Last August, the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville lit up with country music’s brightest stars as they came together to celebrate the heart and heritage of the genre during the 15th Annual ACM Honors. And for fans tuning in on September 13, it was an unforgettable night packed with powerful performances and emotional tributes.
Among the evening’s most special moments was a rare musical gift from 18-time Grammy winner Vince Gill. Taking center stage, Gill paid tribute to his longtime friend and fellow powerhouse, Chris Stapleton, by performing a never-before-heard song they wrote together: “You Don’t Want to Love a Man Like Me.”
Before strumming the first chords, Gill grinned and told the crowd, “You’ve never heard it, and the truth is, neither one of us know it very well. So no matter how I do, we’re good.” His lighthearted intro set the tone for what turned into one of the night’s most heartfelt performances—a soulful, mid-tempo ballad full of raw vulnerability and rich emotion.
A Tribute to Chris Stapleton’s Storytelling Soul
That evening, Chris Stapleton was honored with the Merle Haggard Spirit Award—given to artists who carry on Haggard’s legacy through honest storytelling and soulful performances. And there was no better person to present the award than Vince Gill himself.
When Stapleton stepped up to accept, he made sure to shine the spotlight right back on Gill. “I always wanted to sing like Vince,” he shared with a laugh. “I tried, and I couldn’t do it. Eventually, what came out was just… me.”
Hosted by Carly Pearce, the show also featured standout performances from country favorites like Trace Adkins, Kelsea Ballerini, Morgan Wallen, and Brooks & Dunn. But it was Gill’s touching debut of that unreleased ballad that left a lasting impression—reminding everyone of the magic that happens when great songwriters share a piece of their hearts.
Be sure to check out Vince Gill’s emotional performance of “You Don’t Want to Love a Man Like Me”—a bittersweet gem that’s been quietly waiting to be heard.
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