For more than 30 years Vince Gill has been a popular part of country music and at the age of 57, he has built up a legendary reputation. He has recorded 19 solo studio albums, not counting his collaborations, and placed more than 40 singles on the charts. His name has been added to the Country Music Hall of fame and to date he has sold 26 million albums with the counter still running. The only real question is what will Gill achieve next?

Childhood and Development

Vincent Gill was born on April 12, 1957. He grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, and unlike most kids who are steered away from following music as a career, Gill was eagerly supported by his father. As a spare-time musician Gill’s father had a great love for music and his encouragement aided Gill in mastering several instruments. These included the guitar and banjo. Before Gill reached Northwest Classen High School his music skills had evolved with profound precision. His first taste of performing came during his teenage years after he joined Bill Perry, Bobby Clark and Mike Perry in the band “Bluegrass Revue”. However, this wasn’t the only bluegrass band he played with. After graduating, Gill performed with quite a number of bands.

Collaborations and Albums

Gill’s first step onto the national country scene was in 1979 with the band “Pure Prairie League”. By the time he became part of the band it was struggling in terms of band members. Several of them had broken away and through auditions Gill impressed Mike Reilly with his versatile talents. They recorded the album entitled “Can’t Hold Back”. The vocals for their hit song “Let Me Love You Tonight” was handled by Gill. In 1980 he moved on to join Rodney Crowell’s backing band, “The Cherry Bombs”. Things really started to take off for Gill during this time. He even received an invitation from none other than Mark Knopfler to join his band, “Dire Straits”. He didn’t accept the invitation though, but he did provide backup vocals on their “On Every Street” album.

In 1983 Gill decided to break away from the band scene and moved to Nashville with his wife and daughter to focus on a solo career. He was signed with RCA Records at the time and his debut mini-album as a solo artist was called “Turn Me Loose”. On this mini-album was his first chart single entitled “Victim of Life’s Circumstances”. This was followed by a full album, “The Things That Matter”, in 1985. Two top ten hits came from this collection, one a duet with Rosanne Cash, “If It Weren’t For Him”, and a solo single, “Oklahoma Borderline”. Things were just heating up for this ambitious musician as he released his first top 5 single in 1987 entitled “Cinderella” off the album “The Way Back Home”.  Apart from doing his own thing, Vince participated in various other projects such as making himself available as a studio musician and a songwriter.

Detailed Discography

Turn Me Loose – 1984
Gill’s debut album peaked at no. 64 on the US Country charts and all 3 singles released from it reached a top 40 position.
Victims of Life’s Circumstances – No. 40
Oh Carolina – No. 38
Turn Me Loose – No. 39

The Things That Matter – 1985
The following year Gill reached no. 63 on the US Country charts with this album. His popularity was gaining great moment as the 4 singles that came from it reached high chart positions.
True Love – No.32
If It Weren’t For Him – No. 10
Oklahoma Borderline – No. 9
With You – No. 33

The Way Back Home – 1987
Gill’s reputation was breaking borders as the album reached no. 13 on the charts. It also saw the release of his first top 5 single.
Cinderella – No. 5
Let’s Do Something – No.16
Everybody’s Sweetheart – No.11
The Radio – No.39

When I Call Your Name – 1989
The sales for Gill’s fourth album went through the roof, reaching platinum status twice. It was obvious that there was no stopping this country force from becoming a legend.
Never Alone – No.22
Oklahoma Swing – No.13
When I Call Your Name – No.2
Never Knew Lonely – No.3

Pocket Full Of Gold – 1991
This album release also received double platinum status in addition to reaching no.5 on the charts. The 4 singles that came from it all settled in top 10 positions.
Pocket Full Of Gold – No.7
Liza Jane – No.7
Look At Us – No.4
Take Your Memory With You – No.2

I Still Believe In You – 1992
After a string of hits Gill was getting used to breaking borders, and this album was no exception. It settled comfortably at no.3 on the charts and the sales turned platinum status no less than 5 times. To top it off 4 out of the 5 singles that came from the album reached no.1.
I Still Believe In You – No.1
Don’t Let Your Love Start Slippin’ Away – No.1
No Future In the Past – No. 3
One More Last Chance – No.1
Trying To Get Over You – No.1

When Love Finds You – 1994
Two years after the “I Still Believe In You” album’s success Gill struck gold again, or platinum for that matter. “When Love Finds You” went to no.2 on the US Country album charts and reached platinum status 4 times. From the album 6 singles were released, 5 of which made it to the top 10.
Whenever You Come Around – No.2
What The Cowgirls Do – No.2
When Love Finds You – No.3
Which Bridge To Cross – No.4
You Better Think Twice – No.2

