Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by a song? A song that demands you turn up the volume, and by the time it ends, leaves you with goosebumps and a profound emotional resonance? That’s the power of truly great music. For me, that moment happened in 1988 when I first encountered the captivating sound of Vern Gosdin.
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It was a typical day at a Top 40 rock radio station in Rapid City, South Dakota. My playlist was filled with rock anthems from Van Halen and Bon Jovi. Walking past the production room, a different sound drifted out – something distinctly country. Intrigued, I stepped in and asked my colleague about the artist. The song was “Chiseled In Stone” by Vern Gosdin. As the last notes faded, I was genuinely moved, experiencing that powerful “Whoa!” moment.
Before that day, Vern Gosdin was just a name I vaguely recognized. But that single song ignited a deep appreciation for his music. I soon understood why Vern Gosdin was affectionately known to millions as “The Voice.”
Hailing from Alabama and one of nine siblings, Vern Gosdin’s musical journey began in childhood, singing with his brothers. His early career took him to the West Coast where he performed in various bands, even sharing a stage with Chris Hillman, who later found fame with The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers. Vern and his brother Rex also achieved some chart success as a duo in the late 1960s.
By 1976, Vern Gosdin was making his mark in country music as a solo artist. Collaborations with artists like Emmylou Harris helped propel songs like “Yesterday’s Gone” and “Til The End” onto the country charts. During my radio days in Winner and Aberdeen, South Dakota, I played these songs, appreciating them, but it wasn’t until “Chiseled In Stone” in 1988 that Vern Gosdin’s artistry truly captivated me.
“The Voice” went on to achieve remarkable success, racking up nearly twenty Top 10 hits on the country charts. Among these were three chart-topping singles: “I Can Tell By The Way You Dance,” “Set ‘Em Up Joe,” and “I’m Still Crazy.” Interestingly, “Chiseled In Stone,” the song that introduced me to his music, never reached the #1 spot, yet it remains one of his most iconic and emotionally resonant recordings.
Despite suffering a stroke in 1998, Vern Gosdin persevered, continuing to sing and record until 2009. Sadly, a second stroke in 2009 led to his passing on April 28th at the age of 74, silencing “The Voice” but leaving behind a rich legacy of soulful country music. Discovering Vern Gosdin Songs is an experience every country music lover should have, and “Chiseled In Stone” is the perfect place to start.
