Vince Gill and Patty Loveless delivered an incredibly emotional performance of “Go Rest High On That Mountain” at George Jones’ funeral in 2013, held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to the legendary country star, and their rendition of the song became one of the most moving moments of the day.

Written by Vince Gill as a tribute to his late brother and country music legend Keith Whitley, “Go Rest High On That Mountain” has since become a timeless anthem of grief, comfort, and healing. For George Jones, whose influence on country music was undeniable, the song’s poignant lyrics deeply resonated.

Both Gill and Loveless were longtime friends of Jones, and their performance reflected that bond. Gill’s opening verse was filled with raw emotion, his voice breaking as he sang, while Loveless’ harmonies brought added depth to the song, amplifying its message of peace. The simplicity of the arrangement—a guitar, piano, and their voices—allowed the raw emotion of the moment to shine.

As the audience, including Jones’ family, friends, and fans, listened in somber silence, many were moved to tears. Gill, visibly overcome by emotion, paused a few times during the song, struggling to continue, highlighting just how deeply personal this moment was for him.

The performance became one of the most talked-about moments of the funeral, with fans and fellow artists alike praising Gill and Loveless for their heartfelt tribute. Social media and news outlets buzzed with admiration for their moving collaboration, solidifying “Go Rest High On That Mountain” as a powerful anthem of remembrance.

Vince Gill and Patty Loveless’ performance at George Jones’ funeral was a beautiful, emotional farewell to a country music icon, offering comfort and honoring his lasting legacy in the world of music.

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Over the weekend, Cody Johnson surprised the crowd at his final concert of the year by inviting Lainey Wilson on stage for an unforgettable duet of the classic country hit “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.” The special performance took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas during Johnson’s second consecutive sold-out show.

The collaboration was a hit with the audience as Johnson welcomed Wilson with excitement, proudly shouting, “That’s Lainey Wilson” as they sang together. Their voices, hailing from Texas and Louisiana, blended effortlessly, creating a beautiful rendition of the iconic song, originally recorded by Ed Bruce and famously covered by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.

Both artists had been in town for the National Finals Rodeo events, with Johnson competing in the World Series of Team Roping at the 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, while Wilson wrapped up the week with her one-night-only performance in Las Vegas.

Through the years, Johnson and Wilson have become good friends, and recently, Johnson shared that they’ve discussed recording music together. In an interview with Country Now, he mentioned, “Lainey and I have talked about doing something on the next record because I feel like it’s finally time.” He also revealed his idea of recording a classic country song with her, specifically Loretta Lynn’s “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man.”

The Las Vegas concerts marked the end of Johnson’s successful Leather Tour, which saw him perform 30 sold-out shows across the year, including a standout performance at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and his first-ever stadium headlining gig at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

Both artists are taking a short break over the holidays before returning to the stage in 2025. Johnson will celebrate the new year with a performance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, while Wilson will perform at NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE: NASHVILLE’S BIG BASH on CBS. Johnson will kick off his Leather Deluxe Tour on January 17, while Wilson’s first show of the year will be at Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa in Mexico.

@ttbrown9

Cody Johnson with Lainey Wilson in Las Vegas

♬ original sound – TT Brown

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In 2022, Jelly Roll and Craig Morgan shared an unforgettable moment on the Grand Ole Opry stage—one filled with raw emotion, mutual respect, and the power of music to connect people. Their performance quickly went viral, touching the hearts of fans everywhere.

Jelly Roll, a Nashville-born artist known for blending rap and country with deeply personal lyrics, took the stage alongside Morgan, a country music veteran known for his storytelling and heartfelt songs. Before performing, Jelly Roll spoke openly about how much Morgan’s music had meant to him, especially during the hardest times in his life. He shared how Morgan’s song “Almost Home” gave him comfort and hope when he needed it most.

As Morgan began to sing the emotional ballad—about a homeless man reminiscing on his life—Jelly Roll couldn’t hold back his emotions. His visible gratitude, teary-eyed reaction, and heartfelt praise made it clear that this was more than just a duet. It was a full-circle moment for an artist who had once found solace in the very song he was now performing alongside its original singer.

This special collaboration wasn’t just about music—it was about appreciation, inspiration, and the deep connections that songs can create. A true reminder of why country music resonates so deeply with so many.