High Lonesome Sound – 1996
This album went to no.3 on the charts and also went platinum in terms of sales. All 5 singles that came off it went into the top 20.
High Lonesome Sound – No.12
Worlds Apart – No.5
Pretty Little Adriana – No.2
A Little More Love – No.2
You And You Alone – No.8

The Key – 1998
Gill would reach his first no.1 album in 1998 with “The Key” and platinum status was a natural result.
If You Ever Have Forever In Mind – No.5
Kindly Keep It Country – No.33
Don’t Come Cryin’ To Me – No.27
My Kind Of Woman/My Kind Of Man (Duet with Patty Loveless) – No.27

Let’s Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye – 2000
The Millennium received Gill with open arms as this album reached gold status regarding sales and a no.4 position on the charts.
Let’s Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye – No.20
Feels Like Love – No.6
Shoot Straight From Your Heart – No.31

Next Best Thing – 2003
Early in 2003 Gill once again found a spot in the top 5 with this album. All 4 singles that came from the collection entered the charts.
Next Best Thing – No.17
Someday – No.31
Young Man’s Town – No.44
In These Last Few Days – No.51

These Days – 2006
In 2006 Gill was back to selling platinum status albums and this was his third consecutive 4th spot release on the charts.
The Reason Why – No.28
What You Give Away – No.43
How Lonely Looks

Guitar Slinger – 2011
Every album Gill touched turned to gold and this one stayed true to the legend. Nothing could keep him out of the top 10 including “Guitar Slinger” which settled at no.4
Threaten Me With Heaven – No.42

Bakersfield – 2013
Even though no official singles were released from “Bakersfield” it still reached no.4 on the charts while selling more than 50 000 copies in the US alone.

Compilation Albums

Throughout his career Gill has released 12 compilation albums. The 1992 collection of “I Never Knew Lonely” ranked at no.47 on the charts and reached gold status for sales. The album that performed the best in terms of sales and chart position was “Souvenirs”. It came out in 1995, went platinum 3 times and held the number 3 position on the charts. Another notable compilation album was “Love Songs”. It reached no.36 on the charts and was released in 2010. However, fans will agree that any compilation album that features Vince Gill is worth making part of the collection.

Christmas Albums

Let There Be Peace On Earth – 1993
This was Gill’s first holiday album. It went straight to no.3 and reached double platinum status.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – No.52
It Won’t Be The Same This Year – No.74

Breath Of Heaven: A Christmas Collection – 1998
Gill’s second holiday album was also a great success as it reached platinum status in addition to no.6 on the charts.
Blue Christmas – No.74

‘Tis The Season – 2000

Christmas Collection – 2006
No singles from this album reached the charts, but the album itself made it to no.68.

Music Videos

Looking at the music videos Gill has made, it’s hard to find a favorite, but five clearly stand out: “When I Call Your Name”, “Liza Jane”, “I Still Believe in You”, “Go Rest High on that Mountain”, and “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away”.

“When I Call Your Name” was co-written with Tim DuBois.  It was released in May 1990 as the third single and title track from the album When I Call Your Name. The song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

In sepia tone, the video is a sad and melancholy telling of the loss love.

“Liza Jane” was co-written with Reed Nielsen.  It was released in June 1991 as the second single from the album Pocket Full of Gold. The song reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

The video was a near disaster as it was planned for an outdoor night shoot at a drive in with fireworks, but rain forced everyone inside for most of the shoot as Gill explains in the opening, umbrella in hand.

“Go Rests High on that Mountain” was released in August 1995 as the sixth single from “When Love Finds You”. Gill began writing the song after the death of troubled country music star Keith Whitley, who died in 1989. However, he did not finish writing the song until several years later following the death of his eldest brother Bob, in 1993.

The song won the CMA’s Song of the Year award in 1996 and a BMI Most-Performed Song award in 1997.  It also received three Grammy Awards and made it to #14 on the Country Singles chart in 1995.

The video here is of a live performance with Allison Krauss and Ricky Skaggs, two of Gill’s favorite bluegrass crooners.

The “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” video was a lot like “Liza Jane” shot in a low-budget free style mode.  Gill on a small stage playing to a crowd of enthusiastic fans.  However, the stars came shinning through for Gill with the likes of Little Jimmy Dickens, Bruce Hornsby, Patty Loveless, Michael McDonald, Reba McEntire, Lee Roy Parnell, Carl Perkins, Leon Russell, Leland Sklar, Pam Tillis, Kevin Welch, Kelly Willis and Kentucky Headhunters drummer Fred Young.  Randall Tex Cobb makes a quick appearance to cut a rug with Singer/Songwriter/Dancer Pam MacBeth.

