Keith Whitley was a prominent figure in the country music scene, renowned for his traditional country style and smooth baritone voice. Born on July 1, 1955, in Sandy Hook, Kentucky, Whitley developed an interest in music early in life, first garnering attention in bluegrass circles before transitioning to mainstream country. His career saw a steady rise in the 1980s with albums like "L.A. to Miami" which included hits like "Miami, My Amy" and "Ten Feet Away". Whitley's talents truly shone on his follow-up album "Don't Close Your Eyes," which featured his signature song of the same name, establishing him as a beloved voice in country music.

However, Keith Whitley's promising career was tragically cut short by his premature death on May 9, 1989, due to alcohol poisoning. Despite his brief career, his influence was profound and long-lasting. Posthumous releases, including "I Wonder Do You Think of Me," introduced new material to his mourning fans and continued to burnish his legacy. His ability to convey the emotional depth of his songs made him a cherished artist whose style has influenced many musicians. With a combination of critical acclaim and fan adoration, Whitley's music remains a standard for traditional country music to this day.

Genres

Country

Country Road

Related Artists

Randy Travis

George Strait

Alan Jackson

Garth Brooks

Vince Gill

Dwight Yoakam

Travis Tritt

Mark Chesnutt

Rascal Flatts

Brooks & Dunn

Waylon Jennings

Toby Keith

Latest Release

Second Generation

Keith Whitley•

Ricky Skaggs

Album - 12 Tracks - Released April 19, 2005