History of Vince Gill in Timeline
Vince Gill is a celebrated American country singer, songwriter, and musician. His career began in the 1970s with local bluegrass bands. He gained initial recognition as lead singer of the soft rock band Pure Prairie League from 1978 to 1982, notably singing their hit "Let Me Love You Tonight" and writing several of their songs. After departing from the band, he played guitar briefly with Rodney Crowell's Cherry Bombs. In 1984, he embarked on a solo career in country music, initially with RCA Records Nashville, and later with MCA Nashville, where he has remained ever since.
1955: Release of "Let There Be Peace on Earth"
The song "Let There Be Peace on Earth," which Vince Gill later covered, was originally released in 1955.
April 12, 1957: Birth of Vince Gill
Vince Gill was born on April 12, 1957.
1976: Moves to Los Angeles and Joins Sundance
Vince Gill moved to Los Angeles in 1976 and joined Byron Berline's band, Sundance.
October 1978: Officially Joins Pure Prairie League
By October 1978, Vince Gill officially started performing with Pure Prairie League.
1978: Early Career and Pure Prairie League
In 1978, Vince Gill joined the soft rock band Pure Prairie League as their lead singer, marking his first mainstream attention.
1979: 'Can't Hold Back' Album Release
Pure Prairie League, with Vince Gill, released the album 'Can't Hold Back' in 1979.
April 1980: Marriage to Janis Oliver
Vince Gill married singer Janis Oliver in April 1980.
1980: Marriage to Janis Oliver
Vince Gill married Janis Oliver of Sweethearts of the Rodeo in 1980.
1982: Joins Rodney Crowell's Band
Vince Gill joined Rodney Crowell's backing band, the Cherry Bombs, in 1982.
1982: Departure from Pure Prairie League
Vince Gill left Pure Prairie League in 1982.
1983: Signs with RCA Records
Vince Gill signed with RCA Records Nashville in 1983.
1984: 'Turn Me Loose' EP and ACM Award
Vince Gill released his debut EP, 'Turn Me Loose,' in 1984 and won the Academy of Country Music's Top New Male Vocalist award.
1984: Solo Career Begins
Vince Gill started his solo career in country music in 1984.
1985: Backing Vocals and Session Work
In 1985, Vince Gill contributed backing vocals to Rosanne Cash's album 'Rhythm & Romance'.
1985: 'The Things That Matter' Album and First Top-Ten Hit
Vince Gill released his first full album, 'The Things That Matter,' in 1985, which included his first top-ten hit, "If It Weren't for Him," a duet with Rosanne Cash.
1987: Collaboration with Patty Loveless Begins
In 1987, Vince Gill began his collaborative work with Patty Loveless by providing backing vocals for her self-titled debut album. This marked the beginning of a long-term professional relationship between the two artists.
1987: Collaboration with Emmylou Harris
In 1987, Vince Gill collaborated with Emmylou Harris on her album 'Angel Band', contributing mandolin and backing vocals. This project marked one of Gill's early collaborations and featured other musicians like Emory Gordy Jr. and Carl Jackson.
1987: The Way Back Home Release
In 1987, Vince Gill released his third album for RCA Records, titled "The Way Back Home." This album marked a shift in Gill's sound, as he worked with a new producer, Richard Landis, and allowed Landis to choose the material for the album. Gill also played a variety of instruments on the album, including mandolin, banjo, and Dobro.
1988: Contact with Tony Brown
In 1988, Vince Gill maintained contact with Tony Brown, who would later become his producer and president of MCA Nashville Records.
1988: End of RCA Records Contract
In 1988, Vince Gill's recording contract with RCA Records Nashville ended.
1989: Signing with MCA Nashville
In 1989, Vince Gill signed a record deal with MCA Nashville Records with the help of Tony Brown. This marked a significant turning point in Gill's career.
1989: Go Rest High on That Mountain Written
Vince Gill began writing "Go Rest High on That Mountain" in 1989 as a tribute to Keith Whitley.
1990: When I Call Your Name Release
In 1990, Vince Gill released "When I Call Your Name," his debut album with MCA Nashville. This album is considered his breakthrough album and included hit singles like "Oklahoma Swing" with Reba McEntire and the title track.
1990: CMA Awards and Recognition
In 1990, Vince Gill won his first Country Music Association (CMA) award for "When I Call Your Name." This marked the beginning of his widespread recognition in the country music industry.
