While performing during the Universal Music Group’s Country Radio Seminar luncheon at the Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday afternoon, country music star Vince Gill shared a very personal story. The Oklahoma native revealed that his junior high school gym teacher acted inappropriately towards him as a child and he shared a song called “Forever Changed,” which tells the story of a female sexual abuse victim.
“Maybe this song came from a personal experience for me. I was in seventh grade, and a young, dumb kid,” Gill told the industry-only audience. “I had a gym teacher that acted inappropriately towards me and was trying to do things that I didn’t know what the hell was going on.”
“I was just fortunate that I got up and I ran,” he added. “I just jumped up and I ran. I don’t know why. I don’t think I ever told anybody my whole life. Even what’s been going on has been giving me a little bit of courage to speak up, too.”
Watch Vince Gill’s emotional performance of “Forever Changed” below.
“You put your hands where they don’t belong and now her innocence is dead and gone,” sang Gill. “God was watching and he knows your name / because of you, she’s forever changed.”
This just hits you in the gut. As expected, the audience was totally silent during Gill’s time on stage and gave the icon a standing ovation. No word on future plans for “Forever Changed,” the song was penned years ago but never recorded or released.
Thank you Vince for sharing your story and for bringing attention to a very important topic through your music. We hope this important conversation continues and results in real changes.
As for what’s coming up for Vince Gill this year, the artist and his wife Amy Grant have shared their plans for their annual Chrismas show series at the Ryman. Twelve Nights with Vince and Amy will kick off on November 28th and wrap up December 23rd. Tickets will go on sale Friday, February 9th at 10am CT.
Twelve Nights with Vince and Amy Dates
November 28
November 29
December 5
December 6
December 12
December 13
December 17
December 18
December 19
December 20
December 23
Be sure to share this update with other Vince Gill and country music fans.
