BITTERSWEET, Ky. — I’ll be the first to admit that as a high-school student, I was not all that into studying. It was not my favorite thing to do, much to the chagrin of most of my teachers.

But that was a long time ago, a very long time ago, and I learned later in life the value of taking the time to learn as much about a subject as I could. As a writer, I have often been called upon to write about a subject I wasn’t all that familiar with, so gaining better study habits became part of the job.

I say all that to say this: That rededication to the art of research came in handy this week as I thought about this column. As most country music fans tuned in to see this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards, there was a noticeable absence of one of the top stars on the circuit today: Chris Stapleton.

The country music superstar was actually with his wife, who was giving birth to twins. While he attended that wonderful event, at the show he won Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the year for From a Room: Volume 1.

I have said here before how much I like Stapleton’s music and how unique I think he sounds. And as you know, I love something that is unique and stands out in a crowd. But it wasn’t until I made a consorted effort to really study the music of Chris Stapleton that I discovered how versatile this artist really is.

He has been around the block a time or two; performed bluegrass and Southern rock; written hits for other country stars; and, finally, came to the top after chasing the stardom dream for several years – and did so by being himself, musically.

I can say this after listening to all the Stapleton music I could find, including those bluegrass and rock days: One of the things that endears me to the country genre the most is the ability to relate to its songs. Stapleton takes that to a new level by writing about good times and bad, happy and sad all through the lens of that soulful, singing-deep-from-my-belly voice.

He can break your heart with a song like “Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore” from the Traveller album, to one of his newer releases, “Millionaire,” a wonderful love song that makes you want to sit a little closer to your Significant Other.

We can all find ourselves in one of his songs, and he performs them in a way that is like no one else in the business.

So, I must thank Chris for reinforcing my commitment to the art of studying, as well as all my old teachers who, despite my poor study habits, never gave up on me.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.