And u find the bedroom door locked .and even hear something. George Jones and Keith Whitley have to be the 2 greatest. His Bluegrass days and work at 15 are enough alone to make him a member of The Hall Of Fame. But then a criteria point would need to be added to future considerations, for those that may not have had a long career but were felt to have had a major influence. The album was released three months after his death, on August 1, 1989. the pistolero May 16, 2019 @ Keith Whitley - Alcoholism and Death Alcoholism and Death Whitley was a longtime alcoholic, who started drinking early in his career at bluegrass gigs, long before he was legally allowed to drink alcohol. Establishing himself as a lead singer in bluegrass music, Whitley moved to Nashville in 1983 and began his recording career there. His firs In the late 1960s, Whitley joined a bluegrass group, the Clinch Mountain Boys, and recorded seven studio albums with them, per All Music. About 2-3 years old when his dad died. . There was also an exhibit that displayed instruments, clothes, and other memorabilia that Whitley owned. I know its not of utmost importance, but I wanted to point you to some information on Keiths real birthdate. Its good to see that the comments here have been predominantly respectful and fair. Both could be right, or both could be wrong. The singer and songwriter had released his first top 20 hit single only three years earlier, while three singles from his second studio album, Dont Close Your Eyes, all hit Number 1.Sadly, Whitley struggled with alcoholism for years, and he was found dead after a weekend of drinking. 12:50 pm. The result was a song Whitley had optioned for his previous album called I Wonder Do You Think of Me, and was to result in his next album release. After a years-long career in the bluegrass genre, Whitley moved the Nashville in 1983 to pursue a country music career. In the year leading up to and including his tragic death from alcohol poisoning at the age of 34, Whitley scored five No. I opened a show for Kieth in Fort Worth Tx. He always pays respect to the greats of yesteryear. His later singles, "I Wonder Do You Think of Me", "It Ain't Nothin'", and "I'm Over You", were released after his death. Ardith Kessler The medical examiner said in his findings that Whitley died as a result of "drinking too much ethyl alcohol in too short a period of time." In addition to alcohol, his urine test also came out positive for cocaine and benzodiazepines, which may have contributed to his death. [10][11][12][13][14] He was born in 1954 per his birth certificate and passport, but RCA and his grave marker erroneously recorded his birth year as 1955.[15][16]. Never knew about this connection until your comment. He would die not knowing the Grand Ole Opry had a surprise invitation awaiting him just two weeks later. 11:12 am. Thats the important thing here. Even then, we would have to figure out why there is a discrepancy in between the two dates. Album Echoes Country Classics". 1:33 pm. May 10, 2019 @ I remain a fan of his music, and sad for him and his family and friends. Reading the other readers post put my mind in work mode parsing the evidence. A multitalented, one of a kind, man/musician was lost the day that we lost Keith Whitley. Was he married before he married Lorrie Morgan? He pays tribute to his father by singing some of his songs during performances. But bottom line, he was an addict. 86 0 obj <>stream TilBillyHill I agree with an earlier comment his take on I never go around mirrors is stunning. Kinda like Lexington claiming Stapleton since He was born there. He honed his craft, learned to play the guitar, and already had a band at 13 years old. If you go to Pinterest and look on Carrie Huff, it has a copy of both his passport and birth certificate that clearly indicate 1954 was his year of birth. Trigger, that was a very well written take on Whitley. But she knew Whitley's addiction to alcohol was 'always a ticking timebomb.' Advertisement In her only interview since the budding country music superstar died of alcohol abuse May 9, she said. The day after his death, Music Row was lined with black ribbons in memory of Whitley. Normally I dont get involved anymore and just let the egos have there way, but just felt the record should be set straight from a historical perspective and plus it looks like some of these fans would enjoy it. I appreciate your concern, and understand your perspective. The second was "'Til a Tear Becomes a Rose", a 1987 demo taken from Tree that originally featured harmony vocals by childhood friend Ricky Skaggs. As a journalist, trying to balance recollections of past events can be very difficult. Ill be listening to the 3 