2008 Vince Gill

Born in 1957 in Norman, Oklahoma, Vince Gill grew up playing the banjo and guitar, and by the time he was in high school he was part of a bluegrass band. Though his father was a federal judge, Vince did not take up the family trade. Instead, he seriously pursued music as he collaborated with bands such as Bluegrass Alliance and Boone Creek in Kentucky in 1975. The next year he moved to L.A. where he played with Sundance for some time. Then in 1979 he became the lead vocalist in the Pure Prairie League, where he performed hits 'Let Me Love You Tonight' and 'Still Right Here In My Heart.'

He decided to join Cherry Bombs, where he started a friendship with keyboardist Tony Brown, a relationship that would later lead him to sign with both the RCA and MCA labels. He recorded his first solos, including 'Oklahoma Borderline' and 'Cinderella.' Gill signed with RCA in 1989, after he moved to Nashville.

There he had his big break with the single, 'When I Call Your Name', winning the CMA's Single of the Year award. He went on to create numerous hit singles, including 'Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin'', 'I Still Believe In You', 'The Heart Won't Lie', 'One More Last Chance', and 'Tryin' to Get Over You'.

Since that time, he has been awarded over 18 CMA recognitions, including Song of the Year four times. To date, he has won more CMA awards than anyone else in country history. In addition to his many music producing talents, he has also hosted the CMA award show between 1992 and 2003, initially with Reba McEntire. With his charismatic and humorous personality, ratings of the award show skyrocketed when he hosted.

Vince married the Christian music artist, Amy Grant, his second marriage in 2000. He was previously married to Janis Oliver from Sweethearts of the Rodeo for 17 years. He also co-produced Grant's album Legacy: Hymns and Faith, and they toured together for six weeks. Gill decided he could produce his own record in 2003, with Next Big Thing, which highlighted guest vocalists Grant, Emmylou Harris, Lee Ann Womack, and Michael McDonald.

Vince Gill is also an active member of a variety of charities, including the annual 'The Vinny' pro-celebrity golf tournament, which he founded in 1993 in order to raise resources for the Junior Golf program. He was also awarded the Career Achievement Award by TNN and CMT in 2001. Gill Continues to tour all over the U.S. in cities big and small with his country peers at fairs and arenas alike. A ticket to a Vince Gill concert is sure to be a ticket to a fantastic show!