Vince Gill Dazzles Crowd At Country Music Hall of Fame

Half an hour before Vince Gill went on stage for his first of three sold out artist-in-residence shows, people were milling about in the dimly lit lobby of the Country Music Hall of Fame—everyone from heavy-coated slightly-grayed businessmen to a regular guy in a VFW ball cap to a shapely young brunette.

It was a true mix of individuals—and a true testament to the far-reaching impact of Gill’s artistry.

The setting for the night was simple. No set list, no plan, and “take whatever comes down the road,” according to Gill.

Backed by a piano, rhythm box and bass, Gill spent the night singing, playing, and storytelling his way through all his biggest hits and a few “gem” album cuts.

“Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away,” “One More Last Chance,” and “Liza Jane” were all delivered with Gill’s signature swagger, but the true crowd pleaser came with Gill’s solo version of a Notorious Cherry Bombs hit.

“It’s Hard To Kiss The Lips At Night (That Chew My Ass Out All Day Long),” which was inspired by Gill’s roughneck father, had the whole crowd laughing—and it’s no surprise that mostly men participated when Gill suggested a sing-along.

While light-hearted fare certainly plays a role in Gill’s catalog, it is obviously the ballads that have defined his career. “When I Call Your Name,” “Look At Us,” and “When Love Finds You,” were highlights of the evening, showcasing Gill’s unique tenor.

However, none of those topped “Go Rest High On That Mountain”—Gill’s delicate delivery had the whole audience wiping their eyes.

Gill is known as a master collaborator, and he expectedly invited a few friends out of the crowd to join him. Ace songwriter Danny Flowers jumped up for a rousing rendition of his signature hit “Tulsa Time.” Flowers’ soulful, raspy voice was a far departure from Gill’s tenor, but it was perfectly fitted for the tune.

Gill’s other guest, Jimmy Fortune, wasn’t such a departure. Fortune, who sang tenor for the legendary Statler Brothers, took the lead on the Statlers’ #1 hit “Elizabeth” as Gill backed him on guitar.

Fortune also enhanced the show by requesting Gill to play “Kindly Keep It Country,” a somewhat overlooked song that definitely seems to resonate even more now than it did in 1998, maybe in a different way.

Gill wrapped the show with an encore of “Never Knew Lonely,” “Pocket Full Of Gold,” and “Oklahoma Borderline.”

Overall, the show was a great dissection of Gill’s career and the sparse arrangements of the songs truly let Gill’s talents go unadulterated.

The photo used in this story is from a previous Gill performance at the Country Music Hall of Fame.