as well. It’s so masterful and prominent in his music that it’s what gives it the feel. So not only are we trying to interpret a beautifully written song, but we’re also trying to interpret a feel that only exists in his hands,” Stapleton raved.
Another part of Stapleton’s contribution was to perform at the GRAMMY salute dedicated to John’s work, coming to CBS on April 10.
Restoration, the country side of the Revamp and Restoration project, will come out everywhere on April 6. Get behind-the-scenes stories from the many incredible artists featured on the project via The Soundboard with Elton John, an immersive original audio program on Amazon Music. Visit amazon.com/eltonjohn for more information.
