“Its Intention Was To Save Souls, and It’s Still Doing It”: Vince Gill Reflects on the Ryman and the “Most Spiritual Experience” of His Life
Country singer Vince Gill has been marking the 50th anniversary of his move to pursue a music career, reflecting on his decades in country music and singling out Nashville's Ryman Auditorium as the setting for the most powerful moments of his career. In a recent interview, Gill described the historic venue as having been built as a "tabernacle" intended to "save souls," saying it continues to have that effect on performers and audiences to this day.
Gill recalled his very first performance at the Ryman, made while taping a show for radio host Garrison Keillor, as the most spiritual experience of his life, singing without a microphone from the edge of the stage. He has since performed there many times, including alongside his wife, Amy Grant. The anniversary has also been marked by his 50 Years From Home EP series, with the latest instalment, Stillwater Night, featuring tracks such as "Room Full of Memories," "Take It Slow" and "When You Belong."
- Vince Gill marks 50 years in country music this year
- He calls the Ryman Auditorium a spiritual, soul-saving venue
- New EP instalment, Stillwater Night, released to mark milestone
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Country music star Vince Gill has spent five decades performing and recording in Nashville, and is currently marking the 50th anniversary of the move that launched his career. As part of that reflection, he has been speaking about the Ryman Auditorium, a historic Nashville concert hall long associated with country and gospel music, which he regards as the place where he has had his most meaningful moments on stage.
Originally built as a religious meeting hall in the late 19th century before becoming a renowned music venue, the Ryman has a reputation among musicians for its unusual atmosphere and acoustics. Gill has performed there many times over the years, including alongside his wife, singer Amy Grant, and often points to it as central to his own musical journey.
The anniversary is also being marked by new music, with Gill releasing a series of EPs called 50 Years From Home, the latest of which is titled Stillwater Night.