Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Vince Gill
Discover the career path of Vince Gill, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Vince Gill is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who began his career playing in bluegrass bands. He gained mainstream recognition as the lead singer of the soft rock band Pure Prairie League from 1978 to 1982, singing lead on their hit "Let Me Love You Tonight." After departing, he briefly joined Rodney Crowell's band before embarking on a solo career in country music in 1984. He initially recorded for RCA Records Nashville with limited success. In 1989, he signed with MCA Nashville, where he has remained ever since.
March 4, 1976: Mountain Smoke opens for Kiss
On March 4, 1976, Vince Gill's bluegrass band, Mountain Smoke, opened for the hard rock band Kiss, leading to an infamous incident where the crowd booed and threw objects at them.
October 1978: Begins Performing with Pure Prairie League
In October 1978, Vince Gill began performing in concert as a guitarist and vocalist for Pure Prairie League.
1978: Joins Pure Prairie League
In 1978, Vince Gill became the lead singer of the soft rock band Pure Prairie League, gaining mainstream attention.
1979: Appears on "Can't Hold Back"
In 1979, Vince Gill appeared on Pure Prairie League's album "Can't Hold Back" and wrote several songs on it.
1982: Joins the Cherry Bombs
In 1982, Vince Gill joined Rodney Crowell's backing band, the Cherry Bombs, as a guitarist and moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
1982: Leaves Pure Prairie League
In 1982, Vince Gill left Pure Prairie League and briefly played guitar in Rodney Crowell's backing band, the Cherry Bombs.
1983: Signs with RCA Records Nashville
In 1983, Vince Gill signed with RCA Records Nashville after being recommended by Tony Brown, who became president of artists and repertoire at the label. He also appeared as a guest vocalist on David Grisman's Here Today.
1984: Releases "Turn Me Loose" and Wins Award
In 1984, Vince Gill debuted on RCA with the extended play "Turn Me Loose", which generated three singles, and won Top New Male Vocalist from the Academy of Country Music.
1984: Begins Solo Career
In 1984, Vince Gill started his solo career in country music and signed with RCA Records Nashville.
1985: Backing Vocals on Rhythm & Romance
In 1985, Vince Gill provided backing vocals on Rosanne Cash's album "Rhythm & Romance".
1985: Releases "The Things That Matter"
In 1985, Vince Gill released his first full album for RCA, "The Things That Matter". The album included "If It Weren't for Him", a duet with Rosanne Cash which became his first top-ten country hit. To promote the album, Gill began touring as an opening act for Ricky Skaggs.
1987: Collaboration on Emmylou Harris's 'Angel Band'
In 1987, Vince Gill collaborated with Emmylou Harris on her album "Angel Band", playing mandolin and singing backing vocals.
1987: Backing Vocals on Patty Loveless' Debut Album
In 1987, Vince Gill provided backing vocals on Patty Loveless's self-titled debut album.
1987: Releases "The Way Back Home"
In 1987, Vince Gill released his third RCA album, "The Way Back Home", which produced the hit single "Cinderella". Following the album's release, Gill ended his contract with RCA.
1988: Becomes president of MCA Nashville Records
In 1988, Tony Brown became president of MCA Nashville Records.
1988: Leaves RCA Records Nashville
In 1988, Vince Gill's contract with RCA Records Nashville ended after achieving minimal success.
1989: Gill begins writing "Go Rest High on That Mountain"
In 1989, Vince Gill began writing "Go Rest High on That Mountain" as a tribute to Keith Whitley following his death.
1989: Backing Vocals on 'Timber, I'm Falling in Love'
In 1989, Vince Gill sang backing vocals on Patty Loveless's hit song "Timber, I'm Falling in Love".
1989: Signs with MCA Nashville
In 1989, Vince Gill signed a contract with MCA Nashville Records and released the single "Never Alone".
1990: Alabama Records Gill's 'Here We Are'
In 1990, Alabama recorded Vince Gill's song "Here We Are" on their album "Pass It On Down".
1990: Releases "When I Call Your Name"
In 1990, Vince Gill released his MCA debut album, "When I Call Your Name", which featured the single "Oklahoma Swing", a duet with Reba McEntire.
October 1991: Hosts CMA Awards
In October 1991, Vince Gill co-hosted the CMA awards telecast with Clint Black.
