## The Initial Spark of Grief
In 1989, country music was shaken by the tragic death of Keith Whitley, a close friend of Vince Gill. Inspired by the sudden loss of a uniquely gifted peer to alcoholism, Gill sat down with his guitar and wrote the first verse and chorus of an incredibly sad, powerful ballad. However, the emotional weight was too heavy; Gill couldn’t find the words to finish the song, putting it in a drawer for years.
## A Devastating Family Loss
Four years later, in 1993, Gill’s older brother Bob passed away following a massive heart attack after a long struggle with his own demons. The shattering loss of his brother provided the devastating clarity Gill needed. He pulled out the unfinished song he had started for Whitley and finally wrote the concluding verses, dedicating the masterpiece to his brother.
## A Monument to Mourning
‘Go Rest High On That Mountain’ was finally released in 1995. Featuring background vocals by Patty Loveless and Ricky Skaggs, the song won a Grammy and became the unofficial anthem of mourning in the country music world. Its emotional power peaked notoriously in 2013 when an overwhelmed, weeping Gill struggled to perform it at the funeral of George Jones, an enduring testament to its raw power.