1990: Here We Are by Alabama
In 1990, the band Alabama recorded Vince Gill's composition 'Here We Are' for their album 'Pass It On Down'. The song became a significant hit, reaching number two on the country music charts in 1991.
October 1991: CMA Awards Host
In October 1991, Vince Gill co-hosted the CMA Awards with Clint Black, beginning a long run as host.
1991: Restless Collaboration with Mark O'Connor
In 1991, Vince Gill collaborated with Mark O'Connor on a cover of Carl Perkins' 'Restless' for O'Connor's album 'The New Nashville Cats'. This version, featuring Gill, Steve Wariner, and Ricky Skaggs, reached number 25 on the country charts.
1991: Grammy Award and CMA Wins
In 1991, Vince Gill won his first Grammy Award for "When I Call Your Name." He also won more CMA Awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year.
September 1992: First Number One Hit
In September 1992, Vince Gill achieved his first number-one single on Hot Country Songs with "I Still Believe in You."
December 1992: Second Number One Hit
Starting in December 1992, Vince Gill achieved his second consecutive number-one hit on Hot Country Songs with "Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away."
1992: Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals
In 1992, Vince Gill, along with Mark O'Connor, Steve Wariner, and Ricky Skaggs, won the Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for their rendition of 'Restless'. They also received the CMA Vocal Event of the Year award.
1992: Larrie Londin's Death
Larrie Londin, the original drummer for the Cherry Bombs, passed away from a heart attack in 1992. This led to Eddie Bayers taking over the role for the reunion album.
1992: Commercial Peak and Album Success
The first half of the 1990s marked Vince Gill's commercial peak, beginning with his breakthrough album "When I Call Your Name" in 1992. This album, along with his other releases in the 1990s, achieved platinum or higher certification.
1992: Pocket Full of Gold Chart Success
Through 1992, several singles from Vince Gill's album "Pocket Full of Gold" achieved chart success, including the title track, "Liza Jane," "Look at Us," and "Take Your Memory with You."
January 1993: Continued Success of "Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away"
Vince Gill's song "Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away" continued its reign at the top of the Hot Country Songs chart into January 1993.
1993: Bob Wills Tribute with Asleep at the Wheel
In 1993, Vince Gill collaborated with Asleep at the Wheel on 'Red Wing' for the album 'Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys'. The collaboration won the Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance.
1993: Eagles Tribute Album
In 1993, Vince Gill covered the Eagles' song 'I Can't Tell You Why' for the tribute album 'Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles'. Despite not being an official single, the cover reached number 42 on Hot Country Songs due to unsolicited airplay.
1993: Number One Collaboration with Reba McEntire
Vince Gill had a number-one hit as a guest artist on Reba McEntire's "The Heart Won't Lie" in 1993.
1993: Vinny Pro-Celebrity Golf Invitational Founded
Vince Gill started the Vinny Pro-Celebrity Golf Invitational, a golf charity benefiting children's golf in Tennessee, in 1993.
1993: Continued CMA Wins
Vince Gill won the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year award again in 1993.
1994: String of Number One Hits
Between 1992 and 1994, Vince Gill achieved four solo number-one hits.
1994: More Number One Hits and Hot 100 Entry
In 1994, Vince Gill achieved more number-one hits on Hot Country Songs with "One More Last Chance" and "Tryin' to Get Over You." The latter song also marked his first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100.
1994: Duet with Amy Grant
In 1994, Vince Gill recorded 'House of Love', a duet with Amy Grant for her album of the same name. The song became a top-40 hit on the Hot 100 chart.
1994: When Love Finds You Released
Vince Gill released the album "When Love Finds You" in 1994.
1994: Further CMA Wins
Vince Gill won the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year award again in 1994.
1995: Duet with Dolly Parton
In 1995, Vince Gill recorded a duet with Dolly Parton on a re-recording of her hit 'I Will Always Love You' for her album 'Something Special'. The duet was released due to high radio demand and charted alongside Gill's 'Go Rest High on That Mountain'.
1995: Singles from When Love Finds You Chart
Throughout 1995, six singles from Vince Gill's album "When Love Finds You" charted, including "Whenever You Come Around," "What the Cowgirls Do," the title track, "Which Bridge to Cross (Which Bridge to Burn)", "You Better Think Twice," and "Go Rest High on That Mountain."
1995: Benefit Concert for Oklahoma City Bombing
Vince Gill held a benefit concert for the American Red Cross following the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995.
