For anyone who grew up watching CMT in the 90s, the memories are vivid. It was an era where country music videos were an art form, telling stories and showcasing the personalities of the artists. You might catch Alan Jackson comically water skiing, Reba McEntire enacting a playful revenge plot, or Trisha Yearwood singing sweetly about young love. And of course, there were always life lessons to be gleaned from Shania Twain and line dancing moves from Brooks & Dunn. These moments weren’t just entertainment; they were cultural touchstones.
Perhaps it’s nostalgia talking, but the 90s truly felt like the golden age of country music videos. And when you think of quintessential 90s country video, Vince Gill’s “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” immediately comes to mind. It wasn’t about flashy sets or over-the-top production. The video’s charm lay in its simplicity: a warehouse setting, iconic 90s fashion, a cast of beloved country music figures, and Vince Gill’s undeniable coolness. Every view is a delightful trip back to a time of big hair, fringe jackets, and when female artists had a prominent place on country radio. It’s a potent reminder to don’t let love start slippin away, a message as relevant today as it was then.
Vince Gill and Patty Loveless in "Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away" music video
Directed by John Lloyd Miller, the “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” video is like a roll call of 90s country royalty. Patty Loveless, Pam Tillis, Kelly Willis, Kevin Welch, Lee Roy Parnell, and Fred Young from the Kentucky Headhunters all make appearances. Reba McEntire even graces the screen as a waitress, echoing her role in her “Is There Life Out There” video. This wasn’t the first time Gill and McEntire shared the screen; they previously collaborated on the video for their 1992 duet, “The Heart Won’t Lie,” further cementing their on-screen chemistry.
Adding to the star power, the video also features appearances by legends like Little Jimmy Dickens, Michael McDonald, Leon Russell, Carl Perkins, and Delbert McClinton. This diverse and talented cast underscores the collaborative and vibrant nature of the 90s country music scene. It was a time when artists supported each other, creating a rich tapestry of sound and visuals that resonated deeply with fans.
Reba McEntire and Vince Gill in "The Heart Won't Lie" music video
“Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away,” penned by Gill and Pete Wasner, soared to No. 1 on the charts in 1992. It was a standout track from Gill’s breakthrough 1992 album, I Still Believe in You, which also gave us hits like “Tryin’ to Get Over You,” “One More Last Chance,” “No Future in the Past,” and the iconic title track. The song’s infectious melody and relatable lyrics about a couple committed to working through their challenges resonated with audiences everywhere.
This hit song not only solidified Vince Gill’s position as a country music superstar but also spoke to a universal truth about relationships: don’t let love start slippin away. Its message is timeless, urging couples to actively nurture their bond amidst life’s inevitable difficulties. The success of “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” paved the way for Gill’s incredible wins at the 1993 CMA Awards, where he swept Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and the coveted Entertainer of the Year award.
Kelly Clarkson discussing country music in an interview
The enduring appeal of “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” and its video lies in its authentic portrayal of love and relationships within the vibrant context of 90s country music. It’s a reminder of a special era and a timeless message: to cherish and fight for the love you have before it begins to fade. This song and video encapsulate the heart of 90s country, a genre that continues to evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia for so many.
