You likely recognize 21-year-old country singer Mary Sarah from her time as a contestant on Season 10 of The Voice. But what few people know is that Mary Sarah has been an active performer for well over a decade.
Mary Sarah started performing country music when she was only eight years old. She was signed to a talent agency by the time she turned 11, and continued to perform at local venues and events throughout her childhood and teen years.
Finally, Mary Sarah caught her big break in January 2011 when the Oak Ridge Boys invited her to come meet them. She accepted the invitation, and the group ended up inviting her out on stage to sing Connie Francis’ “Where the Boys Are.” Five years later, it was that same song that helped Mary Sarah turn all four coaches’ chairs during her blind audition for The Voice.
After the Oak Ridge Boys took Mary Sarah under their wings, more country artists became aware of her great talent. Soon enough, Mary Sarah had enough country legends behind her to help with the release of her debut album.
Mary Sarah’s album, Bridges, was released on July 8, 2014. According to Mary Sarah’s official website, the release of Bridges made her the “youngest artists to record an album of duets with some of country music’s biggest names.“ Mary Sarah had earned so much respect in the country community that iconic artists such as Dolly Parton and Merle Haggard joined her to sing a duet for Bridges.
One of the other artists that Mary Sarah collaborated with on her album was Vince Gill. The duo sang Vince’s emotional song “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” which he wrote as a tribute to country artist Keith Whitely and his brother, Bob Coen, after they passed away.
Ricky Skaggs and Patty Loveless sang background vocals on Vince’s original version of the song. In this new rendition between Vince and Mary Sarah, Vince is actually the one who ends up singing background vocals, while Mary Sarah sings the lead.
But some of the most breathtaking moments come when Mary Sarah and Vince sing together. Mary Sarah’s sweet voice serves as the perfect complement to Vince’s more weathered tone, making for a stunning combination of sounds.
Tune in to the clip below to hear Mary Sarah’s gorgeous duet of “Go Rest High on that Mountain” with Vince. You’ll want to keep some tissues close by, because you won’t be able to keep from tearing up when you hear it.