KEITH WHITLEY BIOGRAPHY


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Keith Whitley Biography
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Source: http://www.allsands.com/History/People/keithwhitley_wtd_gn.htm

Keith Whitley’s legacy loomed large over the country music landscape of the '90s. A talented new country singer and songwriter, Whitley was just beginning to emerge as a superstar at the time of his death in 1989.

Born and raised in Kentucky, Whitley began singing as a child, winning a talent contest at the age of four. When he was eight years old he learned how to play guitar and within a year he was singing on a Charleston, WV based radio station. Whitley formed his first band at the age of 13, playing nothing but straight bluegrass.

A few years later, he formed The Lonesome Mountain Boys with his high school friend, Ricky Skaggs. In the late '60s, Ralph Stanley was looking to re-form his band after the death of his brother and partner, Carter. He was so impressed with Whitley and Skaggs, he asked them to join his Clinch Mountain Boys group. The duo accepted the offer immediately and began appearing with the band in 1970. Whitley stayed with the band for two years, recording a total of seven albums, including 1971's "Crying from the Cross" which was named the Bluegrass Album of the Year.

In 1973, he left the group. For two years, he drifted through various other bands, including acts that played country, not bluegrass. He returned to the Clinch Mountain Boys in 1975 and stayed with them for another two years. During his second tenure with the band, he made five albums. In 1978, he joined J.D. Crowe’s band the New South Whitley recorded three albums with the New South between 1978 and 1982, which vacilated between bluegrass and straight country.

Whitley began a full-fledged solo career after leaving the band New South in 1982. Signing with RCA Records, he released his debut album, Hard Act to Follow, in 1984. A record of pure honky tonk, it didn't attract much of an audience. The following year, he released L.A. to Miami, a more commercial affair which spawned the number 14 single "Miami, My Amy." After that single peaked early in 1986, he had three back-to-back Top Ten hits -- "Ten Feet Away," "Homecoming '63," and "Hard Livin'."

Late in 1986, he married country and western singer Lorrie Morgan. In 1987, he recorded a follow-up to the record that sounded exactly the same as its predecessor. Unsatisfied with the musical direction of his new effort, Whitley convinced RCA to shelve the completed album and have him work on another record with a new producer, Garth Fundis. Don’t Close your Eyes was the result. The first three singles from Don’t Close Your Eyes --"Don't Close Your Eyes," "When You Say Nothing At All," and "I'm No Stranger to the Rain" -- were all number one hits.

Things may have been going smoothly on the surface for Whitley, but behind the scenes he was being torn apart by alcoholism. On May 9, 1989, he suffered from a fatal case of alcohol poisoning; he was 34 at the time of his demise. Just before his death, he completed his fourth album, I wonder do You Think of Me. The record was released shortly after his death and its first single, which was the title track, reached number one, as did its follow-up, "It Ain't Nothin; " another single from the album, "I'm Over You," reached number three in 1990. Lorrie Morgan recorded an electronic duet, "'Til a Tear Becomes a Rose," with her late husband in 1990; it peaked at number 13. In 1994, a tribute album to Whitley was released.

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Review about Keith Whitley

Rodney Spencer | Reviewer: Rodney Spencer | 9/5/09

keith was not only a great singer, but he was a great guy. He never got above his raisens, he was down to earth. I dreamed after he died, he came to me and said, " Rodney, it's a lot better up here where we are at, than down there where you are." I know that Keith is waiting for his family to join him there.

sad and sweet | Reviewer: Stormy Trent | 7/18/09

I remember sittin in my car one night years ago feelin sorry for myself over recent break up and hearing "between an old memory an me" and it felt like he knew exactly what I was going thru at the time. There was so much emotion in his voice...I will never forget this beautiful talented man with the sweet spirit who left this earth too soon.

the greatest singer | Reviewer: rose | 5/31/09

keith was the best at singing his songs and the day he left this world he became heaven greatest singer and to me there will be no others that could come close to his voice and sing from the heart he belong in the hall of fame i just wish he was still here to sing his songs that help everyone

Keith Whitley Petition | Reviewer: Bonnie Hill | 12/25/08

Keith Whitley is a real country music legend. He had a pure country voice, Keith Whitley was one of a kind. It's been almost 20 years since his passing. His music is timeless. You can click this link to sign the petition to help elect Keith Whitley to The Country Music Hall of Fame .http://www.petitiononline.com/jkw71543/petition.html.Every signature counts and every signature is greatly appreciated.
Thanks Bonnie Hill

Friend of family | Reviewer: Dwight#2 mcqueen | 12/7/08

I woul like to just say thank's to all of keith's fan's everywhere. it realy mean's alot to me and keith's family that we all keep his music and memories alive. and i personaly want to say that his fan's are the best fan's anyone could ever have. if there's any fan's that woul like to see keith's musiem. in sandy hook. plz feel fre to contact me for more info. call 765-722-0766 or e-mail me at songwriter1971@hotmail.com and on behalf of me and keith's family, Thank's !!! There is a pettition oline to help get keith in the country music hall of fame. you can sign it please go to. Keithwhitleythelegend.com Bonnie Hill orginizer:

The best in the 80's | Reviewer: Cam Joyce | 11/24/07

Keith was the best singer in the 80's. If he were still alive he would be the best now. I loved all of his songs. I wish he were still alive.

the man | Reviewer: mel | 11/16/07

I have been too the home of keiths mother in sandy hook ky. HE has inspierde alot of people to play and sing like me. we miss you keith

what he was? | Reviewer: Tamra | 9/18/07

I feel that Keith Whitley was a instrumental part in 80's and 90's country...He was a great mix of the Bluegrass, and the Twangy Country, Which made a great mix for the new 90's country... That was great drinkin music! Yeah he was an alcholic but that did not interfer in his abilities as a musician/song writer... He was TRUE Honkey Tonk... a lot of NEW country music has forgoten what that is all about.

The Best | Reviewer: Anonymous | 6/9/07

I could listen to that voice all day long, what a waste of a wonderful
singer.I,ll bet he formed a country band in heaven.

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