Early Life and Education of Vince Gill: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Vince Gill. A timeline of key moments.

Vince Gill is an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and musician. He started in bluegrass bands before gaining mainstream recognition as the lead singer of Pure Prairie League from 1978-1982, singing lead on their hit "Let Me Love You Tonight." Gill transitioned to a solo career in country music in 1984, initially with RCA Records Nashville. In 1989, he signed with MCA Nashville, where he has remained since.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

April 12, 1957: Vincent Grant Gill's Birth

On April 12, 1957, Vincent Grant Gill was born. He is an American singer, songwriter, and musician.

April 1980: Gill marries Janis Oliver

In April 1980, Vince Gill married Janis Oliver, who would later join the country duo Sweethearts of the Rodeo.

1980: Marriage to Janis Oliver

In 1980, Vince Gill married Janis Oliver, one-half of the country duo Sweethearts of the Rodeo.

1989: Inspiration for "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. He did not finish it until four years later, inspired by the death of his half-brother Bob Cohen.

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1993: Gill starts Vinny Pro-Celebrity Golf Invitational

In 1993, Vince Gill started a golf charity known as the Vinny Pro-Celebrity Golf Invitational, which raises money for children's golf in Tennessee.

1995: Gill holds concert for American Red Cross

In 1995, Vince Gill held a concert to benefit the American Red Cross following the Oklahoma City bombing.

1995: Inspiration for "Pretty Little Adriana"

In 1995, Vince Gill was inspired to write the song "Pretty Little Adriana" after reading a news story about the death of Adriana Dickerson.

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1997: Gill and Oliver divorce

In 1997, Vince Gill and Janis Oliver divorced, citing irreconcilable differences. Janis Oliver assumed custody of their daughter.

1997: Divorce from Janis Oliver

In 1997, Vince Gill divorced Janis Oliver.

1997: Chart Success and Touring

In 1997, Vince Gill experienced chart success with "You and You Alone" becoming a top-ten country hit. His tours that year were highly profitable, but he later canceled some dates following the death of his father, Stan.

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1999: Gill begins dating Amy Grant

In 1999, Vince Gill began dating contemporary Christian music singer Amy Grant, following her divorce from Gary Chapman.

March 10, 2000: Gill marries Amy Grant

On March 10, 2000, Vince Gill and Amy Grant married.

2000: Marriage to Amy Grant

In 2000, Vince Gill married contemporary Christian music singer Amy Grant.

March 2001: Gill and Grant have daughter

In March 2001, Vince Gill and Amy Grant had a daughter named Corrinna.

2003: Release of "Next Big Thing" Album

In 2003, Vince Gill released the studio album "Next Big Thing," writing the lead single with John Hobbs and Al Anderson. Many of the album's lyrics were inspired by Gill's age and the rise of younger artists.