1991: Collaboration on 'Restless' with Mark O'Connor & the New Nashville Cats
In 1991, Mark O'Connor recorded a cover of Carl Perkins's "Restless" featuring Vince Gill, Steve Wariner, and Ricky Skaggs. The rendition reached number 25 on the country charts.
September 1992: "I Still Believe in You" reached number one
In September 1992, Vince Gill's song "I Still Believe in You" reached number one on the Hot Country Songs chart, marking his first number-one hit.
December 1992: "Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away" reached number one
In December 1992, Vince Gill's "Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away" reached number one on the Hot Country Songs chart.
1992: Number One Hits
In 1992, Vince Gill had number one hits with "I Still Believe in You", which was the peak of his commercial success in the first half of the 1990s.
1992: "Take Your Memory with You" Charts
In 1992, Vince Gill's song, "Take Your Memory with You" charted within the top five.
1992: Recording of 'It's Not Over' with Mark Chesnutt
In 1992, Vince Gill, along with Alison Krauss, originally recorded backing vocals for Mark Chesnutt's "It's Not Over" for his album "Longnecks & Short Stories."
1992: Grammy and CMA Award for 'Restless'
In 1992, Vince Gill, along with Mark O'Connor, Steve Wariner, and Ricky Skaggs, won a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals and CMA Vocal Event of the Year for "Restless."
January 1993: "Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away" at number one
In January 1993, Vince Gill's "Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away" remained at number one on the Hot Country Songs chart.
1993: Guest Appearance on Reba McEntire's "The Heart Won't Lie"
In 1993, Vince Gill appeared as a guest on Reba McEntire's song "The Heart Won't Lie", which became a number-one single.
1993: Covering Eagles' 'I Can't Tell You Why' and Collaboration on 'Red Wing'
In 1993, Vince Gill covered the Eagles's "I Can't Tell You Why" for the album "Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles". He also collaborated with Asleep at the Wheel on "Red Wing" for the album "Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys."
1993: Start of Vinny Pro-Celebrity Golf Invitational
In 1993, Vince Gill started a golf charity called the Vinny Pro-Celebrity Golf Invitational, which raises money for children's golf in the state of Tennessee.
1994: Duet with Amy Grant and Collaboration with Kermit the Frog
In 1994, Vince Gill had a duet with Amy Grant on "House of Love" from her album of the same name. He also collaborated with Kermit the Frog on a cover of "Daydream" for the album "Kermit Unpigged."
1994: Number One Hits
In 1994, Vince Gill had another number one hit with "Tryin' to Get Over You".
1994: Release of When Love Finds You
In 1994, Vince Gill released the album When Love Finds You on MCA. It charted six singles on Billboard Hot Country Songs between 1994 and 1995.
1994: "One More Last Chance" and "Tryin' to Get Over You" topped Hot Country Songs
In 1994, Vince Gill's "One More Last Chance" and "Tryin' to Get Over You" topped the Hot Country Songs chart, with the latter becoming his first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100.
1995: Release of Compilation Albums
In 1995, Vince Gill ended the year with two compilation albums: Souvenirs, a greatest hits album featuring MCA singles and collaborations, and The Essential Vince Gill, consisting of singles and songs he recorded on RCA in the 1980s.
1995: Benefit Concert for the American Red Cross
In 1995, Vince Gill held a concert to benefit the American Red Cross following the Oklahoma City bombing.
1995: Duet with Dolly Parton on 'I Will Always Love You' and Backing Vocals for Ty Herndon
In 1995, Vince Gill sang a duet with Dolly Parton on a re-recording of "I Will Always Love You". He also co-wrote and provided backing vocals on Ty Herndon's "You Just Get One."
1995: Several singles from When Love Finds You peaked in the top five
In 1995, several singles from Vince Gill's When Love Finds You peaked in the top five, including "Whenever You Come Around", "What the Cowgirls Do", the title track, "Which Bridge to Cross (Which Bridge to Burn)", and "You Better Think Twice".
1995: Bryan White Compared to Gill
In 1995, upon his debut, Bryan White was compared to Vince Gill by Tom Lanham of New Country magazine, who noted Gill's influence in White's vocals and songwriting on the single "Rebecca Lynn".
1996: Release of High Lonesome Sound
In 1996, MCA released Vince Gill's album High Lonesome Sound, with the title track becoming the lead single.
