Introduction
Vince Gill Reveals His Favorite Song to Perform on Tour — And Why It Means So Much
With a career spanning over four decades, countless awards, and dozens of chart-topping hits, Vince Gill has performed thousands of songs on stages around the world. But when asked recently which song remains his favorite to sing on tour, the country music legend didn’t hesitate. His answer? “Go Rest High on That Mountain.”
Though the song was released in 1995, its emotional depth and spiritual resonance continue to touch audiences like no other. During a candid backstage interview before a recent tour stop, Vince shared why this song still stands out after all these years.
“It’s the one song I never get tired of,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity. “Every time I sing it, it feels new. Not because the words change — but because the people listening to it bring their own stories, their own grief, their own memories. It’s like we’re all in it together.”
Vince originally began writing “Go Rest High on That Mountain” in the wake of fellow country star Keith Whitley’s passing in 1989. But it wasn’t completed until years later, after the death of Vince’s own brother, Bob. The finished song became a cathartic release for Vince — a way to process his grief and offer comfort to others.
Over the years, the song has taken on a life of its own. Fans often share personal stories of loss after concerts, telling Vince how the song helped them through the death of a loved one or brought them peace during difficult times. He says that connection is what makes performing it so powerful — even decades later.
“You see the tears in people’s eyes, you feel the silence when the last note fades,” Vince explained. “It’s not just a song anymore — it’s a shared moment of healing.”
On tour, Vince often performs the song with minimal accompaniment, letting the raw emotion and honest lyrics take center stage. When possible, longtime friend and collaborator Patty Loveless joins him, adding harmonies that elevate the performance to something nearly sacred.
But even when he sings it solo, “Go Rest High on That Mountain” never loses its impact. It’s more than just Vince’s favorite song to perform — it’s a part of his soul.
Interestingly, Vince admits that there are technically more challenging songs in his catalog, or ones with more commercial success, but none that carry the same emotional weight. “It’s not about the notes. It’s about the heart behind them.”
As fans across generations continue to fill concert halls and outdoor arenas, they know that when Vince Gill performs this song, something special happens. The room grows quiet. The memories flood in. And for a few minutes, everyone is connected through music, loss, and love.
And for Vince Gill, that’s the greatest gift a song can give.