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Toby Keith has always been a proud supporter of the U.S. military, honoring service members through his music and countless performances for troops overseas. His deep-rooted respect for veterans came from his father, a soldier who instilled in him the values of patriotism and gratitude. Over the years, Keith has written and performed numerous songs dedicated to the military, taking his message of support far beyond the stage.

One unforgettable moment came in September 2012 when Keith invited a military wife on stage during his performance of “American Soldier.” She believed she was simply paying tribute to her husband, who was deployed in Afghanistan. Fighting back tears, she stood strong as she sang along with Keith. Then, in an unexpected twist, her husband, Major Pete Cruz, stepped out from the shadows.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the couple embraced, overwhelmed with emotion after months apart. Their reunion wasn’t just a personal moment—it became a powerful symbol of the sacrifices military families make every day. Keith, known for making his concerts deeply personal, wasn’t done yet. He invited them to stay on stage for another song, “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American),” even handing the mic to Major Cruz for the iconic lyric:
“We’ll put a boot in your ass; it’s the American way.”

This wasn’t the first time Keith used his platform to honor service members. In 2011, he brought Corporal Matthew Bradford, a wounded Marine, on stage to join him in singing “American Soldier” in Virginia Beach. As Bradford, who lost both legs and his vision in combat, made his way onto the stage, the crowd erupted into chants of “USA! USA!” Fans later shared how moving the experience was, with one saying, “Even if it was just for a short while, he helped us forget our reality.”

Toby Keith’s concerts were more than just performances—they were heartfelt tributes to the brave men and women who serve. By inviting veterans, active-duty soldiers, and their families on stage, he didn’t just sing about patriotism—he lived it. Moments like these are why his legacy isn’t just about music; it’s about honoring those who defend the freedoms his songs so passionately celebrate.

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Travis Tritt’s 1991 song “Anymore” is more than just a country hit; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices of veterans. Co-written with Jill Colucci, the song topped charts in the U.S. and Canada, resonating with many for its emotional depth.

The accompanying music video adds a profound layer to the song’s message. Directed by Jack Cole, it features Tritt portraying Mac Singleton, a Vietnam War veteran adjusting to life in a wheelchair. The video delves into Singleton’s struggles with physical injuries and haunting war memories. With support from fellow veteran Al, Singleton embarks on a journey of healing and reconnecting with his wife, Annie.

The video’s impact was significant, leading to its recognition as the 64th greatest country music video by CMT. Its success inspired a trilogy, including “Tell Me I Was Dreaming” and “If I Lost You,” further exploring Mac Singleton’s story.

“Anymore” has touched many lives. Tritt shared a story of a fan who emerged from a coma after repeatedly hearing the song, highlighting music’s profound influence.

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Kelly Clarkson is no stranger to delivering jaw-dropping covers. On her TV show, Kellyoke, she often takes songs to new heights—sometimes even rivaling the originals. But even Clarkson has tracks she believes are untouchable, and one of them is Dolly Parton’s classic, I Will Always Love You.

So, when she was invited to pay tribute to Parton at the 57th annual ACM Awards in 2022, she had to set aside her reservations. Despite believing that some songs shouldn’t be covered, Clarkson couldn’t pass up the chance to honor the Queen of Country Music. And when she took the stage, she delivered a rendition so powerful, it gave the audience chills.

Kelly Clarkson on Why the Song Feels “Untouchable”
During an interview on The Howard Stern Show, Clarkson reflected on the performance and why she was initially hesitant to sing I Will Always Love You.

“You did ‘I Will Always Love You,’ which, to me, seems like an impossible task because Whitney Houston absolutely nailed it,” Stern said.

Clarkson agreed. “I would usually never say yes to singing that song,” she admitted. “But when they asked me to do a tribute to Dolly on the ACMs, I couldn’t say no. I’m a huge Dolly fan.”

She went on to explain why many singers shy away from covering the song.

“Whitney did it perfectly. And Dolly. I love both versions—I grew up on both. But some songs become bigger than the song itself. The Bodyguard soundtrack was massive. That moment in music history was so huge that it’s almost impossible to recreate.”

Still, despite her initial doubts, Clarkson knew this tribute wasn’t about proving anything—it was about celebrating a legend. “I wanted to be part of that moment. You can’t let your ego get in the way,” she said.

And with that mindset, she delivered a breathtaking tribute that left fans and fellow artists in awe.

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On Wednesday night (November 29), Lainey Wilson lit up the Christmas at Graceland special on NBC with a bluesy, rock-infused take on “Santa Claus Is Back in Town.” Channeling the King of Rock and Roll himself, Wilson delivered a show-stopping performance that felt like a true tribute to Elvis Presley.