hour Keith Whitley tribute that Bobby Bones has planned on his radio show in the morning. His body of work and the fact that it caused the resurgence in the popularity of country music 4 the 90s is why hes why hes being inducted to the Hall of Fame, BRYAN DENNIS According to reports, he was found dead after a weekend of drinking, per Taste of Country. Trigger Sad as it was to read the news about Hal Ketchums health and Charlie Robisons retirement, its good to have a site to catch that news without a lot of extraneous filler to weed through, and no click-bait 40-slide/page dragging out a story. Sometimes details change in the minds of people over time. (As I wrote this, The Dance player in my mind, along with Im No Stranger to the Rain, Brotherly Love, I Wonder, Do You Think of Me, and some of Lorries songs. 4:47 am. It hurts to think about what might have been. 7:45 pm. Harmony' Young to sing at Whitley's wedding. He tried to turn down his Hall of Fame induction until Whitley was in: https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/garth-brooks-tried-to-turn-down-hall-of-fame-induction/. Also, Garths recommendation means nothing. May 8, 2019 @ IMHO opinion he was the most gifted vocalist country music every produced. Keith Whitley AKA Jackie Keith Whitley Born: 1-Jul - 1955 Birthplace: Ashland, KY Died: 9-May - 1989 Location of death: Goodlettsville, TN [1] Cause of death: unspecified Remains: Buried, Spring Hill Cemetery, Nashville, TN Gender: Male Race or Ethnicity: White Sexual orientation: Straight Occupation: Country Musician Nationality: United States 12:12 pm. "Keith Whitley discovered dead Alcohol overdose cause of death". , Nobody in His Right Mind Would've Left Her, "Keith Whitley's family remembers their father, husband on 30th anniversary of his death", "Keith Whitley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Joe Galante are headed to the Country Music Hall of Fame", "Crowning Touch 'Red Hot + Country' Album Delayed To Include Crosby, Stills And Nash", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Keith_Whitley&oldid=1125239740, Skinker, Chris (1998). Im not saying one is right or wrong, I really have no idea, and Lorrie may have no idea. Would you like to know what I wish for you? Whitley was once in a car whose driver attempted to round a curve at 120 miles per hour (190km/h). Crowe. However, it seemed that he wasn't able to remain sober, as he died from alcohol poisoning. To me, youre assuming a fact from a source that offers a vague description not directly confirming or refuting your assumption. worked keeping his memory, music and legacy alive and burning bright~his music will continue to influence future artists and upcoming country music fans for years to come. His first Top 20 Country Hit single, "Miami, My Amy", was released in 1986. [citation needed] Stanley opened the door of the club and heard what he thought was the Stanley Brothers playing on a jukebox. We stil love Lorrie Morgans songs also. I will never forget him and he will always have a place in country music and in my heart. We still listen to his records/Cds. Keep in mind cocaine was quite taboo back then. The singers blood alcohol level was reported to be .47, or almost five times the amount to be declared intoxicated in Tennessee. 2:47 pm. With your Gene Watson and Vern Gosdin comparisons, I would love to see them get into the hall of fame as well on their talent, career achievement and influence. Keith Whitley was 33 years old. Although not a fan of Garth, I disagree with you in that his recommendations and influence means nothing for Keiths HOF case. Whitley is known for his neotraditional brand of country popularized by hit artists such as George Strait and Randy Travis. The album contained one of the many songs that Whitley had a hand in writing in his years at Tree Publishing, "It's All Coming Back to Me Now". I put everything on the back burner, including my career, to help Keith. Keiths manager, Don Light, had warned her early on. It felt like a piece of that era was missing with Whitley not being a part of it. Why leave. Once when riding passenger in a car and sipping on bootleg bourbon with the driver, they tried to take a curve at 120 mph. Why dont you guys give yourselves a break and just do the right thing? If I was going to recommend a traditional country album to anyone, it would be this one. His brother in law Lane was an extremely shady character imo. May 8, 2019 @ I love Jamey and respect how he carries on great traditional music. October 23, 2020 @ That all stopped, however, when he died on May 9, 1989, as reported by AP News. Country Star Keith Whitley Dead at 33 From Alcohol Overdose. Wow, Marc Cohen The greatest C(c)ountry