Vince Gill Helps Fund Children’s Music Project in Oklahoma

Vince Gill credits his early upbringing of being raised in a musical family with helping forge his career path, and now the Oklahoma native hopes to give other children the same opportunity. The 'Threaten Me With Heaven' singer recently donated $12,000 to the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, for a special children's musical exhibit.

The project, which was stalled due to lack of funding, will be housed in an old railroad caboose, and includes sections where children can build their own band, experiment with various musical instruments and learn more about the musical history of Oklahoma.

Vince, who became a member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 1999, offered the donation at a crucial time. "We can't thank Mr. Gill enough for his generosity and we are honored that he would also step forward to issue a challenge to his fellow inductees to make a contribution, as well," Penny Kampf, Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame executive director, shares (quote via News OK). "Hundreds of donors have helped to make this project a reality. Now, we need an additional financial boost so that the museum can open by the end of the year."

Vince recently released his first studio album in five years, 'Guitar Slinger,' which featured the singing talents of both of his daughters and his step-daughter, as well as his wife, gospel singer Amy Grant. But while the two enjoy performing together, both in the studio and on stage (including their annual Christmas tour), the married singer-songwriters have no plans of merging their careers into one act.

"We found each other very late in life and very late in our careers," Vince tells The Boot. "We both felt the thing not to do was to try to become Sonny and Cher. We do it in small doses, but I don't know if we'd ever do a whole record of duets. We might, I never say never. But I got to produce those two hymns records that she did ['Legacy ... Hymns & Faith,' 'Rock of Ages ... Hymns & Faith'] and got to take these old hymns and make them musically different than probably anyone would expect, and I sang and played on them. So there are so many instances of us doing that, but it's much more subtle than both of us out front sharing the spotlight."

Their holiday tour, 'The Twelve Days of Christmas -- Amy Grant & Vince Gill' kicks off on Wednesday, December 7, in Baltimore, Md. Keep track of their concert schedule here.