1995: Souvenirs and The Essential Vince Gill Released
Vince Gill released two compilation albums in 1995: "Souvenirs," a greatest hits album on MCA Records, and "The Essential Vince Gill," a compilation of his work on RCA Records.
1995: Pretty Little Adriana Inspiration
Vince Gill was inspired to write "Pretty Little Adriana" after the death of Adriana Dickerson in Nashville in 1995.
1995: Final CMA Win in the Series
Vince Gill won the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year award for the final time in this series of wins in 1995.
1996: Hope: Country Music's Quest for a Cure
In 1996, Vince Gill participated in 'Hope: Country Music's Quest for a Cure', a charity single by the T.J. Martell Foundation to support cancer and leukemia research.
1996: RIAA Certification
In 1996, Vince Gill's album "When I Call Your Name" was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
1996: High Lonesome Sound Released
Vince Gill released the album "High Lonesome Sound" in 1996, with the title track as the lead single.
1997: Jason Sellers Joins Gill's Band
In 1997, Jason Sellers, who played bass guitar in Gill's road band, signed with BNA Records. He had previously sought career advice from Gill.
1997: Collaboration on Mark Chesnutt's 'It's Not Over'
In 1997, Vince Gill provided backing vocals on Mark Chesnutt's single 'It's Not Over', which was originally recorded in 1992. The song was included on Chesnutt's album 'Thank God for Believers' and released as a single.
1997: High Lonesome Sound Success and Touring
In 1997, Vince Gill's album "High Lonesome Sound" saw success with singles like "Worlds Apart," "Pretty Little Adriana," and "A Little More Love." He toured extensively, but canceled dates due to his father's death.
1997: Divorce from Janis Oliver
Vince Gill and Janis Oliver divorced in 1997.
1998: Grammy Award for 'A Soldier's Joy'
In 1998, Vince Gill won a Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance for his work on Randy Scruggs's 'A Soldier's Joy' from the album 'Crown of Jewels'.
1998: The Key and Breath of Heaven Released
Vince Gill released two albums in 1998: the studio album "The Key" and the Christmas album "Breath of Heaven: A Christmas Collection."
1999: Duet with Barbra Streisand
In 1999, Vince Gill sang duet vocals on Barbra Streisand's song 'If You Ever Leave Me'. This collaboration was part of Streisand's album, showcasing Gill's versatility in crossing over to different musical genres.
1999: Relationship with Amy Grant Begins
Vince Gill began dating Amy Grant in 1999.
1999: If You Ever Have Forever in Mind Wins Grammy
Vince Gill's song "If You Ever Have Forever in Mind" won the Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1999.
March 10, 2000: Marriage to Amy Grant
Vince Gill married contemporary Christian music singer Amy Grant on March 10, 2000.
2000: Let's Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye Released
Vince Gill released the studio album "Let's Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye" in 2000, which featured singles like the title track, "Feels Like Love," and "Shoot Straight from Your Heart."
March 2001: Birth of Corrinna Gill
Vince Gill and Amy Grant's daughter, Corrinna, was born in March 2001.
2001: Grammy for 'Foggy Mountain Breakdown'
In 2001, Vince Gill won a Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance for his rendition of 'Foggy Mountain Breakdown' on the album 'Earl Scruggs and Friends'.
2003: Distinguished Service Award from PGA
In 2003, Vince Gill received the Distinguished Service Award from the Professional Golfers' Association of America.
2003: Next Big Thing Release
In 2003, Vince Gill released his album "Next Big Thing," featuring the title track co-written with John Hobbs and Al Anderson. This album marked Gill's last solo top-20 country chart entry and included other singles like "Someday" and "Young Man's Town."
2003: Interview with Country Standard Time
In 2003, Vince Gill stated in an interview with Country Standard Time that Merle Haggard was a major influence, praising his singing, phrasing, and poetic songwriting. He also mentioned female artists like Patsy Cline and Kitty Wells, as well as Bruce Springsteen and John Fogerty, as influences. Gill emphasized "simplicity" as a characteristic of his own songwriting, drawing parallels to Hank Williams.
2003: End of CMA Hosting Run
In 2003, Vince Gill's run as host of the CMA Awards concluded.
2004: The Notorious Cherry Bombs Album Release
Vince Gill and Rodney Crowell re-established Crowell's former backing band, the Cherry Bombs, and released a self-titled album as the Notorious Cherry Bombs in 2004.
2004: Grammy Award for "Next Big Thing"
Vince Gill won the Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 2004 for his song "Next Big Thing."