singer of the modern era. Jason Hannan Similarly, it does not directly state that she was reading it again or had previously read it. Lexington Herald-Leader (KY) Saturday, June 27, 1998. Whitley said that he stopped drinking in 1987 after he got married to singer Lorrie Morgan. In 1986, Whitley began dating singer Lorrie Morgan, daughter of George Morgan, a Grand Ole Opry star and member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. If I were to make an inference from this article, I would lean toward the reading on the return flight NOT being the first time she read the card and note. When I still used Facebook and commented about Charlie Robison (maybe even included the link to your page), the first comment was from a friend who lives in Austin, but had not yet heard about his retirement. Keith also suffered from severe alcohol addiction. [7], Whitley lost his brother Randy in an October 1983 motorcycle accident, and his father Elmer.[3][5]. I have always been a fan of Keith Whitley.. Behind his success in music, Jackie Keith Whitley was struggling with his alcoholism. Whitley began his career there in 1970, performing in Ralph Stanley's band. Whitley honed his sound within the next few years for his next album, L.A. to Miami. 3:18 pm. Another song on that album, Its All Coming Back to Me Now was in the same class as far stunning vocals. Side note upon my first tour of the new CMHOF, I was glad to see that his Harley was on display, just as in a visit to the prior building in the 90s. I am heading down tomorrow( 5/9) to Nashville for the two tribute shows and to visit the HOF exhibit. It felt sacrilegious that Merle was the first opener. In 1994, Whitley's widow, Lorrie Morgan, organized several of Whitley's friends in bluegrass and some of the big names in country at the time to record a tribute album to Whitley. And by the way, his version of I never go around mirrors is absolutely stunning. He called an ambulance, which took Whitley to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Stanley discovered the boys when he blew a tire in Ft. 8:07 pm. It was his time.. We might be able to change the venue but we can never change the time..you can wonder the what if forever but things happen the way they are meant to.. Lorrie being there wouldnt have made a difference..not cold n cruel Just truth.. I also like to think Keiths talents alone could have extended the neotraditional movement into and beyond the late 90s. It was like a ticking timebomb, Lorrie Morgan recalls. July 1, 2021 Keith Whitley would have turned 66 this year. May they only make you that much stronger and able and wise. I still am on tour these days. I had never seen the entire note that Keith gave to Lorrie that Sunday afternoon he drove her to the airport. Associated Press "Whitley Just Getting Started Despite 18-Year Music Career". No doubt Keiths vocals put him in rareified air. 0.19lb. In the grand scheme of things, probably notna big deal. Keith Whitley, Lorrie Morgan, Ralph Stanley, Ricky Skaggs. Only Keith could have saved Keith no one else. With Keith that wasnt the case. Then in 2010, the accusations against Charles Harlan became even more severe, with the doctor being blamed for numerous botched autopsies resulting in false murder convictions, including a man convicted for stabbing and murdering his cousin, when the deceased died after having a seizure and falling on a glass table. TORI HONEYCUTT But your comment, I like to think Keith would have been the leading force for traditional country music into the mid to late 90s with Strait, Jackson, and Travis. makes the very assumption I referenced in my post. 1:59 pm. Might be worth considering a clarifying edit, especially after receiving a report of a source specifically Contradiction the assumption you made. According to the autopsy performed on Whitley, he had an alcohol level of 0.47 in his bloodstream. These events have allowed the timeline of country music to unfold like a tragedy, and have made folk heroes of some of its greatest stars, including Keith Whitley. Three singles from the album were No. Paisleys remains my favorite. At the Whitley tribute Thursday night, Garth stated it was time to right a wrong and get Keith in the HOF, also stating his belief that Keith was the second greatest voice in country music only to Jones. Upon returning, Palmer found Whitley unresponsive on his bed and called an ambulance. I wouldnt publish a statement of fact based on an inference from an article. Those 3 had a soul and emotion to their voices that could strike a nerve that others couldnt. "L.A. to Miami" did much better on the music charts, and Whitley had three top 10 hit songs. TXMUSICJIM However, I do not think as some do that a Hall of Fame induction is warranted at this point. She also kept his memory alive by releasing music that Whitley was able to record before his death. He is buried in the Spring Hill Cemetery outside Nashville. To this day I still listen to keith. Waylon's wife, Jessi Colter, answered the door and sent him to the den. I liked a lot of his songs, but was never a super fan. I do agree with you that with Keiths short career, his main case is going to have to be focused on his one in a million voice and ultimately his influence on the 90s stars. Welcome to Autopsyfiles.org - Home Page - Autopsy Reports of . He formed his first group, a bluegrass band, at age 13. Crowe and the New South. