Introduction
“Go Rest High on That Mountain” was written by Vince Gill in the aftermath of two profound losses: the death of fellow country star Keith Whitley in 1989, and the passing of Gill’s own brother, Bob, in 1993.
Released in August 1995 as the sixth single from When Love Finds You, the ballad quickly resonated for its tender lyricism and soaring melody, earning CMA Song of the Year and two Grammy Awards by early 1996 .
This particular rendition was filmed live at the Grand Ole Opry, where Gill invited Krauss and Skaggs to join him in a tribute to those we’ve lost .
On stage, Krauss’s haunting fiddle weaves gentle counter-melodies around Gill’s vocals while Skaggs’s mandolin adds subtle rhythmic drive, creating a tapestry of sound that feels both intimate and grand.
As Gill later reflected, “This is a song I wrote about my brother when he passed away some years back… I had no idea it would bring so much peace to so many people, but I’m grateful it has”.
By sharing his own grief, Gill offers listeners a space to process their loss, turning private sorrow into collective solace.
Alison Krauss’s ethereal fiddle lines glide effortlessly over the chorus, echoing the song’s plea for rest and peace.
Ricky Skaggs’s mandolin punctuates each verse with bright, uplifting strokes, reminding us that even in loss, life’s melody continues.
Millions have watched this performance online—many confessing that they were moved to tears, struck by the trio’s genuine connection and the song’s timeless message.
Decades after its release, “Go Rest High on That Mountain” remains a touchstone for commemorations, funerals, and moments when words alone can’t express the depth of our emotions