Vince Gill is paying tribute to his late father, J. Stanley Gill, with a new song titled “Secondhand Smoke,” released on what would have been his father’s 94th birthday. In an emotional Instagram post, the country music star shared several photographs of his dad, expressing his appreciation and how his father’s life inspired the song’s creation.
“My father was a chain smoker,” Gill reflected, acknowledging the impact of his father’s habits on his own life and music. The song was co-written with Derrick Southerland, who had the title in mind for quite some time. Gill related personally to it, declaring, “That’s my life. Can I write it with you?” This collaboration serves not only as a musical project but as a heartfelt homage to his father’s memory.
Gill recounted a personal story where his father allowed him to take his Fender Concert Tone banjo when he moved to Louisville. Although that particular instrument was stolen, Gill later acquired a 50-year-old Gibson banjo, crafted by Harry Sparks, which he decided to feature in “Secondhand Smoke.” He also used two guitars owned by his father—the Gibson ES-125 and a Harmony guitar—bringing a deeper connection to the recording.
“Since ‘Secondhand Smoke’ is the name of the second record, I thought it ought to have a little bit of a nod back to the old man,” Gill noted, emphasizing the personal significance behind the project.
“Secondhand Smoke” is part of Gill’s “50 Years From Home” series, commemorating his half-century in the music industry with a collection of multiple EPs slated for release over the upcoming year. Gill shared insights from his long career, stating, “The more I’ve done it, the more I’ve learned how to do it better… Experience is experience; there is no shortcut.”
The EP not only reflects nostalgia and sentimentality but also delves into broader issues, completing Gill’s artistic mission to provide a humanistic outlook in his music. Through “Secondhand Smoke,” Gill beautifully intertwines his personal history with his artistry, creating a resonant tribute that reflects on life, loss, and legacy.