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ Country music singer Keith Whitley, known for wrenching, honky-tonk-style ballads that embraced pain and joy, was found dead at his home Tuesday after overdosing on alcohol, officials said. Deborah Sturch Just before he died, Jackie Keith Whitley had recorded his fourth solo album titled "I Wonder Do You Think of Me." The death of Keith Whitley felt like the next chapter in country musics history of some of its greatest stars ending life too early, from Hank Williams perishing in the back of his Cadillac on New Years Day 1953, to Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, and Cowboy Copas dying in a plane crash in 1963, or any number of other high profile deaths taking country stars away during the height of their popularity. Have to credit Pandora for introducing me to Darrell Scotts recording, which led to learning he was the songwriter. I would just like to set the record straight for now and any future articles concerning how Keith got started in Nashville. Keith had asked me after a show one night if I thought I could maybe help him get a record deal. Whitley became lead singer for Stanley in 1974. Crowe & the New South in the mid-1970s. But Whitley has always treated Lorrie Morgan well. endstream endobj 57 0 obj <>>>/Filter/Standard/Length 128/O(xn?!b}D>,)/P -1340/R 4/StmF/StdCF/StrF/StdCF/U(1 9po )/V 4>> endobj 58 0 obj <><><>]/ON[75 0 R]/Order[]/RBGroups[]>>/OCGs[74 0 R 75 0 R]>>/OutputIntents 54 0 R/Pages 53 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 59 0 obj <>/ProcSet[/PDF/ImageB]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/Type/Page>> endobj 60 0 obj <>stream 12:51 am. In just a few years, he had gained the legendary status and had charted 19 singles on the Billboard country charts. Hes been touring, she said. In a week, Lorrie would be releasing her debut album on RCA Records, Leave The Light On, and had tour dates booked to promote the new release. I am now fully suspicious of all celebrity deaths and how spins are arranged in someones mind that they are protecting the hero when in thruth they are trying to protect themselves. Several film projects depicting Whitley's life were slated. But that is not the criteria that should be considered KWs case. Hope it makes sense. If I hadnt stopped drinking, I dont think Id be alive today. It should impact Keiths either. Keith has found dead on a Tuesday after overdosing on alcohol at his home according to some sites. Posthumously, Whitley would score two more #1 songs and four Top 15 singles, and theres no reason to believe his output wouldnt have continued to reign on the country charts had he lived. To me, hes in the argument for prototypical ideal country baritone. , Edwards, Joe. But in the aftermath of Keith Whitleys death, rumors swirled about the circumstances, some of which have continued to linger in popular lore to this day. I love your list of best vocalists. Whitley was found fully clothed in his bed by his brother-in-law, Lane Palmer, said Lt. Harry Bell of the Goodletsville Police Department just north of Nashville. Patsy Cline became more wildly popular after her deathdoesnt change her status. , Jinkins, Shirley. On that day, he was scheduled to play golf with his brother-in-law, Lane Palmer, and it was he who found Whitley dead on his bed. Trigger, Tyler Childers Greatest Story Ever Told (Live in New York), New Erin Enderlin Song White Wine Fever, Molly Tuttle Crooked Tree Jimmy Kimmel Live, New Channing Wilson Song Sunday Morning Blues, New Turnpike Troubadours Tour Date BOK Center, Tulsa, OK, April 1st, New Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley Song Moonshine Run, New Iris Dement Song Workin on a World, The Death of Keith Whitley, 30 Years Later, https://www.reverbnation.com/mattengelsmusic/song/16287569-mr-whitley. Many times he had tried to overcome his alcoholism, but failed. I cant imagine any more disrespectful or shameful a response to Keith Whitleys death these many years later