Oct. Hymn History "Go Rest High on That Mountain" by Vince Gill

Posted on October 2, 2018.

                  I know this is not really a hymn, but found the story behind this song interesting. I'm a fan of all kinds of music, except Heavy Metal and Rap, with  Old Country, Bluegrass Gospel and Southern Gospel being a few of my favorites. The other evening while on the computer I heard “Go Rest High on That Mountain”                                                                    "Go Rest High on That Mountain" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Vince Gill. It was released in August 1995 as the sixth single from his album “When Love Finds You”. It is a eulogistic ballad. Gill began writing the song following the death of country music superstar Keith Whitley, who died in 1989. He shelved the song for a while  and Gill did not finish it until a few years later following the death of his older brother Bob of a heart attack in 1993. Ricky Skaggs and Patty Loveless both sang background vocals on the record.
    The song won the CMA's Song of the Year award in 1996, Most-Performed Song award in 1997, received two Grammy Awards for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song in the 38th Grammy Awards.
    On May 2, 2013, Gill performed the song with Patty Loveless at the funeral of fellow country artist George Jones. At one point during the performance, Gill became too emotional to sing some of the words, but was able to complete the song by focusing primarily on his guitar playing. If you get a chance you can view it on You Tube, it's quite moving                                                                                                                                                                                I know your life
On earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain.
You weren't afraid to face the devil,
You were no stranger to the rain.                
Go rest high on that mountain
Son, your work on earth is done.
Go to heaven a-shoutin'
Love for the Father and the Son.                                                                                                                                               Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered round your grave to grieve.
I wish I could see the angels faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing.                                                                                                                                   Go rest high on that mountain
Son, your work on earth is done.
Go to heaven a-shoutin'
Love for the Father and the Son.