‘Down At The Borderline,’ the title track from the fourth installment in Vince Gill‘s ‘50 Years From Home’ EP series on MCA, was released today
By Steven Brodsky
Enjoy “Down At The Borderline”:
From a news release:
NASHVILLE, TN – February 13, 2026 – The guitar on the cover of Down At The Borderline says everything about the fourth installment in Vince Gill‘s 50 Years From Home EP series on MCA.
It’s a white 1953 Fender Telecaster that Gill bought for $450 in 1978 from Del City Music in his native Oklahoma, and it’s been Gill‘s main guitar ever since. “It’s real special,” he remarks. “I’ve got several other old Fender Telecasters, but that one just suits my hands, suits my ears. Everything about it is kind of a huge part of my entire catalog of playing guitar over all these years.” Testifying to that status is the worn finish on the guitar’s body.
Instruments featured on the cover of each EP are from Gill’s personal collection. For Down At The Borderline he chose his iconic 1953 Telecaster.
It’s appropriate, then, that the six new songs on Down At The Borderline, as well as “Liza Jane” from his 1991 album Pocket Full Of Gold, feature plenty of six-string rockin’ and more of an uptempo demeanor than its three 50 Years From Home predecessors. “There’s a little more zip on this EP,” Gill agrees, “some more guitar playing. Some of the earlier EPs have been singer-songwriter songs, not a ton of whittling around on the guitar. These songs are fun to stretch out a little bit on and just play some guitar.”
Down At The Borderline leads off with its title track, a rockin’, Cajun-flavored tune co-written with Liz Rose about a joint in Thibodaux, Louisiana where “they play the Zydeco and wrestle alligators,” with a sawdust floor and a shuffleboard table, as well as a matron, Mable, who keeps “a loaded pistol in her beehive hair.” The female voice on the song, meanwhile, is none other than country superstar Lainey Wilson, a proud native of Baskin, Louisiana. “Once I set it in Thibodaux I asked Lainey to come sing on it. She graciously said yes, and she killed it!,” Gill says. “I didn’t know if she’d be up for that; it’s hard to get somebody when they’re knocking it out of the park like she is, but she did, and I love the sound of our voices together.”
“Releasing a song with Vince Gill is truly a dream come true,” states Wilson. “I’ve had the chance to get to know him over the past few years and share the stage together, so being able to finally make music together means the world to me.”
Gill wrote “Never Saw It Coming” with Stephan Hogan, who he met while judging a guitar contest in Los Angeles. They stayed in touch, and when Hogan moved to Nashville, Gill invited him to do some songwriting together. “He’s very talented. I’m gonna root for him,” says Gill.
Gill has been carrying the Bakersfield-flavored “Pink Cadillac” with him since 2023. He owns a red 1973 Cadillac Coupe de Ville himself but had no problem taking a little creative license with the song. “On some of these songs I’m not trying to write War and Peace or anything; they’re just fun,” he explains. “Not every song needs to be serious.”
The chugging “Come Back” is another co-write, with Harper O’Neil. “She’s a young artist who’s incredible,” Gill says, “a great, soulful singer who’s starting to make some noise in town.” The song is marked by what he calls a “brainiac move” by fellow guitarist Tom Bukovac; “The solo that happens was Tom, and I wound up playing an octave higher and then a harmony to that. That’s a great-feeling track.”
The slow-paced tear-jerker “Love Died” is a collaboration with longtime friends the Warren Brothers and upstart Preston Cooper. Wendy Moten sings on the track as well, much to Gill‘s delight; “It’s some of the best singing you’ll ever hear when she cuts loose.”
Gill revs things back up for “Whole Lot of Cowboy Left in Me,” a rocking and defiant statement of purpose that features CMA Musician of the Year Paul Franklin’s stone country steel guitar. “I’m not much of a cowboy,” Gill, who co-wrote the song with Josh Thompson, fesses up. “I’ve got some boots and all, but I’ve never done much horseback riding or any of that stuff.
Nevertheless, he convincingly captures the authentic character of the song’s narrator. “I understand it very well. I grew up in Oklahoma; that’s where the National Finals Rodeo was held every year, before they moved it to Vegas. My family grew up on farms, and I played in so many honky tonks, so many bars, and I’ve been around so many of those characters. So, it was natural for me to write about ‘em.”
It’s appropriate that Down At The Borderline would close with Gill’s guitar-slinging 1991 hit “Liza Jane.” This EP follows the previous 50 Years From Home volumes I Gave You Everything I Had, Secondhand Smoke, and Brown’s Diner Bar.
Gill recently announced dates for his upcoming summer tour, which culminates in a 6-night residency at the historic Ryman Auditorium. He will continue to tour with the Eagles as well. Last month it was announced that Gill will be awarded the Ken Burns American Heritage Prize, an honor presented by American Prairie. He was also recently presented with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Complete tour information available HERE.
Posted 2-13-26
Vince Gill to receive the 2026 Ken Burns American Heritage Prize
By Steven Brodsky
…The 2026 Ken Burns American Prize will be presented to Vince Gill by American Prairie “in celebration of the indomitable American spirit.”
