MCA honors its 30th anniversary with an extended version of the track
Vince Gill’s iconic and beloved song “Go Rest High On That Mountain” celebrates its 30th anniversary with an extended version that includes a new verse. The now RIAA-certified double-platinum single is one of the most significant and enduring songs in country music, having resonated with listeners around the world over the last three decades. In 1996, the song was awarded two Grammys for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song, a CMA Award for Song of the Year, and in 1997, received BMI’s Most Performed Song award.
Gill was inspired to write the song following the death of his friend, country singer and at-the-time labelmate Keith Whitley, but it was the death of Gill’s brother Bob in 1993 that compelled him to complete it. However, in 2019, during one of his Christmas at the Ryman performances with wife Amy Grant, Gill performed the song but included a new verse.
“The last thirty years I’ve always felt like something was missing from this song,” Gill explained recently. “With this new third verse, I finally feel like the song is complete.”
In updating the recording, Gill used all the original tracks, adding only his vocals for the new verse that reads, “You’re safely home in the arms of Jesus / Eternal life my brother’s found / The day will come I know I’ll see him / In that sacred place, on that holy ground.”
On Sunday night (Sept 14th), Gill will be joined by Lainey Wilson to perform “Go Rest High On That Mountain” on the 77th Emmy Awards on CBS as part of the In Memoriam segment. A live version of the song will appear on the upcoming Opry 100: Country’s Greatest Songs album, recorded live on The Grand Ole Opry on March 14, 2015.
Gill has just wrapped up his most recent tour, which culminated in five sold-out nights at the historic Ryman Auditorium. His over three-hour, no intermission performances packed houses with his stellar musicianship, humor, storytelling, a talented band line-up, and the reveal of new music. He now rejoins the Eagles as they return to the Sphere in Las Vegas.