2006: "Real Mean Bottle" Covered by Bob Seger
Bob Seger covered Vince Gill's song "Real Mean Bottle" on his 2006 album "Face the Promise."
2006: Backing Vocals on 'Building Bridges'
In 2006, Vince Gill provided backing vocals for Brooks & Dunn's 'Building Bridges', which became a top-five country hit. The track also featured Sheryl Crow as a backing vocalist.
2006: These Days Box Set Release
Vince Gill released "These Days," a four-album box set exploring various musical styles, including country rock, soul, neotraditional country, and bluegrass, in 2006.
2007: Grammy Award for "The Reason Why"
Vince Gill won a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for "The Reason Why" in 2007.
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'. The track won a Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance.
May 2009: Performance with Steve Martin at the Grand Ole Opry
Vince Gill and Amy Grant accompanied Steve Martin during his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in May 2009.
2010: Joins The Time Jumpers
Vince Gill became a member of the Western swing group The Time Jumpers in 2010.
2011: Guitar Slinger Release
Vince Gill released his album "Guitar Slinger" in 2011.
2012: Feature on Kelly Clarkson's 'Don't Rush'
In 2012, Vince Gill was featured on Kelly Clarkson's single 'Don't Rush', adding his distinctive vocal style to the track.
2012: The Time Jumpers Album Recording
The Time Jumpers recorded their self-titled second studio album at Vince Gill's home studio in 2012.
2015: Tour with Ashley Monroe and Charlie Worsham
In 2015, Vince Gill co-produced Ashley Monroe's album 'Like a Rose' and co-wrote two songs on it. He also toured with Monroe and Charlie Worsham, showcasing his collaborative spirit and musical versatility.
2016: Collaboration with Chris Young and Maren Morris
Between 2016 and 2017, Vince Gill contributed to Chris Young's 'Sober Saturday Night' as a backing vocalist and lead guitarist, which reached number one on the country charts. He also featured on Maren Morris's single 'Dear Hate', a response to the 2017 Las Vegas shooting.
2016: Forever Country Collaboration
In 2016, Vince Gill took part in 'Forever Country', a medley of iconic country songs recorded by 30 artists to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Country Music Association. The collaboration topped the Billboard country charts.
2016: Further Number One Hits
Vince Gill achieved number one hits with Chris Young ("Sober Saturday Night") and the multi-artist collaboration "Forever Country" in 2016.
2016: Grammy Award for "Kid Sister"
Vince Gill and the Time Jumpers won a Grammy Award for Best American Roots Song for "Kid Sister" in 2016.
2016: Down to My Last Bad Habit Release
Vince Gill released "Down to My Last Bad Habit" in 2016.
2017: Joins the Eagles
Vince Gill joined the Eagles in 2017 after the passing of Glenn Frey.
2018: Expresses Gratitude and Sadness about Joining the Eagles
In 2018, Vince Gill expressed gratitude for being chosen to replace Glenn Frey in the Eagles, while also acknowledging the sadness of the circumstances.
2018: Gill Gifts Worsham a Guitar
In 2018, Vince Gill gifted Charlie Worsham a custom-made guitar, which Worsham used on his second album, Beginning of Things.
2019: Release of Okie
In 2019, Vince Gill released his album 'Okie', which he co-produced with Niebank and played guitar alongside Jedd Hughes and Tom Bukovac. The album is more autobiographical than his previous works, featuring the track 'Letter to My Mama' as the first single. It includes the song 'When My Amy Prays', which won Gill the Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance, making him the male country artist with the most Grammy wins.
2020: Departure from The Time Jumpers
Vince Gill continued performing with The Time Jumpers until 2020.
2023: Corrinna Gill Releases Music
Corrinna Gill, Vince Gill's daughter, started releasing her own music online in 2023.
2023: Sweet Memories: The Music of Ray Price & the Cherokee Cowboys
In 2023, Vince Gill collaborated with Paul Franklin on the album 'Sweet Memories: The Music of Ray Price & the Cherokee Cowboys', covering songs by Ray Price. The album was a follow-up to their previous collaboration and was inspired by their contributions to Ray Price's later albums.
2023: Go Rest High on That Mountain Certified Platinum
Vince Gill's song "Go Rest High on That Mountain" was certified platinum in 2023.
2025: Planned Farewell Tour with the Eagles
Vince Gill plans to continue touring with the Eagles until the end of their farewell tour in 2025.