With the iconic Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, as her backdrop—complete with classic cars parked out front—Wilson fully embraced the holiday spirit. As the newly crowned CMA Entertainer of the Year, she made sure this performance was one to remember.

A Festive, Elvis-Inspired Look
Dressed in a rhinestone-studded, bell-bottomed jumpsuit (complete with a cape, of course), Wilson put her own Bell Bottom Country twist on the Elvis classic. She was joined by her touring band and special guest Meg McRee, who added beautiful acoustic guitar and background vocals. With confidence and charisma, Wilson commanded the stage, delivering an electrifying holiday performance.

Giving fans a behind-the-scenes look, Wilson later posted a video on Instagram, capturing moments from her time at Graceland.

“Well y’all…I sure am in the Christmas spirit now! ❤️🎄What a way to officially ring in the holidays by honoring the rock n roll legend himself, @elvis, at the beautiful @visitgraceland,” she wrote.

The Story Behind “Santa Claus Is Back in Town”
Originally recorded by Elvis Presley in 1957 for his Elvis’ Christmas Album, “Santa Claus Is Back in Town” was penned by legendary songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The album went on to become the best-selling Christmas album of all time in the U.S.

Over the years, many artists have covered the song, including Dwight Yoakam, who released his version in 1997. His take even charted on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs list.

A Star-Studded Night at Graceland
Wilson wasn’t the only big name to take the stage for Christmas at Graceland. The special featured performances from country stars like Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, and The War and Treaty, alongside music icons Alanis Morissette, John Legend, Lana Del Rey, and Post Malone. Each artist paid tribute to Elvis in their own unique way, making this a historic event.

Riley Keough, Elvis’ granddaughter and Emmy-nominated actress (Daisy Jones & The Six), also made appearances throughout the show. She even served as an executive producer for the special.

This Christmas at Graceland event was a first-of-its-kind broadcast, featuring never-before-seen footage of Elvis. It aired right after Christmas in Rockefeller Center, making for a night full of festive music and legendary performances.

What’s Next for Lainey?
After this magical Graceland performance, Wilson is heading back on the road. She’s set to wrap up the year with several shows, including a four-night run at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas.

With her powerhouse voice, undeniable stage presence, and ability to make every performance feel special, it’s clear why Lainey Wilson continues to captivate audiences. And if Elvis were watching? He’d definitely be proud.

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Few artists wear their hearts on their sleeves quite like Jelly Roll, and his emotional live performances prove why fans connect with him so deeply. One of his most unforgettable moments came at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards when he teamed up with Lainey Wilson for a powerful duet of his hit “Save Me.”

From the very first note, it was clear this performance was something special. Jelly Roll’s raw, soul-baring delivery set the tone, and when Lainey Wilson joined in, her rich, heartfelt vocals took it to another level. Their voices blended seamlessly, creating a moment that left fans in awe.

A Performance That Resonated with Millions
Jelly Roll has never shied away from sharing his struggles, and “Save Me” is a testament to his willingness to be vulnerable. The song’s emotional weight resonated with viewers, racking up over 12 million views and countless heartfelt comments.

One fan wrote, “I listen to this song every day. I’m not religious or a country fan, but you have no soul if this song doesn’t move you.” Another shared, “I always get on the brink of weeping when Lainey sings in this performance. No other song does this to me.”

This kind of response isn’t unusual for Jelly Roll. His live performances consistently hit home, drawing audiences in with raw emotion and authenticity.

The Journey of “Save Me”
Originally released in 2020 as part of his Self Medicated album, “Save Me” quickly became a fan favorite. Three years later, he re-recorded it as a duet with Lainey Wilson, releasing it in 2023 on his Whitsitt Chapel album. The song, co-written with Grant Sims and David Ray, was inspired by a dark period in Jelly Roll’s life—one filled with grief and personal struggles.

Interestingly, he revealed to Howard Stern that “Save Me” was influenced by Bette Midler’s classic “The Rose.” In an interview with Apple Music, he also shared that he wrote the song while grieving his father’s passing during the pandemic.

More Unforgettable Jelly Roll Moments
Jelly Roll continues to deliver deeply personal performances that leave a lasting impact. His powerful moment on The Voice finale in 2024, where he performed “I Am Not OK,” is just another example of why fans keep coming back.

