Amy Grant’s dynamic album, Heart in Motion is celebrating the 30th anniversary and I we can all agree that we still know every word of "Baby, Baby" and sing along every time we hear it. Amy and her team have been reflecting on what this album means. “What a milestone. A milestone we’ve wanted to
celebrate. This album was a labor of love of many people - songwriters, producers and musicians. It changed the trajectory of the future for all of us.” Instead of remixing the album to make it more current, they decided to revisit the original early 90s sounds and pay homage to the original tracks. This album not only launched Amy onto a worldwide stage, but it was monumental for the type of music coming out of Nashville as well.
Over the past few years, like all of us, Amy has been impacted by Covid saying, “We felt like touring was snatched away.” Not only did touring come to a halt but Amy also had open-heart surgery. She says that she is feeling much better, breathing more effectively and how fortunate she is to have the chance to
sing with her new and improved heart. Amy states that she has found a new pace in which to live and hopes that we never go back to the pre-Covid crazy hurried pace.
Amy Grant and her husband, Vince Gill will certainly share lots of thanks around their family Thanksgiving table this year. Gathering their family, most of whom live close by, around the table is very important to them. As the youngest of four girls, Amy and her sisters have many traditional dishes they serve each year. Amy always makes cheese grits while her sisters make their Grandmother Grant’s oyster dressing, a “killer” carrot souffle, pecan topped sweet potatoes and they fry a couple of organic turkeys. “We have so many Thanksgiving traditions all around food and gathering," says Amy. Her favorites are cornbread stuffing, cheese grits and jalapeno corn, but adds, “I am most thankful for the gift of each other.”
Another tradition that Amy and Vince look forward to each year is the Christmas at the Ryman show. The first show began in 1993 at the Opry House as a fundraiser for The Nashville Symphony. Since 1993, there have only been two years when the show hasn’t taken place. Amy states, “The most special part is seeing families come together to celebrate. As a woman who loves my family and wants to create special gatherings, I want so much of the holiday season to have something we are all sharing and equally invested in. So many times whether it’s a meal or project, it kind of flies by and the holiday season is over. Putting these holiday shows together gives me the chance to create an evening for a family that makes its way to the Ryman.” Amy works closely to design the show, a fun process for her. Amy says that connecting with Vince, the people on stage, having her family backstage, the crew at the Ryman and everyone who shows up feels like a community building experience.
When Amy and Vince aren’t touring, you can find their family enjoying the outdoors. Bike riding in Percy Warner Parks' recreational trails is a family favorite. The kids also love playing volleyball at different parks in town. Vince is an avid golfer and can often be found at local courses. Amy also enjoys visiting
music venues and seeing shows at the Franklin Theater.
As Amy looks back on the past 30 years, she hopes that her music will “fill people’s reservoir.” She wants to remind everyone that they are loved, special and have unique gifts. She wants people to feel connected to each other and hopes that her music breaths a little wind into our sails. Christmas at The Ryman tickets are currently on sale at ryman.com. AmyGrant.com
