PHOTOS of Chris Stapleton before the beard

Chris Stapleton continues to storm the ramparts of country music with a blend of finely crafted songwriting and southern soul.

The 38-year-old from Kentucky was well established as a songwriter in Nashville before his debut solo album Traveller dominated the 2015 award circuit, winning Grammys for Best Country Album and Best Country Solo Performance.

Almost as recognizable as his soulful singing is Stapleton’s epic beard. I found myself wondering what he looked like back in the day while repeatedly watching the following killer performance of “Seven Spanish Angels” with Dwight Yoakam:

Thankfully, the budding star was kind enough to share some old snaps before the fame — and before the chin whiskers! These have been circulating for a while but they’re pretty amazing and totally worth a reshare.

Chris Stapleton before and after the beard:

And here’s one more from the “Tennessee Whiskey” singer. That’s Chris in the overalls and John Deere hat, which is certifiably county as all get out.

Stapleton and his beard hit the road again in March with a number of dates in Canada and the United States.