Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, & Ricky Skaggs Unite for a Soul-Stirring “Go Rest High on That Mountain” Performance

There was a time in country music when songs truly offered comfort and healing—music that spoke directly to the heart. A perfect example of this era is “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” written and recorded by Vince Gill. Originally released in 1995 on Gill’s album When Love Finds You, the song was dedicated to country singer Keith Whitley, who passed away in 1989, and later took on even deeper meaning after Gill’s brother passed in 1993.

On October 5, 2001 (an approximate date often cited for notable country appearances at Carnegie Hall), Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, and Ricky Skaggs joined forces to perform “Go Rest High on That Mountain” during a special concert celebrating the best of country and bluegrass. The choice of Carnegie Hall—long known for classical and jazz showcases—symbolized the growing respect for country music on the world stage.

Gill often performed “Go Rest High on That Mountain” at major award shows, frequently bringing out special guests like Krauss and Skaggs for moving, collaborative versions. The song has been performed at funerals, memorials, and tribute concerts for country legends. One notable instance was its inclusion in events remembering icons such as George Jones, further cementing the track’s standing as a comforting anthem in times of loss.

In the era of Gill, Krauss, and Skaggs, country music was far more than lighthearted fun—it often delved into the raw realities of life, providing reassurance in moments of sorrow. Their rendition of “Go Rest High on That Mountain” at Carnegie Hall exemplified the genre’s power to touch hearts on a grand stage. Attendees recall the hush that fell over the crowd, followed by a standing ovation that seemed to echo the song’s message of hope.

Today, you can find clips of this legendary performance, often shared by fans who still get misty-eyed recalling the emotion in Gill’s voice, the purity in Krauss’s harmonies, and the traditional roots of Skaggs’s musicianship. If you haven’t heard this version, it’s worth seeking out—not just for the sublime artistry, but for the reminder that music can lift spirits and ease pain in ways few other forms of art can match.

In the halls of Carnegie and in the annals of country music history, “Go Rest High on That Mountain” remains a shining example of how a simple, heartfelt song can bring solace to a world in need of genuine, healing melody.

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