When three of country and bluegrass music’s most respected artists—Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, and Ricky Skaggs—come together on stage, it’s more than just a performance. It’s a spiritual moment, a sacred pause in time. That’s exactly what happened when they joined voices to deliver a stunning live rendition of “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” The song, already a modern-day hymn of loss and healing, became something transcendent in their hands.
🎵 The Song That Touched a Nation
“Go Rest High On That Mountain” was penned by Vince Gill following the death of his friend and fellow country artist Keith Whitley in 1989. But it wasn’t until the passing of Vince’s own brother, Bob Gill, in 1993 that he finished writing the song. Released in 1995 as part of his album When Love Finds You, the ballad struck a chord with fans around the world.
With its simple yet deeply poetic lyrics and spiritual message of peace beyond this life, the song quickly became a go-to anthem at funerals, memorial services, and moments of national mourning. Vince’s original version featured harmonies by Patty Loveless and Ricky Skaggs, earning multiple awards and becoming one of the most beloved country ballads of all time.
✨ A Heavenly Harmony: Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, and Ricky Skaggs
While the studio version of the song is iconic, it’s the live collaboration between Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, and Ricky Skaggs that fans often call truly unforgettable.
In a particularly memorable performance—such as at the CMA Awards tribute—the trio joined forces to honor the memory of country artists and loved ones who had passed away. Vince, visibly emotional, strummed the opening chords as the audience fell into silence. The moment Alison Krauss's ethereal soprano joined in with Ricky Skaggs’s bluegrass-toned tenor, you could feel the breath catch in every listener’s throat.
Their harmonies were flawless, haunting, and deeply reverent—a true celebration of life, love, and letting go. With minimal instrumentation and heartfelt delivery, the song became a prayer, echoing through every seat in the venue and into the hearts of those watching at home.
🌄 Lyrics That Speak to the Soul
“Go rest high on that mountainSon, your work on earth is doneGo to heaven a-shoutin'Love for the Father and the Son”
These lines are simple, yet they carry a lifetime of grief, love, and acceptance. Gill’s lyrics don’t try to complicate loss—they acknowledge it with honesty and grace. When sung in three-part harmony by voices as emotionally raw and technically perfect as Vince, Alison, and Ricky’s, the words become a comfort blanket for the soul.
🙏 Why This Performance Resonates
There’s something deeply healing about “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” Whether you’ve lost a loved one or are simply in need of a moment of peace, this live rendition wraps itself around you like a musical embrace.
- Vince Gill, known for his heartfelt storytelling and vulnerability, leads with raw sincerity.
- Alison Krauss, with her angelic tone, lifts the song into celestial territory.
- Ricky Skaggs, a bluegrass legend, grounds the performance with a spiritual weight rooted in tradition.
Their combination reminds us of why music is such a powerful tool for healing—it connects us across pain and time, offering comfort when words alone fail.
🌟 The Legacy of “Go Rest High On That Mountain”
Over the years, “Go Rest High On That Mountain” has been performed at countless ceremonies, including memorials for legends like George Jones, Charlie Daniels, and even at personal family funerals. Each time it’s performed, it feels intimate and new.
This particular trio—Gill, Krauss, and Skaggs—elevated the song beyond just country music. They made it timeless, resonating with anyone who’s faced loss, and reminding us all of something greater than ourselves.