Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High On That Mountain” Brought the House to Tears at Opry’s 100th Anniversary
On the historic evening of March 19th, the world of country music paused to honor a monumental milestone: 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry House in Nashville became the heart of a once-in-a-century celebration, gathering a constellation of stars to pay tribute to the institution that defines the genre. It was a night of unforgettable performances, but one moment, in particular, transcended the music and touched the soul of everyone present.
Hosted by the ever-charismatic Blake Shelton, the “Opry 100” special was a dazzling showcase of country’s past, present, and future. Legends like Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, and Garth Brooks shared the stage with modern icons such as Carrie Underwood and Trace Adkins. Simultaneously, from the Opry’s cherished former home, the Ryman Auditorium, artists like Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, and Keith Urban added their voices to the chorus of celebration. Yet, amidst the star-studded lineup, it was Vince Gill’s profoundly moving performance during the “In Memoriam” segment that truly stopped time, leaving not a dry eye in the house.
A Legacy of Heartbreak and Healing
To understand the weight of this moment, you have to understand Vince Gill’s place within the Opry family. An esteemed member for over three decades since his 1991 induction, Gill has become a custodian of country music’s legacy, a voice of comfort and authenticity on its most sacred stage. His performances are known for their emotional depth, but none carry more personal history than his iconic ballad, “Go Rest High On That Mountain.”
The song itself was born from immense personal pain. Gill began writing it after the sudden passing of fellow country star Keith Whitley in 1989. However, he couldn’t find the words to finish it until four years later, when tragedy struck his own family with the death of his beloved older brother, Bob, in 1993. The song became a vessel for his grief, a raw and honest prayer for peace that has since become an anthem of solace for millions.
So when Vince Gill stepped into the spotlight at Opry 100, guitar in hand, the air grew thick with anticipation. This wasn’t just another song in the setlist; it was a shared moment of remembrance about to unfold.
A Performance Dedicated to a Mother, a Brother, and Lost Legends
Joined on stage by his dear friend and collaborator Ricky Skaggs—whose harmonies grace the original 1994 recording—along with the powerful vocals of Sonya Isaacs and a choir of fellow Opry members, the performance was destined to be special. But it was Gill’s heartfelt dedication that made it truly unforgettable.
With a soft-spoken reverence, he dedicated the performance to his mother, who shares her 100th birthday with the Opry this year. Then, his voice filled with emotion, he added, “This song is about her son,” a poignant reference to his late brother, Bob.
As the first gentle notes filled the auditorium, a touching slideshow began to play on the screen behind them. It was a visual tribute to the titans of country music who have left us, a procession of cherished faces including the great Loretta Lynn, Troy Gentry, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffett, Joe Diffie, and countless others. With each image, the collective heart of the audience seemed to break just a little more. Tears flowed freely as fans and fellow artists alike were swept up in a wave of shared grief and loving memory.
A Moment That Defined the Night
As Gill’s voice, weathered by life but pure in its emotion, soared through the final chorus, a palpable stillness settled over the Opry House. This was more than a performance; it was a catharsis. It was a song forged in personal tragedy, being shared as a communal act of love, and received with the deepest reverence.
When the final note faded, the silence was broken by a thunderous standing ovation. The cameras captured a sea of tear-streaked faces and misty eyes, a testament to the profound connection everyone had just experienced. In that moment, Vince Gill did more than sing a song. He reminded us of the profound power of music to heal, to connect, and to honor those we’ve lost. He showed us precisely why the Grand Ole Opry has remained the unwavering soul of country music, 100 years strong and counting.
@dakotafuqua Vince Gill Go Rest High On That Mountain Live On The Grand Ole Opry 100th Anniversary Show #vincegill #vincegillmusic #vincegillforever #vincegillfan #vincegillgoresthighonthatmountain #goresthighonthatmountain #grandoleopry #grandoleopry100 #grandoleopryperformance #grandoleopry100thanniversary #music #livemusic #liveperformance #performance #countrymusic ♬ original sound – DakotaFuqua