With his signature blend of country, rock, and raw emotion, Jelly Roll isn’t just making music—he’s telling stories that connect with people on a deeply personal level. And when he shares the stage with Lainey Wilson? Magic happens.

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One of the standout moments on Lainey Wilson’s brand-new album, Whirlwind, is the deeply moving track “Whiskey Colored Crayon.”

Wilson, known for her powerful storytelling, poured her heart into this 14-track project, co-writing every song. True to her signature style, Whirlwind blends themes of perseverance, heartbreak, and love—with a little humor sprinkled in for good measure. But “Whiskey Colored Crayon” immediately sets itself apart.

A Story That Hits Home
Though Wilson hasn’t personally lived the story in “Whiskey Colored Crayon,” her upbringing—raised by a teacher and steeped in country music’s storytelling traditions—gave her the tools to bring this heartbreaking yet hopeful tale to life. Co-written with Josh Kear and Wyatt McCubbin, the song paints a vivid picture of a young boy in Kindergarten, asked to draw his home.

But his drawing reveals more than just walls and windows—it tells the truth about his family’s struggles. His sketch includes his mother, siblings, and a father absent due to alcoholism.

🎶 “A little red house with a little green tree / A little blue car parked out on the street / Brother with a football, sister with a puppy dog / Mama with a smile and a church dress on / Then he raised his hand / Said teacher I can’t draw daddy / Do you have a whiskey colored crayon?” 🎶

The moment is a gut punch—raw and unfiltered. When the teacher shares the drawing with the boy’s mother, emotions spill over.

🎶 “She didn’t know what to say, but her mascara rained.” 🎶

Then, the story takes an unexpected turn. The child’s innocent yet painful artwork becomes a wake-up call. In the final verse, listeners learn that it inspired his father to change his life:

🎶 “He stood up in that circle / Said I’m sober seven years / And all because our little boy drew this picture here.” 🎶

The Power of Storytelling
Producer Jay Joyce keeps the production intimate, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. The song doesn’t just tell a story—it makes you feel it.

Wilson, the reigning ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year, opened up about her deep love for storytelling in an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1:

“I got bit by the storytelling bug from my parents, sitting around the kitchen table and telling stories from their childhood… Every single time we’d hear them, I’d catch something new. I’d laugh in a place I didn’t the time before. I just loved storytelling.”

That passion shines through in “Whiskey Colored Crayon.” It’s more than a song—it’s a moment, a message, and a testament to the power of country music.

With Whirlwind, Lainey Wilson reminds us why she’s one of country’s most compelling voices today.

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Downtown Nashville was buzzing with energy as Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson took the stage at CMA Fest for a powerhouse performance of their hit duet, Never Say Never. Their undeniable chemistry and soaring vocals had the crowd completely captivated, proving once again why they are two of country music’s biggest stars.

The song, featured on Swindell’s fourth studio album Stereotype, has been a fan favorite since its release in November 2021. It became the most-added song on country radio upon debut, marking a major milestone for both artists. And judging by the reaction at CMA Fest, its impact is still going strong.

Co-written by Swindell, Jessi Alexander, and Chase McGill, Never Say Never tells the story of a couple struggling to let go, even when they know they should. The emotional tug-of-war plays out through heart-wrenching lyrics and dynamic harmonies, making it a standout duet.

🎶 “I never say never with you / I end up together with you / It’s hell and it’s heaven with you, baby…” 🎶

The passion in their voices brought the lyrics to life, leaving fans cheering long after the final note.

CMA Fest 2024, marking its 49th year, was hosted by Dierks Bentley and Elle King, who brought their signature humor and charm to the event. “Elle is a riot on stage and so talented,” Bentley shared. King added, “Not only do I get to do it with my buddy Dierks, but I also get to see these incredible performances and be part of a big party!”

The festival’s ABC special, filmed at Nissan Stadium, showcased over 30 performances and surprise collaborations from country’s biggest names, including Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and many more.

Swindell also treated fans to a performance of his current single, She Had Me at Heads Carolina, proving that his streak of chart-topping hits is far from over.

Swindell and Wilson’s performance of Never Say Never wasn’t just a highlight of the night—it was a defining moment of CMA Fest 2024. With their effortless vocal blend and commanding stage presence, they reminded everyone why country music is all about storytelling, passion, and connection.

For fans who couldn’t be there in person, clips of the performance are already making waves online. But one thing is clear: Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson have a musical magic that can’t be denied.

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