Vince Gill Just Earned the 2025 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award—Here’s the Hidden Legacy Behind the Legend. ML
At this year’s CMA Awards, country musician Vince Gill will receive the 2025 CMA Willie Nelson lifetime achievement award for his impact on the growth of the genre, the music industry, and on fans.
The “Go Rest High On That Mountain” singer will accept the honor on Nov. 19 at the ceremony, which will broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Ahead of the big night, which will air on ABC at 7 p.m. CT and on Hulu the next day, here’s what you need to know about the honoree.
Who is Vince Gill?
Vince Gill is a 68-year-old country singer who has released 20 albums, charted 45 singles and performed live for 50 years. Gill is a highly-respected singer-songwriter and considered a staple of the Nashville community.
He’s an Oklahoma native known for his emotive songwriting and tender, soulful voice.
Gill is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Over the years, Gill has been a member of bands including Pure Prairie League, The Cherry Bombs and The Time Jumpers. In 2017, Gill joined the Eagles on tour.
“Vince embodies the very best of what Country Music stands for,” said Sarah Trahern,CMA chief executive officer, in a press release.
“He’s a true trailblazer, one who gives back to the community, honors the roots of our genre, and even now, continues to share his talent with fans across the globe.
“As a Country Music Hall of Fame member, 18-time CMA Award winner, and former 12-time CMA Awards host, he remains a vibrant force in our industry, and we’re honored to celebrate an artist whose influence is so deeply woven into the fabric of our format.”
What are Vince Gill’s biggest songs?
Vince Gill’s biggest hits include “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away,” “When I Call Your Name,” “Go Rest High On That Mountain” and “One More Last Chance.”
Has Vince Gill won a CMA Award?
Yes, Vince Gill has won 18 CMA Awards.
Has Vince Gill hosted the CMA Awards?
Yes, Vince Gill has hosted the CMA Awards four times.
Has Vince Gill broken any CMA Awards records?
Yes, Vince Gill has broken the record for four song of the year wins, the most of any artist in history.
Gill also holds the record for the most times hosting the CMA Awards.
He took home the CMA Irving Waugh Award of Excellence in 2014, the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award in 2017 and is also a four-time recipient of the CMA Triple Play Award.
When did Vince Gill get famous?
Gill rose to fame in 1990 with his single “When I Call Your Name,” which earned him CMA single and song the year, and a Grammy Award for best male country vocal performance.
Has Vince Gill won a Grammy Award?
Yes, Vince Gill has received 22 Grammy Awards throughout his career.
His most recent GRAMMY came in 2021 in the Best Country Solo Performance category, honoring the heartfelt “When My Amy Prays,” further cementing his legacy as a leading voice in Country Music. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007, and in 2012 was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Is Vince Gill still releasing music?
Yes, Vince Gill is still releasing music.
He is honoring his 50-year career milestone with a series of records, titled “50 Years from Home.”
On Oct. 17, he released his first EP from the collection, “I Gave You Everything I Had.”
Is Vince Gill married?
Yes, Vince Gill is married to singer Amy Grant.
The two were wed in 2020 and share one daughter together, Corrina Grant Gill.
What is the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award?
The CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award goes to artists who have attained the highest degree of recognition in Country Music.
It recognizes prominent performers “who have achieved both national and international prominence and stature through concert performances, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, streaming numbers, record sales, and public representation at the highest level,” CMA said in a press release.
Who has received the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award?
Recipients of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award include:
- Willie Nelson, 2012
- Kenny Rogers, 2013
- Johnny Cash, 2015
- Dolly Parton, 2016
- Kris Kristofferson, 2019
- Charley Pride, 2020
- Loretta Lynn, 2021
- Alan Jackson, 2022
- George Strait, 2024
When are the 2025 CMA Awards?
The 2025 CMA Awards are Nov. 19.
How do I watch the 2025 CMA Awards?
The CMA Awards 2025 air on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.
How do I stream the 2025 CMA Awards?
The CMA Awards will be available the next day on Hulu.
Fans can stream the broadcast live through Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV.
Audrey Gibbs is a music journalist at The Tennessean. You can reach her at [email protected].
