We need a studio version of this ASAP.

It’s no secret that Chris Stapleton is widely viewed as one of the greatest country singers of all time. From his iconic cover of David Allan Coe’s “Tennessee Whiskey,” to his gut-wrenching emotion on the upbeat, “Parachute,” the 46 year-old singer/songwriter’s soulful and bluesy vocals, mixed with that powerful signature rasp, puts just about every country singer before and after him to shame.

Don’t agree with me? That’s fine, we’re all entitled to our own opinions. But Parker Mccollum takes my side on this topic and that’s just about all the validation I need at this very moment:

And just recently, Chris did what he always does..brought the absolute house down with his hour and a half long set at the first weekend of the Austin City Limits Festival in, you guessed it…Austin, Texas.

Stapleton pulled out all the hits, from “You Should Probably Leave,” to “Traveller,” but there was one performance that might’ve caused the depression I didn’t even know I had to leave my body while watching. And that was his cover of legendary southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s, “Free Bird.”

“Free Bird” was released 51 years ago and just like plenty of other Skynyrd songs, is still alive and very relevant today. That goes to tell you just how good the song and band were/are. And while no one will ever outdo Ronnie Van Zant and co., Chris can take just about any song and absolutely CRUSH it.

While the video will automatically start at his performance of “Free Bird,” you can also watch the entire Austin City Limits set below. You’re welcome.