than to be bringing up what Lorrie Morgan did or didnt do. Keith Whitley was laid to rest at the Spring Hill Cemetery near Nashville. May 10, 2019 @ In 1988, his first three singles from his studio album Don't Close Your Eyes, the title song, "When You Say Nothing at All" and "I'm No Stranger to the Rain" were number one hits. King Honky Of Crackershire (That said, I see the irony that I might have brought up a potential critique no one lobbedmuch as I thought I saw a post taking issue with her not reading until flight home). Jesse Keith Whitley, Morgan and Jackie Keith Whitley's son, followed in his parents' footsteps and is a singer-songwriter. His contributions are many, and lets keep in mind that he had a son, who carried on his legacy, although a legend in his own right. An autopsy showed the singer died of an accidental overdose of alcohol, said Medical Examiner Charles Harlan. Also, to potentially sacrifice yet ANOTHER lifelorries, to fight a fight that, lets face it, youre doomed to lose, is pretty stupid. 10:13 pm, I think he is the best singer of all time and we can learn from him and his songs even though he is not with us anymore dosent mean that we should not go on and not have fun doing what we all know and love doing sing together, Nick Brown Lorrie Morgan jumped right out! She loved him with everything she had. The words of his card/note to her reminded me of it. Keiths inner demons made it a leadpipe cinch that HE wouldnt be helping with that fight.unless it was to throw up his hands in defeat. I would of busted door or something. Heard about it from high school friends who had less strict parents, then we all moved away for college. I will hopefully speak with Keiths family on Friday to see if I can get some clarification! Induct him already. He was considered country musics next superstar. NASHVILLE, Tenn. Keith Whitley, who battled a drinking problem while becoming one of the brightest young stars in country music, was found dead at his home here Tuesday of accidental acute. As many have stated here, his version of I Never Go Around Mirrors is beyond amazing. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. She then heads off to Alaska of all places and he died shortly after. You are sooooo right. Menu. Born in Ashland, Kentucky, Whitley grew up in nearby Sandy Hook, Kentucky. Lane was not there in the AM. May 9, 2019 @ After seeing Lorrie Morgan off, Keith Whitley began a weekend of heavy drinking. Influence, impact, and significance can be subjective and do not always equate with popularity (#1s, album sales, awards, charted singles or records). But his life was cut tragically short when he died of alcohol poisoning in 1989 at the age of 33 when his addiction finally overcame him. His final studio album, I Wonder Do You Think of Me was to me a masterpiece. I think that Whiskey Lullabye is a quintessential haunting country song, performed perfectly by Paisley and Krauss. Bobbys good deeds will never cancel out the evil hes done. I wish somehow young people could be made to understand. Keith Whitley Cause of Death. The singers blood alcohol content was .477, almost five times the amount to be declared intoxicated in Tennessee, Harlan said. May 8, 2019 @ He was there. Dont get me wrong, Paisley and Krauss did a great job, but for me Jons version drips with pure authenticity. %%EOF But, it was a great show even from the nosebleeds of Thompson-Boling arena in Knoxville. A Tragic Early Death. A great artist one cannot doubt. October 24, 2020 @ I was working today; an upholsterer, in my garage and went to my CDs. I do think Waylon is at the same level. While Whitley was working hard to achieve his own style, the songs he produced were inconsistent. He admitted his problem in an interview, wherein he said, "It was a matter of life and death. 7:09 am. He passed away on May 9, 1989, in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, U.S. What Happened To Keith Whitley? Born July 1st, 1955, in Ashland, Kentucky, the country singer died in 1989 from alcohol poisoning. There isnt always a number, stat, or data point to reference ones accomplishments or contribution to the music. Where I got the note to Lorrie was an article posted by UPI on May 26th, 1989 where Lorrie was interviewed. Actually thats not what he told Lorrie in her book. 6:12 pm, Hey Trigger, my name is Joe Tank Leach and I was Keiths first manager and ended up signing him with Norro at RCA. She really caught hell for a while no matter what she dideven recording the song Autumns Not That Cold drew ire as if she was making a statement about losing Keith. back in 1976 and that is where Keith and I first met when he was fronting J.D. 8:14 am. Amid his sober streak in 