Ep 27 S5 When I Call Your Name with Jeff Zona

Some songs stay with you not just because of the melody, but because of where you were when you first sang them. For Jeff Zona, Vince Gill’s “When I Call Your Name” was one of those tracks. It was the first song he was told he'd be singing when he answered an ad that ultimately landed him the gig with the band Denim Blue. Jeff was still in high school—green and eager—and this moment marked the beginning of what would become a lifelong connection to music.

With Vince Gill back in the spotlight lately, Jeff found himself reflecting on that deep cut. The recent buzz reminded him of how the song had stirred his own early aspirations in Nashville. “When I Call Your Name” wasn’t just a hit—it was a challenge. The song demanded range, emotion, and precision. Jeff rose to the occasion and never looked back.

His journey took him far beyond that first stage. He eventually landed touring opportunities with country legend Lee Greenwood, opening for sold-out crowds and sharpening his craft under the pressure of national exposure. After years on the road, he stepped away and spent 10 years performing at The Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach. Later, he returned to Nashville—not for a job, but because his heart pulled him back. To his surprise, an opportunity opened up to tour with Lee Greenwood again.

“When I Call Your Name” remains one of Vince Gill’s most beloved songs. Released in 1990, it became a career-defining ballad that won Gill the CMA Award for Song of the Year and a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and lush production helped cement Gill’s reputation as one of the most emotionally expressive voices in country music. The harmonies, contributed by Patty Loveless, added a layer of longing and depth that made the track unforgettable.

That level of excellence became a kind of standard for Jeff. Vince's music served as a north star. That influence wasn’t just musical—it was professional. It helped shape Jeff’s approach to collaboration, to performance, and to the discipline of being a working musician.Throughout the conversation, Jeff shared how his career has been less about big breaks and more about enjoying the music.

These days, Jeff is still performing and making music. But songs like “When I Call Your Name” serve as emotional bookmarks—reminders of where it all began. It’s the kind of song that wraps you in nostalgia. And for Jeff, it’s more than a memory. It’s a milestone.

When I Call Your Name (the song)

Catch the full episode here or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Connect with Jeff Zona: @JeffZona (FB) and @JeffZonaMusic (IG) and @JeffZonaMusic (YouTube)

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