Awards and Other Specialties

Even though he received an award for Top New Male Vocalist in 1984 by the Academy of Country Music, his award collection only started to grow during the 90’s. Between the Country Music Association and the Grammy Awards he received more than 35 awards. These vary between best single, best song, best album, vocalist of the year, entertainer of the year and best country instrumental performance. Among all the awards he has won, being inducted into the Country Hall of Fame, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and being a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1991, there is one award that truly stands out. The Irving Waugh Award of Excellence in country music he received is only shared by one other country singer, and he is the great Johnny Cash.

As well as winning awards, Gill also had another talent and it was hosting the CMA Awards from 1992 until 2003, setting the bar for every other host that followed.  In 2014, Gill was presented with the Irving Waugh Award of Excellence during “The 48th Annual CMA Awards

Personal Life

As for Gill’s personal life, his first marriage was to Janis Oliver. Mainly remembered as one of the singers for  “Sweethearts of Rodeo”, which was very popular during the 80’s. On occasion Gill was the sound engineer for the band during concerts. Gill and Oliver only had one daughter and they officially got divorced in 1998 after a long separation.

Gill’s current wife is also a singer and she is well-known for her country gospel hits. Gill married Amy Grant in 2000 and they too have a daughter.

Their plans for the holidays are busy, as can be expected, but on Christmas day they won’t be doing any performances. Apparently Vince is in charge of the cooking this year while wife Amy has the pleasure of filling the stockings.

Upcoming Tour

Fans will be happy to know that Gill is planning a special mini-tour for January next year. He teamed up with Lyle Lovett and together they will be hitting the east coast with “Songs and Stories”. It’s only a 4 day tour, but it’s not your typical one. Instead of having bright lights and big bands to back them up, they are going to handle their own music. It’s going to be much more intimate and there will be duo and solo performances.

Just the thought of these two great singers and songwriters sharing a stage without any distractions is enough to motivate old and new fans. The tour will kick off on the 27th in Glenside, PA, and it will end on the 30th in North Charleston, SC. Fans are already begging them to extend their tour and visit their towns, but we’ll have to wait and see if they can be convinced to oblige.

You will be hard-pressed to find a country music fan that doesn’t know the name Blake Shelton, and with good reason. His 11th studio album “Bringing Back the Sunshine” has broken so many records for this year that it’s hard to keep track. It was released in September and within the first week it sold 101,000 copies. Alongside his longtime friend and producer, Scott Hendricks, the album features a vocal power not yet heard from Blake. The combination of songs is a great balance between sentimentality, nostalgia, romance and some fun. At the age of 35 he still has many records to break in terms of sales, but it seems he prefers to do this sooner rather than later.

Recently Blake appeared on “60 Seconds” where he spoke to Norah O’ Donnell about his success, life and everything that goes with it. Answering questions about the album which debuted at No.1, Blake conveyed to O’ Donnell that the popularity of the music is largely based on how people relate to it. This is the bond between the artist and those who listen. More importantly, they want to relate to the artist and when he’s at home he does all the normal things other people. This is also where is inspiration comes from.

http://youtu.be/ZyxOwm76T80

When Blake isn’t making music he loves to fish, hunt, farm and drive back roads. He was raised in Oklahoma and for the most part he lived with his dad. Blake is the youngest of 3 siblings, but unfortunately he lost his older brother and hero, Richie, in a car accident. Blake was 14 at the time. When he was 17 he moved to Nashville in hopes of making a career out of music and this dream only materialized 8 years later with the release of the album “Austin”.

Earlier this month Blake accepted the CMA’s “Male Vocalist of the Year Award” for the fifth consecutive time. The only other person with this accomplishment is Vince Gill. To top off the festivities he performed the second single off the new album, “Lonely Tonight”, for the first time alongside Ashley Monroe. Ashley features on the album and the music video.

http://youtu.be/GhU7iP3cQLc

As for breaking records, Blake is officially the first country star to top the Billboard Artist 100 chart. As if that isn’t great enough, the first single off the album, “Neon Light”, became his 13th consecutive No. 1 release, which is a first for the Billboard Country Chart. Blake has already been nominated for several “People’s Choice” awards next year and he has received a nomination for “Favorite Country Male Artist” for the “American Music Awards”.

Currently Blake has been quite busy with the ever popular reality show “The Voice”. This isn’t something that is new to him, seeing as he was a judge on “Nashville Star” and “Clash of the Choirs”. “The Voice” is now in its 7th season and in support of the top ten finalists he and Adam Levine (co-coach) stood by as they performed at the “CityWalk Christmas Tree Lighting” following the red carpet event for the show. Out of the previous 6 seasons, contestants with Blake as a coach have won 3. In March next year he’ll be on the road again, starting with the “Runaway Country Festival” in Melbourne, Florida, and moving on to Florence, Arizona, for the “Country Thunder Music Festival” in April.