A CHRIS STAPLETON WEEKEND (UPDATE)

Mercury Nashville's Chris Stapleton, who saw a massive sales spike after his CMA appearance and wins, another burst after his big Grammy night and a healthy plateau of sales ever since, is surging at retail once more. His platinum-plus Traveller is winning a new crop of zealots after this weekend's one-two punch of a CBS Sunday Morning feature and a big look on the network's ACM Awards telecast.

Stapleton scored four big wins during the ACMS (added to the one he was awarded early) and an extended gag at the top of the broadcast showed just how much love there is for him in the community, as an array of superstars stood up to "take credit" for the man's exploding career. In addition to scoring multiple trophies (including a surprise win for Single), Stapleton gave the closing performance on the show.

The CBS Sunday Morning profile, which included a visit Stapleton's eastern Kentucky hometown and traced his rise from humble roots (including nerdy teen photos) to journeyman songwriter (four days after arrving in Nashville he had a pub deal) to chart-topping artist. "His overnight success was more than a decade in the making," noted the segment, which concluded with footage of a free concert in Stapleton's hometown. By mid-morning Traveller—already in the Top 5—had moved to #1 on the iTunes chart, and it has traded the lead with the new release from TWENTY88 ever since.

It's clear that Stapleton is a major arrival whose songs and voice have a timeless appeal; add a bit of inspiring backstory and a shower of accolades at the ACMs, and it's no surprise we're seeing a very healthy bump for the bearded breakout.

For another take on Stapleton's story, check out our post-CMAs profile here.