1996: Participation in "Hope: Country Music's Quest for a Cure"
In 1996, Vince Gill participated in "Hope: Country Music's Quest for a Cure", which was a charity single by the T.J. Martell Foundation to honor cancer and leukemia research.
1997: Gill won Grammy Awards and cancelled tour dates
In 1997, Gill won Grammy Awards for "High Lonesome Sound" and "Worlds Apart". His tours were the fourth most profitable among country artists but he canceled dates later in 1997 to take time off following his father's death.
1997: Jason Sellers joins BNA Records after consulting Gill
In 1997, Jason Sellers, who played bass guitar in Gill's road band in the late 1990s, signed with BNA Records after seeking career advice from Vince Gill.
1997: Backing Vocals on Mark Chesnutt's 'It's Not Over' and Lead Guitar/Mandolin on Jeff Wood's Song
In 1997, Vince Gill and Alison Krauss were credited for backing vocals on Mark Chesnutt's "It's Not Over". Gill also played lead guitar and mandolin on Jeff Wood's version of "You Just Get One."
1998: Recognition in The Encyclopedia of Country Music
In 1998, The Encyclopedia of Country Music recognized Vince Gill for his aching tenor, award-winning songwriting skills, and guitar talent, describing him as one of today's biggest country superstars.
1998: Release of two albums
In 1998, Vince Gill released two albums: The Key, a studio album, and Breath of Heaven: A Christmas Collection, his second Christmas project with Patrick Williams and his orchestra.
1998: Grammy Win for 'A Soldier's Joy' and Brown's Statement
In 1998, Vince Gill won a Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance for Randy Scruggs's "A Soldier's Joy". Also, in 1998, it was stated by Brown that Gill often sang harmony for other artists because he enjoyed doing so.
1998: Grammy Award for 'A Soldier's Joy'
In 1998, Vince Gill won another Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance for his performance on Randy Scruggs's "A Soldier's Joy" from the album "Crown of Jewels".
1999: Gill wins Grammy Award
In 1999, Vince Gill's song "If You Ever Have Forever in Mind" won the Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
2000: Release of Let's Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye
In 2000, Vince Gill released the studio album Let's Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye, featuring the singles "Let's Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye", "Feels Like Love", and "Shoot Straight from Your Heart". Amy Grant co-wrote and provided duet vocals on "When I Look into Your Heart".
2001: Instrumental Grammy for 'Foggy Mountain Breakdown'
In 2001, Vince Gill won a Grammy Award for his rendition of Earl Scruggs's "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" on the collaboration album "Earl Scruggs and Friends."
2003: Last Year Hosting the CMA Awards
2003 marks Vince Gill's last year hosting the CMA awards ceremony.
2003: Release of Next Big Thing
In 2003, Vince Gill released the studio album Next Big Thing, with the title track being the lead single. The album reflected on Gill's age and the rise of younger artists.
2004: Re-establishment of the Cherry Bombs
In 2004, Vince Gill and Rodney Crowell re-established Crowell's former backing band, the Cherry Bombs, crediting themselves as the Notorious Cherry Bombs. They recorded a self-titled album for Universal South Records (now Show Dog-Universal Music) in 2004.
2004: "Next Big Thing" won Grammy Award
In 2004, Vince Gill's song "Next Big Thing" won the Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
2006: Bob Seger covered "Real Mean Bottle"
In 2006, Bob Seger covered "Real Mean Bottle" (originally written by Vince Gill and inspired by a comment made by session guitarist Harold Bradley about Merle Haggard's "The Bottle Let Me Down") on his album Face the Promise.
2006: Backing Vocals on Brooks & Dunn's 'Building Bridges'
In 2006, Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow provided backing vocals on Brooks & Dunn's "Building Bridges."
2006: Release of 'These Days' and Certification
In 2006, Vince Gill released "These Days", a four-album box set exploring country rock, soul, neotraditional country, and bluegrass. The project included collaborations with Alison Krauss and Sheryl Crow on the singles "The Reason Why" and "What You Give Away", respectively. By the end of 2006, "These Days" was certified platinum.
2007: Grammy Win for 'The Reason Why'
In 2007, Vince Gill won a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for "The Reason Why" at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards. The song is from his album, 'These Days'.
2008: Grammy Win for 'Cluster Pluck'
In 2008, Vince Gill was featured on Brad Paisley's instrumental track "Cluster Pluck" from the album "Play: The Guitar Album", winning his fourth Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance.