Congratulations to Vince Gill!
The naming of Vince Gill for this honor was announced yesterday in the following news release:
| NASHVILLE – January 15, 2026 — American Prairie is proud to announce that Grammy Award® winner and Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill, one of the most celebrated musicians and songwriters in American history, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Ken Burns American Heritage Prize. Gill will be formally honored May 6, 2026.
Named in honor of America’s most revered visual historian and filmmaker, the Ken Burns American Heritage Prize was created by American Prairie to recognize individuals whose achievements have advanced our collective understanding of America’s heritage and the indomitable American spirit of our people. Nominees for the annual Prize consist of visionary artists, authors, educators, filmmakers, historians, and scientists. The candidates are chosen by a National Jury of distinguished leaders who represent communities across the country and share a common appreciation of America’s heritage. Past Prize recipients include David McCullough, Maya Lin, N. Scott Momaday, Wynton Marsalis, Jimmy Chin, Kristine McDivitt Tompkins, and Sylvia Earle. Gill’s career spans more than four decades and reflects a rare combination of musical excellence, humility, and authenticity. His songs—marked by emotional honesty, masterful musicianship, and deep respect for tradition—have become part of the fabric of American life. “Vince Gill is most deserving of this prize, and he represents the enduring power of American music to tell us who we are,” said Ken Burns, award-winning filmmaker and namesake of the Prize. “Like the prairie itself, his songs are shaped by patience, humility, and a deep respect for the people. I know what it is to be formed by the spirit of a place—how it asks you to listen closely, to honor what came before, and to submit, in the best sense of the word, to something larger than yourself. Vince has done this throughout his life and work, and in doing so, he has given us a truer understanding of our shared American heritage.” Gill’s lifelong reverence for American roots music, combined with his generosity as a collaborator and mentor, has made him a unifying figure across genres and generations. From bluegrass and country to gospel and rock, his influence reaches far beyond charts and awards, embodying the enduring power of music as a shared national language. One of the most popular artists in modern country music, Gill achieved his big breakthrough in 1990 with “When I Call Your Name,” which won both the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Single and Song of the Year awards as well as a Grammy Award® for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male. In total, Gill has won 18 CMA Awards, 22 Grammy Awards®, and 8 Academy of Country Music Awards. In 2025, he was presented with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, which is awarded to an iconic artist who has historically contributed to the growth of the Country Music genre. Prior to that in 2009, he was given the President’s Merit Award from the Recording Academy recognizing Gill’s significant contributions to music and shaping of the culture. American Heritage Prize is an incredible honor and what inspiring company to be in,” said Vince Gill upon learning about his selection. “The work American Prairie is doing to preserve America’s Great Plains is invaluable, and I’m grateful to be able to contribute to their efforts in any way I can. Over the years I have had the opportunity to collaborate and become good friends with Ken, and that in itself has been a great experience. This new relationship is one I’m very much looking forward to.” An exceptionally talented songwriter, Gill’s compositions earned him entry into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 and in 2014 the prestigious BMI Icon for his indelible influence on generations of music makers. Throughout his career, he has released 21 albums, sold over 30 million albums, and charted 45 singles. In 2022, Gill was inducted into the Musicians’ Hall of Fame. In 2017, Gill was asked to join the Eagles on tour and continues to be a part of that historic band. 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of Gill leaving home to pursue a music career. To honor that milestone, he signed a lifetime contract with his record label, MCA, and is releasing an EP series of brand-new music every month for a year, titled 50 Years From Home. In 2026, American Prairie celebrates 25 years as a 100% donor-funded organization working to connect, conserve, and share Montana’s Northern Great Plains – one of the last remaining temperate grasslands in the world. Grasslands are a vital yet vanishing biome and they play a huge role in our planet’s health. Across the globe, less than 2% of temperate grasslands have been permanently conserved, making them the least protected biome on Earth. American Prairie’s strategy is simple: we purchase private land to strategically connect fragmented public lands, creating a collaboratively managed network of protected prairie. Each new land acquisition creates critical wildlife corridors and ensures the longevity and biodiversity of a vital biome. |
| About American Prairie
