Vince Gill and Patty Loveless come back together at the Opry for “Go Rest High On That Mountain.”
Patty Loveless recently made a heartfelt return to the Grand Ole Opry, where she was joined by her longtime compatriot and occasional duet partner, Vince Gill, for a stirring rendition of Gill’s Grammy Award-winning masterpiece, “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” This emotional reunion unfolded on the evening of Saturday, December 2, captivating the audience who were fortunate enough to capture this enchanting moment on their cameras.
Despite having shared the stage to perform this song numerous times over the last 28 years, this occasion was notably poignant as Patty seemed to visibly struggle with her emotions, a testament to the song’s deep personal resonance.
“Go Rest High On That Mountain” emerged as a defining piece in Vince Gill’s illustrious career following its release in 1995. The song, a tribute to the late Keith Whitley who passed away in 1989, was completed by Gill after the death of his own brother in 1993. While it may not have climbed to the top of the charts, the song achieved considerable commercial success, earning accolades such as the CMA’s Song of the Year in 1996 and the BMI Most-Performed Song the following year. It also garnered two Grammy Awards for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song.
The original recording’s profound impact was heightened by the soul-stirring harmonies provided by Patty Loveless and Ricky Skaggs. Over the years, Patty has frequently joined Vince for renditions of the song, most notably at the funeral of the cherished country music icon George Jones in 2013. During this particularly moving performance, Gill was visibly overwhelmed with emotion, at times unable to sing, while Loveless, with remarkable poise, carried the performance forward, moving many in the audience to tears as they stood in ovation.
The bond between Vince Gill and Patty Loveless extends beyond their musical collaboration, rooted in a deep-seated friendship and mutual respect for one another’s artistry. In a 2015 interview with the Houston Press, Gill extolled Loveless’s virtues, highlighting the seamless blend of their voices whenever they performed together. Gill reminisced about their collaborative efforts, including their contributions to each other’s hit records, which only served to deepen their magical vocal harmony.
Their partnership is celebrated by country music enthusiasts who recognize the unique chemistry between Vince Gill and Patty Loveless. Their performance at George Jones’ funeral, imbued with raw emotion and genuine affection, stands as a poignant reminder of their enduring connection. For those who wish to experience the depth of their musical synergy, the video of their performance at George Jones’ funeral offers a glimpse into the profound impact of their collaboration.