When first starting out in country music, many artists feel fortunate to get a good five to 10 years of success. Vince Gill—born on this day (April 12) in 1957—is at 50-plus years and counting. With 22 Grammy Awards—more than any other solo male country artist—four solo No. 1 hits, and seven albums certified Platinum or higher, the Norman, Oklahoma native remains one of Nashville’s most revered names. (He’s also one half of the city’s sweetest power couple alongside his wife, Christian pop star Amy Grant.) In honor of his 69th birthday, today we’re taking a look at the life and career of Vince Gill.
Videos by American Songwriter
Vince Gill’s Early Days in Bluegrass and Soft Rock
Growing up in Norman, Oklahoma, Gill learned to play banjo from his father, a federal appellate court judge and part-time country musician. By age 5, he could also play “Old Shep” on the guitar, and at 8, he made his live performing debut playing the Beach Boys’ “Long Tall Texan” with his half brother on a local radio show…