Country music legend Vince Gill is celebrating a remarkable 50-year career in the music industry with the launch of a curated EP series titled “50 Years from Home.” This extensive project, released over the course of a year, coincides with a significant lifetime recording deal Gill has signed with his longtime label, MCA Records.
The first EP in the series, “I Gave You Everything I Had,” is set for release on October 17th. This initial collection features six brand-new songs penned by Gill, alongside a re-recorded version of his iconic hit, “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” which now includes a newly written third verse. The EP delves into themes of nostalgia, sentimentality, and mourning, with tracks like the title song and “Made Me” reflecting on Gill’s personal journey in music. Other songs on the EP include “Her Heart,” a tribute to his wife Amy Grant, “I Hope Everybody Lives to Be 100,” written after the passing of John Prine, “Benny’s Song,” a poignant reflection on the loss of his friend and guitar tech Benny Garcia, and “When a Soldier Dies”.
Gill has curated each EP within the “50 Years from Home” series to explore specific themes and aspects of his life and career. He has drawn from a treasure trove of over 100 songs he has written or co-written in recent years, seeking to find cohesive collections that also feature a resonant piece from his back catalog. Gill has also taken a personal approach to the project’s design, selecting an instrument from his personal collection for each EP cover; the first EP features a photograph of his 1942 Martin D-28 Herringbone guitar.
This extensive EP series and the unprecedented lifetime recording deal with MCA underscore the enduring legacy of Vince Gill, a major artist who has been a fixture in country music for five decades. Gill’s career began with early bands like Mountain Smoke, Bluegrass Alliance, and Boone Creek, before joining Pure Prairie League, Rodney Crowell’s Notorious Cherry Bombs, The Time Jumpers, and most recently, the Eagles. As a solo artist, Gill has achieved immense success, earning 22 Grammy Awards, 18 CMA Awards, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. He has released 21 albums, sold over 30 million albums, and charted 45 singles. His collaborative efforts extend to over 1000 guest appearances on other artists’ albums.
The lifetime deal with MCA, a label Gill has been with since 1989, signifies a deep and lasting partnership. MCA Records President & CEO Mike Harris stated that the agreement reflects the label’s commitment to supporting Gill’s artistic vision and ensuring his legacy continues to grow. Gill himself expressed feeling more creative than ever in recent years, looking forward to releasing this new music. This announcement is significant news for fans eager to hear fresh material from one of country music’s most beloved and accomplished artists.
The “50 Years from Home” series is not just a look back; it is a testament to Vince Gill’s continued creative vitality, offering a deeply personal exploration of his storied career through new songs and beloved classics. Each EP promises to be a carefully crafted reflection of his enduring impact on the music landscape.