1987, Whitley once said in an interview, It was a matter of life and death. Disturbing Details Found In Jackie Keith Whitley's Autopsy Report. (505) 431 - 5992; man jumps off cruise ship after fight with wife In those days, if she had saved the note to read later, someone would have said she didnt value or appreciate his gesture; if she had read it on the flight out or early in the trip, someone would have said she just treated his card like opening everyday mail and bills instead of treasuring it and treating it as special. Joan Shedeck And, they are details I only learned through your posts and the links you included. In early 1989, Whitley approached RCA chairman Joe Galante with the intention of releasing "I Never Go Around Mirrors" as a single. While I havent read all of Forever Yours Faithfully, the fact that Keith couldnt be resuscitated because he had passed out on a waterbed that I presume was in Lorrie and his master bedroom doesnt surprise me. The death of Keith Whitley felt like the next chapter in country music's history of some of its greatest stars ending life too early, from Hank Williams perishing in the back of his Cadillac on New Years Day 1953, to Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, and Cowboy Copas dying in a plane crash in 1963, or any number of other high profile deaths taking country stars away during the height of their popularity. Nashville Babylon - Keith Whitley STRANGE DEATH - Local News Report 5-9-1989 New Era Mysteries & Conspiracies 3.49K subscribers 58K views 3 years ago https://www.facebook.com/cjstack30/po. Will be passing through Tri-Cities later today. It would be one of many close calls for Whitley, including driving his own car off a 120-foot cliff and into a frozen river, walking away that time with a broken collar bone. In detail he almost died 9x of the same thing previously before the final time. Whitleys voice was stunning in several of his songs. Obviously Keiths addiction and death cut his career short. Whitley's first solo album, A Hard Act to Follow, was released in 1984, and featured a more mainstream country style. Jackie Keith Whitley was well on his way to achieving great success in the country music industry when his life was tragically cut short on May 9, 1989. I recall a Tracy Lawrence interview from 1993 where he said that if hed survived, hed have been bigger than Garth. Garth was a whole different kind of beast when it came to album sales, but I think Whitley definitely would have entered the 90s with the same status as Strait, Yoakam, or Travis (meaning that I dont think he wouldve been swept away in the wake of the Class of 89/90). Keith was the type of individual youd like to live next door to and like to go fishing with every Saturday, McFadden said. Keith Whitley Funeral Footage Deep Track Reacts 616 subscribers Subscribe 947 299K views 6 years ago Just a short clip of Keith Whitley's funeral on May 12th, 1989. Several comments mentioned his I Never Go Around Mirrors performanceto me it was legendary. What if he had got to Keith in time. It is such a shame to lose such a great artist while so young. She performed one of his most iconic songs, pouring he Whether that was the first reading or not, the emotional reaction, the words he wrote, and how she took them in light of his death are the most significant details. While Whitley was a teenager in Sandy Hook, he and his friends would pass the time drinking bootleg bourbon and racing their cars down mountain roads at dangerous speeds. He moved to Nashville from Kentucky in the mid-1980s and landed a recording contract with RCA. who is Keith Whitleys son? Keith Whitley volunteered to take his wife and fellow performer Lorrie Morgan to the Nashville airport to see her off on a promotional trip to Alaska. Not getting into any personal comments here as that has NOTHING to do with whether he should be inducted or not. Ive gotten lucky to hang with him a few times and very cool guy who is a good musician in his own right, Jane Reynolds Man, we are in need of some KWs today!! jimincincy Sorrygot a paragraph out of place in cutting/pasting. Before Lorrie Morgan left on her flight, Keith Whitley gave her a greeting card with a note in it, but Lorrie would not open it at the time. May 11, 2019 @ Sierra Ferrell In Dreams [Sped Up] (Official Audio), Drayton Farley | American Dream | Western AF, New Brit Taylor Song Aint a Hard Livin', New David Adam Byrnes Song One Two Step Away, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros feat. Nowhat might have been thats the reason people found such a gaping hole in their heart from his death. I absolutely LOVED his voice and music, going back to his bluegrass days with Ralph Stanley. 2:39 pm.