Since moving to Nashville, Preston Cooper has been able to meet a wide range of songwriters and influential figures in the music business who have helped him navigate the Nashville music scene. He credits a lot of these opportunities to hit songwriters The Warren Brothers whom he met before making the transition to Music City.
One of the biggest highlights Cooper has experienced since moving to town was when he got the chance to write with country legend Vince Gill. The rising star recalls watching the “When I Call Your Name” singer work his magic on guitar and vocals and trying to learn as much as he could from the experienced artist.
“Yeah, writing with Vince Gill, you know, pullin’ up to his house and he comes out, and he’s like, ‘Are you Preston?’ ‘Yes I am.’ And inviting me in, such a nice guy. Very nice. And I just kinda let him take the lead on the writing process because it’s just so cool watching him do his thing and put his guitar playing and voice on a song,” Cooper admitted.
In addition to getting to pen a song together, the Ohio native says Gill also offered him some advice that has stuck with him.
“And he just told me, ‘If you’re gonna do it, just have fun doing it. Always have fun doing what you’re doing.’ And that’s something I’m definitely gonna remember from that, for sure.”
Vince Gill is certainly an artist who has the experience and resume to prove he’s a good friend and mentor to have in the industry. The Oklahoma native has released 20 albums, sold more than 30 million records, charted 45 singles, earned a plethora of various awards and the list goes on.
Next week, he will once again live up to his title as one of Country Music’s most celebrated artists when he receives the 2025 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming award show.
The Country Music Association revealed that he will be celebrated for this honor during “Country Music Biggest Night” with a special tribute performance.
Between this interaction with Vince Gill and all the other milestones that Preston Cooper has crossed off in recent months, it’s safe to say he has had a momentous year.
Another highlight came on October 24 when he made his Grand Ole Opry debut after receiving the coveted invite from Riley Green during a performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Cooper was serving as direct support on Green’s Damn Country Music Tour at the time.
“Hearing from Riley Green that I’d be playing the Opry – while standing on stage in front of a sold-out crowd at Red Rocks – was absolutely mind-blowing,” Cooper reflects. “I still can’t believe it actually happened. Playing the Grand Ole Opry has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Words can’t express how thankful I am for this opportunity.”
This night was followed by the release of his debut album, Toledo Talkin’.” The collection of stories hones in on authenticity and powerful storytelling, told directly from Cooper’s standout vocals, making it clear why the album has earned such widespread critical acclaim among his fans.
With his debut album still gaining attention, his single “Weak” having its moment on Country radio, and even more excitement on the horizon, Preston Cooper is solidifying his place as one of Country music’s most promising new voices.
The post Rising Star Preston Cooper Shares the Advice Vince Gill Gave Him That He’ll Never Forget appeared first on Country Now.