May 2009: Debut on the Grand Ole Opry with Steve Martin
In May 2009, Vince Gill, along with Amy Grant, joined Steve Martin for Martin's debut performance on the Grand Ole Opry. This appearance also served as promotion for Martin's album "The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo."
2010: Joining the Time Jumpers
In 2010, Vince Gill became a member of the Time Jumpers, a group of musicians performing bluegrass and Western swing in Nashville.
2011: Release of 'Guitar Slinger'
In 2011, Vince Gill released his solo album "Guitar Slinger", featuring songs written or co-written by him, with vocal contributions from various artists, including Amy Grant. The album charted the single "Threaten Me with Heaven".
2012: Recording with The Time Jumpers
In 2012, Vince Gill and the Time Jumpers recorded their self-titled second studio album at Gill's home studio.
2012: Featured on Kelly Clarkson's 'Don't Rush'
In 2012, Vince Gill was featured on Kelly Clarkson's single "Don't Rush."
2015: Tour with Ashley Monroe and Charlie Worsham
In 2015, Vince Gill toured with Ashley Monroe and Charlie Worsham.
2016: Grammy Award for Best American Roots Song
In 2016, Vince Gill and the Time Jumpers won a Grammy Award for Best American Roots Song for the track "Kid Sister" from their album of the same name.
2016: Number-One Singles
In 2016, Vince Gill had number-one singles as a guest on Chris Young's "Sober Saturday Night" and the multi-artist collaboration "Forever Country".
2016: Collaboration on "Forever Country"
In 2016, Vince Gill participated in the collaboration "Forever Country", a medley of "I Will Always Love You", "On the Road Again", and "Country Roads, Take Me Home" recorded by 30 country artists to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Country Music Association. This collaboration reached number one on the Billboard country charts under the credit "Artists of Then, Now, and Forever".
2016: Release of 'Down to My Last Bad Habit'
In 2016, Vince Gill released "Down to My Last Bad Habit" through MCA. The lead single, "Take Me Down", featured guest vocals from Little Big Town and charted at number 60 on the Billboard country singles charts.
2016: Backing Vocals and Lead Guitar on Chris Young's 'Sober Saturday Night'
In late 2016, Vince Gill contributed backing vocals and lead guitar on Chris Young's "Sober Saturday Night", which reached number one on the Billboard country charts.
2017: Joining the Eagles
In 2017, Vince Gill joined the Eagles as a replacement for the late Glenn Frey and debuted with the band at a concert in Dodger Stadium.
2017: Guest Vocalist on Maren Morris's 'Dear Hate'
In 2017, Vince Gill was a guest vocalist on Maren Morris's "Dear Hate", a promotional single written in response to the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. This marked Gill's 65th entry on the country charts.
2018: Interview with Taste of Country
In 2018, Gill expressed his feelings of gratitude about joining the Eagles in an interview with Taste of Country.
2019: Release of 'Okie'
In 2019, Vince Gill released "Okie" on MCA, conceiving the album as more autobiographical than his previous works. The album included a song about Amy Grant titled "When My Amy Prays", which won Gill a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance.
2020: Leaves The Time Jumpers
In 2020, Vince Gill left the Western swing group The Time Jumpers.
2023: Release of 'Sweet Memories: The Music of Ray Price & the Cherokee Cowboys'
In 2023, Vince Gill and Paul Franklin released a collaborative album titled "Sweet Memories: The Music of Ray Price & the Cherokee Cowboys", covering songs by Ray Price.
October 2025: Signing Lifetime Contract with MCA and '50 Years from Home' Series Release
In October 2025, Vince Gill signed a "lifetime" contract with MCA and announced plans to release a new extended play each month for the next year, as part of a series titled "50 Years from Home." The first EP in the series, "I Gave You Everything I Had", was released in October 2025.
November 10, 2025: Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award
On November 10, 2025, it was announced that Vince Gill would receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 59th Annual Country Music Association Awards.
2025: "Go Rest High on That Mountain" certified two-times platinum
In 2025, "Go Rest High on That Mountain" received a two-times platinum certification from the RIAA, honoring digital sales of two million in the United States.
2025: Farewell Tour with the Eagles
Vince Gill and Deacon Frey are scheduled to continue touring as members of the Eagles until the end of the band's farewell tour in 2025.
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