Next, MCA shipped “Oklahoma Swing.” This fast-paced dance duet featured country’s most popular female star Reba McEntire. While the single did enjoy a lengthy chart run, it too failed to make the Top Ten, peaking at #13. Finally, MCA gave Vince a shot to score on his own and tried “When I Call Your Name.” The Gill/DuBois composition reached Billboard’s country singles chart on May 26, 1990, eventually climbing to #2 on the playlist. With Patty Loveless adding harmonies, the single was the year’s most-requested love song.
It probably saved Gill’s recording contract, while also making him a major star. Suddenly the world was ready for his sincere vocal style, his tight guitar work and his bashful good looks. After ten years of trying, Vince Gill was finally being recognized. “When I Call Your Name” would win a Grammy, and be named the Country Music Association’s “Single of the Year.” Within two years, Vince would become the hottest act in country music, winning so many awards that the CMA annual awards fest would jokingly become known as the “Vince Gill Show.” He had suddenly been thrust into the spotlight, and was making millions of new fans in both country and pop circles. He finally knew that he had made the right decision by choosing music over golf.
