It’s a new era for Vince Gill and his music. The 67-year-old has spent the last 40 years making music as a solo artist in country music, not to mention his time with Pure Prairie League and the Cherry Bombs at the start of his career. But now, Gill is excited about his next chapter, more excited perhaps than he has been in a long, long time.
“[I’m] fired up,” Gill tells American Songwriter, explaining why this might be his favorite era in music. Gill partnered with former BMI executive Jody Williams, who started a publishing company,
“I never had a publisher,” Gill explains. “That probably shocks people. I never felt the need to have one. I had a vehicle for my songs with my own record deal and my own records that I was going to make. That was enough for me.”
It was that partnership that led Gill to start writing, and keep writing, penning at least 120 songs, with no signs of slowing down. But unlike other songwriters, perhaps due to his longevity in country music, Gill is not afraid to tackle hard topics, subjects that others might tend to shy away from.
“I felt like you could have a conversation about anything that was uncomfortable if you were not judgmental and you were kind of open to not pointing your finger towards somebody else, making them feel like they’re wrong or guilt them or any of that kind of stuff,” Gill says. “Some of these songs are interesting about what they entail and give people a little dose of that.”
“It’s not me trying to guilt anybody into believing what I believe,” he adds. “There’s not any of that kind of judgment in these songs, and that’s what I’m proud of most.”
In addition to writing new songs, Gill is also wrapping up his time with the Eagles, who are currently on their The Long Goodbye farewell tour. Gill, a longtime fan, joined the iconic rock band in 2017. Seven years later, he still can’t quite believe he was an official member of the group.
“It’s pretty surreal, to be honest with you,” Gill tells Guitarist. “Some nights, I look over to the side and see Joe Walsh while we’re playing Rocky Mountain Way, and I’m transported back to being a kid in my bedroom trying to learn that song.
“I played it at every school dance and there’s even tapes of me singing Eagles songs when I was a kid,” he adds with a laugh. “It’s been pretty amazing to be a part of keeping the legacy of those songs going … it’s a blast.”
Gill is teaming up with his wife, Amy Grant, to release a brand-new holiday album, When I Think of Christmas, out on September 13. The 11-track record includes holiday favorites by both Gill and Grant, plus two new songs with both the title track and a new duet version of Grant’s “‘Til The Season Comes Round Again.’”
“There’s nothing in the world that I love more than watching my girl shine, and she might shine the brightest when she does Christmas music,” Gill says of his wife. “We have shared stages together for over 30 years and I’ve loved every note of it. I hope everyone enjoys this collection of songs, and hearing Amy shine.”
Pre-order When I Think of Christmas here. Gill and Grant will also return for their annual Christmas at the Ryman residency, a 12-show series that begins on November 29 and wraps up on December 21. Tickets and more information is available at Ryman.com.
Find all of Gill’s music and upcoming shows at VinceGill.com.