Vince Gill is a country singer and songwriter who some call a “reluctant superstar.” That means he didn’t chase fame, but he was so good that he became a star anyway. People in country music agree he has all the skills to be one of the best. His live shows are extra special, and one of our favorites is when he sang “I Will Always Love You” in 2019 at a concert called Country Music: Live at the Ryman.
This concert happened at a famous place in Nashville called the Ryman Auditorium, known as the Mother Church of Country Music. It was held to celebrate a new documentary about country music by a man named Ken Burns. Vince Gill performed with other big country stars like Dierks Bentley, Marty Stuart, Rosanne Cash, and Dwight Yoakam.
You might know “I Will Always Love You” from Whitney Houston, who sang it with a big, strong voice that made it super famous. But the song was first written and sung by Dolly Parton, a country music legend. Her way of singing it set the original style.
When Vince Gill sang it, he did it differently. His version was soft and gentle, like a quiet hug for your ears. He started the song so calmly, playing his guitar lightly. Even when he got to the big chorus part, it stayed smooth and easy, not loud or dramatic. It was like butter melting on toast.
Vince didn’t try to show off with his voice. Instead, he sang with a peaceful feeling that touched your heart. He kept that calm vibe the whole time, making the song feel new. You might even forget it’s the same song Whitney Houston sang because Vince made it his own in a special way.
A writer named Jennifer Robinson from KPBS said Vince’s performance was amazing and beautiful. In the video of the concert, you can watch him sing “I Will Always Love You” with Dolly Parton herself sitting in the audience, listening to his version.
