Jackie Keith Whitely was born in Ashland, Kentucky on July 1, 1954. He quickly caught the music bug and established himself as a lead singer in a bluegrass band. By 1983, he moved to Nashville where he began his solo journey.
Over his career, Whitley charted twelve singles on the Billboard charts, and another seven after his death. He was nominated for three Grammys, five ACMs, and five CMA awards! In 2022, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Sadly, on May 9, 1989 Whitley passed away from alcohol poisoning. He was 34.
In celebration of his birthday and to honor his lasting legacy, here are some of our favorite Keith Whitley songs!
“When You Say Nothing At All”
Originally written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, “When You Say Nothing At All” has been covered by many artists: Alison Krauss, Frances Black, and Ronan Keating.
Whitely recorded it in 1988 as part of his Don’t Close Your Eyes album and it was his second single on the project. It was placed at #12 for CMT’s 100 Greatest Love Songs!
“Miami, My Amy”
Released in 1986, “Miami, My Amy” was written by Dean Dillon, Hank Cochran, and Royce Porter. It was the second single from Whitley’s L.A. To Miami album. It would go on to reach the #14 spot on Billboard.
“Don’t Close Your Eyes”
This title track was the third single from Whitley’s 1988 album. It was written by Bob McDill and it went all the way to #1 on the charts and it was Billboard’s number-one Country Song of the Year.
“I’m No Stranger to the Rain”
Whitley’s Don’t Close Your Eyes album was stacked with amazing songs. “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” was the fifth and final single from the project. It would go on to reach the #1 spot and would be covered by Joe Diffie on a 1995 tribute album.
“I’m Over You”
This song was released after Whitley’s death. The Tim Nichols and Zach Turner song would be part of the 1990 posthumous I Wonder Do You Think of Me album. It would reach #3 on Billboard.
Our buddy Kameron Marlowe did a terrific cover of it! Watch It