American Prairie’s vision is to create a vast and collaboratively managed prairie destination that serves as a fully functioning ecosystem for wildlife, and offers visitors permanent access to the landscape that shaped our nation’s character. American Prairie offers visitors an opportunity to learn about and connect with nature on a truly grand scale. Learn more at americanprairie.org. About Ken Burns Ken Burns has been making documentary films for almost 50 years. Since the Academy® Award-nominated Brooklyn Bridge in 1981, Ken has gone on to direct and produce some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made, including The Civil War, Baseball, Jazz, The War, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, Prohibition, The Roosevelts: An Intimate History, The Vietnam War, Country Music, The U.S. and the Holocaust, The American Buffalo, Leonardo da Vinci; and most recently, The American Revolution. Future film projects include Emancipation to Exodus, and LBJ & the Great Society, among others. Ken’s films have been honored with dozens of major awards, including 17 Emmy® Awards, two GRAMMY Awards, and two Oscar nominations. In September of 2008, at the News & Documentary Emmy® Awards, Ken was honored by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences with a Lifetime Achievement Award. In November of 2022, Ken was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. About Vince Gill One of the most popular artists in modern country music, Vince Gill is famous for his top-notch songwriting, world-class guitar playing, and warm, soaring tenor, all wrapped up in a quick and easy wit. Gill achieved his big breakthrough in 1990 with “When I Call Your Name,” which won both the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Single and Song of the Year awards as well as a Grammy Award® for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male. In total, Gill has won 18 CMA Awards, 22 Grammy Awards®, 8 Academy of Country Music Awards, and in 2025, he was presented with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1991, Gill was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and in 2007, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2012, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A gifted songwriter, Gill’s compositions earned him entry into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 and the prestigious BMI Icon award in 2014. Throughout his career, he has released 21 albums, sold over 30 million albums, and charted 45 singles. In 2022, Gill was inducted into the Musicians’ Hall of Fame. Always considering himself a musician above all else, Gill has been a part of some iconic bands, including Pure Prairie League, The Notorious Cherry Bombs, and The Time Jumpers. In 2017, Gill was asked to join the Eagles on the road, and he continues to be a part of that historic band’s tour. 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of Gill leaving home to pursue a music career. To honor that milestone, he signed a lifetime contract with his record label, MCA, and is releasing an EP series of brand-new music every month for a year, titled 50 Years From Home. |
Posted 1-16-26
Remembering Dan Fogelberg
By Steven Brodsky
… who passed away eighteen years ago on December 16, 2007, with a song of his that succinctly and effectively conveys liquefying of emotion with these words: “the snow turned into rain”:
On or near Christmas and New Year’s Eve, many people will experience liquefying of emotion (regardless of external weather conditions).
Posted 12-16-25
Harry Chapin, who was an extraordinary humanitarian, songwriter, performer, and recording artist, made the world ‘a better place to be.’
By Steven Brodsky
… Harry Chapin was born on December 7, 1942.
In commemoration of Harry Chapin’s birthday, let’s listen to the highly empathetic portrayals of the song characters in “A Better Place to Be”:
Harry Chapin passed away on July 16, 1981 at 38 years of age as the result of a car accident.
Posted 12-7-25
On Paul Simon’s 84th birthday
By Steven Brodsky
… Happy birthday wishes go out to Paul Simon!
Paul Simon was born on October 13, 1941.
In little towns and elsewhere, songs penned by Paul Simon have deeply resonated with many of us for decades.
Posted 10-13-25
A certain kind of chill
By Steven Brodsky
Firewood
Photo by Steven Brodsky
… will be experienced by some people this time of year.
Primal is the need for “warmth” on cold autumn and winter nights.
We last visited Warren and Warren’s wife last heating season via: Bill Morrissey – Birches.
Hopefully, Warren’s wife will find herself comfortably “warm” in the coming months.
Posted 10-5-25
Leonard Cohen and Billy Joe Shaver drew upon the same Bible verse
By Steven Brodsky
Note to readers: This article appeared at: https://delcoculturevultures.com/2025/03/10/conversations-about-faith/. Does Isaiah 64:6 raise questions for you? You may find answers to those questions at: https://www.gotquestions.org/imputed-righteousness.html.
… The verse is Isaiah 64:6. As translated in the King James Version, the verse reads: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
I’m writing about Leonard Cohen’s “If It Be Your Will” and Billy Joe Shaver’s “If You Don’t Love Jesus.”
Most people who’ve heard the songs haven’t encountered the verse directly (and most of this column’s readers haven’t heard the Billy Joe Shaver song).
In the Leonard Cohen song, Isaiah 64:6 is alluded to in the line: “In our rags of light, all dressed to kill.”
In the Billy Joe Shaver song, an allusion to the verse appears as: “Take your rotten rags of righteousness and stuff ’em up your self.”
“If It Be Your Will”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXoqQAvkLfQ&ab_channel=LeonardCohen-Topic.
“If You Don’t Love Jesus”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MbF0bc7iEs&ab_channel=Boofitts. The song is “strident,” as I described it during a radio interview that I did with Billy Joe Shaver a number of years ago.
Posted 8-2-21, Reposted and Revised 3-11-25
Jelly Roll’s (Jason DeFord’s) opening statement at a Senate committee hearing
By Steven Brodsky
Thank you, Jelly Roll!
Posted 1-12-24
In tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett
By Steven Brodsky
… I’m pleased to share links to a nearly one-hour phone interview that Clay Eals did with Jimmy Buffett on October 26, 2000 for Clay’s book Steve Goodman: Facing the Music.
From The Paul Leslie Hour:
A Never-Before-Heard Interview with Jimmy Buffett – Part 1 of 3 – YouTube
A Never-Before-Heard Interview with Jimmy Buffett – Part 2 of 3 – YouTube
A Never-Before-Heard Interview with Jimmy Buffett – Part 3 of 3 – YouTube
ABOUT – THE PAUL LESLIE HOUR
A 2017 Entertainment, Culture and More interview with Clay Eals is posted at: A Conversation With Clay Eals, Author of ‘Steve Goodman: Facing the Music’ – delcoculturevultures.com.
Posted 9-13-23