Broken Halos

Album: From a Room: Volume 1 (2016)
Charted: 45
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Chris Stapleton debuted this track alongside his wife Morgane on December 13, 2016 during Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund telethon. The song served as a heartfelt tribute to the 14 people who lost their lives to the Gatlinburg wildfires fires and the thousands more whose homes were destroyed.
  • The song was recorded on a very sad day for the artist. "I recorded this on the day a friend of mine passed away from pancreatic cancer. He was the same age as me; we played Little League together, stuff like that," Stapleton explained when he performed this song during the UMG's luncheon at the Ryman Auditorium. "He was 38 years old."
  • Stapleton was a big winner at the Grammy Awards in 2018, taking Best Country Song for this track, Best Country Solo Performance for "Either Way," and Best Country Album for From A Room: Volume 1.
  • This won both Single of the Year and Song of the Year at the 2018 Country Music Association Awards. Stapleton also took home the trophy for Male Vocalist of the Year for the third year in a row.
  • Chris Stapleton co-wrote "Broken Halos" with Mike Henderson. Their songwriting partnership dates back to the late 2000s when they were both members of the bluegrass group The SteelDrivers.
  • The song's name came from Keith Richards' autobiography. Mike Henderson was leafing through the book and made a note of a chapter title "Broken Halos." He brought the idea to Stapleton and the pair wrote the song in about an hour.

Comments: 2

  • Robin Cruickshank from GeorgiaMy Dad passed away from pancreatic Cancer as well. This song reminds me of my Daddy/Hero/PaPa.Bear/ Guardian Angel! RIP Dad!!
  • Sissy Johnson from Huntsville, KyMy brother heading into the fight to stay here. I pulled off in front of an old country church and I prayed like life depends on it. I left the parking lot and pulled out and then Broken Halos played. Maybe God is telling me something but I believe in Miracles and His ability to heal someone to stay her a little longer. Pray for Mark JOHNSON. Pray more...worry less is my battle cry Keep the faith. The storms in life keep us looking to God. One day our number will be called and then therein lies peace that this world constantly searches for pray for Mark Powell JOHNSON
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds

Jim McCarty of The YardbirdsSongwriter Interviews

The Yardbirds drummer explains how they created their sound and talks about working with their famous guitarists.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Yacht Rock!

Yacht Rock!Song Writing

A scholarly analysis of yacht rock favorites ("Steal Away," "Baker Street"...) with a member of the leading YR cover band.