There is typically an In Memoriam segment on major entertainment awards shows. It's a way to pay tribute to those in an industry who left us throughout the previous year. On Sunday night at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, Vince Gill and Lainey Wilson dueted on "Go Rest High on That Mountain" during the In Memoriam portion of the broadcast.
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It was moving and impactful. These two great country music artists gave it their all, and it was evident. Many outstanding deceased professionals were fondly recalled. Among them were Maggie Smith, Alan Bergman, Ozzy Osbourne, Loni Anderson, David Lynch, Quincy Jones, Malcolm Jamal-Warner, and other distinguished luminaries.
Gill began the song when Wilson joined him on stage. Both were clad in somber black, with Wilson wearing her signature cowboy hat. Their sweet vocals blended perfectly in a tribute that was reverent and stately. Each soaring note came straight from their hearts.
The Song Has an Interesting History
Per The Boot, "Gill began composing the moving lyrics after the death of country great Keith Whitley, in 1989, but set it aside until after his brother's death four years later." Gill unveiled a brand new verse of the song in 2019. He gave it its first public performance at the legendary Ryman Auditorium. At the time, he said, "In all these years of singing that song, truthfully it felt just the slightest bit incomplete to me, I always thought it needed to tie itself up in some way."
The poignant lyric that was added was this. "You're safely home in the arms of Jesus / Eternal life, my brother's found / The day will come I know I'll see him / In that sacred place, on that holy ground," It kind of ties the song together and brings it full circle.
Gill Released an Updated Version to Mark the Song's 30th Anniversary
On Gill's Instagram, a post reads, "30 Years Ago, Vince Gill released 'Go Rest High On That Mountain.' Today, he released the extended version with the third verse you've only been able to hear live.,,until now."
Fans left appreciative comments. "This [is] one of Your most beautiful Song's Vince Gill. You are truly loved more than You will ever know." Another opined, "Beautiful as ever, and so fitting this week. Thank you, Vince." A third weighed in with this. "Just when it's needed, Bless you, Vince!"
