Tim Mcgraw and Faith Hill have always been a gift to country music. This morning, the committed couple didn’t just sing out hits from their first-ever duets album, “The Rest of Our Life,” they also dished a little on what has kept their bond so strong over 21 years. Staying together in music and life hasn’t been an easy feat for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, but even before they became a couple, they had serious talks about commitment in their unique situation.
Fans shed tears just to see Tim and Faith together on the Rockefeller Plaza stage of “Today” on November 17, and the harmonizing pair have endured their share of heartaches and hardships as a family. Strength and love seem personified in the two, and a few other qualities don’t hurt, either.
Truth and tolerance
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill obviously have forged a solid love over more than two decades, but the couple disavows any magic secret to making a marriage work. Tim describes that “before we ever started really dating” long discussions began about how hard their journey together might be, considering the struggle it is for just one country artist to be successful.
Their strategy was to merge two successful professional careers with a private and meaningful home life. It wasn't long after their 1996 marriage before first daughter, Gracie, came along, and Maggie was born the next year. Their youngest daughter, Audrey is 15.
“Having three daughters, we sort of acquiesce to mom,” Tim concedes, but that doesn't carry over to all areas. In the car, he drives, but in the relationship, he stresses that Faith takes the wheel. The balance of power has proven itself over the years and just talking about Faith as a mother brought tears to Tim during his Master Class segment for Oprah Winfrey. Love is only part of the equation. Faith reiterates "we really like each other."
“She tolerates a lot,” Tim asserts of his wife, and she responds that his measure of tolerance is equal.
“I'm not the easiest person,” she admits, but Tim from Louisiana clearly landed the right one in this “Mississippi Girl” as the hit song declares, and both parents stay true to their roots.
Faith confesses that she is more likely to yearn for “a good fight” one that allows her and her husband “to move on and get it all over with.” One recollection the couple shared occurred during her first pregnancy. The expectant is and was no fan of horror movies, but her beloved hid under the bed in her eighth month of pregnancy, to give her a fright after seeing a scary flick. He grabbed her ankles, and she gave him a knockout punch. “That almost ended it, right there,” Tim exclaimed.
Blazing in the chill
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill were both bundled up due to the temperatures in NYC, but the reception from fans and the passion and remembrance sparked on the live stage by the performers soon got everyone toasty. Tim described in conversation that he prefers recording “alone with a song” focusing on his singing, while Faith loves live performing with a band. For this project, the pair were “together in the booth.” Tim explained that he “learned the songs better” because of actually recording together, and it clearly showed onstage.
One of the most refreshing feelings from “The Rest of Our Life” is listening to the soaring range of Faith Hill, that hasn't been heard for far too long.
The notes she can attain and maintain are straight from heaven, and the harmony of these singers is something magical that only comes through emotion and songs over years of life. A medley of “The Lucky One” and “I Like It, I Love It” infused the crowd with energy, and a perfect opportunity for pressing the flesh with fans for Tim McGraw, who never lost a beat or his twang for a second.
The penetrating emotion of the title track swept through the gathering, and soft swaying and echoes of the words in the Ed Sheeran ode to lifelong devotion replaced the stomps and claps. The song is destined to become an anthem for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
The closing performance of “Telluride” brought back the boisterous mood, as the partners blended voices and guitar strums. The tune of a spontaneous romantic rendezvous was lovely evidence that the fires of love and voice are brighter and burning deeper than ever in the 50s for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.