
“Danny Boy” is one of the most iconic songs in Western pop culture. With its origins starting in England, the song traversed its way across the pond and has been covered by some of the US’ most iconic musicians. Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Judy Garland, and Bing Crosby are just a few of the star-studded names who have covered the song. Though, there is a name missing from that list, and it is the fan favorite, Vince Gill.
Vince Gill’s cover of “Danny Boy” appears on his 2023 album, Sweet Memories: The Music of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys. Recorded alongside friend and collaborator, Paul Franklin, the album features Ray Price songs and attempts to pay homage to the late great country music icon. Though, there is quite the story behind the two’s decision to record the age-old classic, “Danny Boy.”
Vince Gill & His Underlying Skeptism
Prior to the album’s release in 2023, Vince Gill opened up about the potential disaster recording “Danny Boy” could be. He stated, “It’s the song on this whole collection that I would have been most skeptical about because it is so iconic.” Per Gill’s comments, it seems the majesty surrounding the song made the margin of error extremely small. However, Gill took the risk, and it was for one focal reason.
In short, Gill wanted more steel guitar featured on the album, and he saw “Danny Boy” as the perfect opportunity for it. He stated, “We did “Danny Boy” on this record, which I would have never thought I would have recorded…but because we had this idea of maybe making the steel kind of predominant and maybe in the spirit of what nightlife was.” “You know, every steel guitar player plays nightlife. It’s like every girl singer sings crazy, right? There are certain things that are just so,” added Gill.
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