Vince Gill might be known as a “reluctant superstar,” but when he steps on stage, there’s no denying he’s one of the most captivating voices in country music. One performance that truly stands out is his heartfelt 2019 rendition of Dolly Parton’s classic “I Will Always Love You” during Country Music: Live at the Ryman.
Held at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the concert was a tribute to the upcoming Ken Burns Country Music documentary. Gill shared the stage with an impressive lineup of country legends, including Dierks Bentley, Marty Stuart, Rosanne Cash, and Dwight Yoakam. But when it came time for his moment in the spotlight, Gill delivered something unforgettable.
We all know Whitney Houston’s powerhouse version of “I Will Always Love You.” And of course, the original belongs to Dolly Parton herself, sung with her signature sincerity and grace. But Vince Gill? He made the song entirely his own.
From the first gentle strum of his guitar, Gill wrapped the audience in a warm, emotional embrace. His vocals were soft and sincere, a delicate whisper that reached straight into your soul. There were no dramatic builds or flashy notes—just pure emotion, quietly delivered with grace and intention.
As he moved through the lyrics, it felt like he was speaking directly to each listener. Calm, consistent, and completely authentic, Gill didn’t just sing the song—he lived it in that moment. So much so that you could forget, just for a second, that this was the same song made famous by two other icons. He stripped it down, gave it a new heartbeat, and let it breathe in a whole new way.
Jennifer Robinson of KPBS captured it perfectly, calling Gill’s version “a breathtaking and sublime rendition.” We couldn’t agree more.
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