n(bKRekdv\Wf%UN(7{?" iGHbBtJ \ Despite his genre of choice being Southern rock, he feels that his father would approve of his music. Thanks again for such a well written and detailed article!! All I know is we lost a damn fine voice. May 12, 2019 @ It appeared from his history that like Hank and George, nobody could stop his ultimate self destruction. 7:53 pm. https://www.reverbnation.com/mattengelsmusic/song/16287569-mr-whitley, jimincincy Whitley was a longtime alcoholic, who started drinking early in his career at bluegrass gigs, long before he was legally allowed to drink alcohol. If I have gone to someone s house and knowing that this person already has had drinking prob. Verns prime years spent on underfunded independent labels until his big break in the late 80s and unfortunate health issues began only a few years after his big break. The country music community was left in shock. alcoholism is just that, the alcohol takes over and the person isnt able to control the impulsive behavior. Two from each gender: Kris Kristofferson They think it wont happen to me but so many many times it does and before we know it, they are gone from us. Lorrie Morgan knew the risks of entering a romantic relationship with Whitley. Thank you for helping keep his memory & music alive with your posts. Channel 4 News in Nashville announce it shortly into its The Scene At Six broadcast. I have a hat with Keith Whitley signature. Remember, Keith achieved this level of influence with only 3 country albums and in less than 4 years as a country recording artist. It does not directly state that she was reading it for the first time. Jesse Keith Whitley, Morgan and Jackie Keith Whitley's son, followed in his parents' footsteps and is a singer-songwriter. Deborah Sturch I remain a fan of his music, and sad for him and his family and friends. keith whitley autopsy report. 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 As many have stated here, his version of I Never Go Around Mirrors is beyond amazing. The couple had a baby in June of 1987 named Jesse Keith Whitley, and Whitley also officially adopted Lorries daughter from her first marriage. Crowe and the New South, and carried his love for drink, and his close calls with self-destruction with him. May 2, 2021 @ The woman was not his nursemaid or his substance abuse counselor; she was his wife. But with Lorrie Morgan out of town that first weekend of May, 1989, there was nobody there to tend to Whitley, or his raging alcoholism. 1 country chart spot for two weeks. I guess I overstated that, but he did have a ride with drugs and alcohol that was almost his demise. Sturgill_Jennings77 thanks for sharing that. He put on an outstanding performance. He made a name for himself in the country music scene and recorded a third album, "Don't Close Your Eyes," which was released in 1988. 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. His debut album was undoubtedly his breakthrough and spawned . His Bluegrass days and work at 15 are enough alone to make him a member of The Hall Of Fame. Lt. Harry Bell in the video Nashville Babylon-Keith Whitley Strange Death comments that Keith had been dead about an hour. https://www.gopetition.com/petitions/induct-keith-whitley-into-the-country-music-hall-of-fame.html, Your email address will not be published. Were seeing that today where theres actually two different stories behind George Joness lawnmower story. SImply saying that if we go down the road of inducting someone for what they would have been it is a slippery and subjective slope. I found the Pinterest account and Keith Whitley stuff, but no birth certificate. Speaking to individuals about the legacy of Keith Whitley, from country music historians to superstars such as Garth Brooks, they believe there wouldnt have been the commercial resurgence in country music heading into the 90s like the genre experiencedalso known as the Class of 89 comprising Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Clint Black, and Travis Trittif it wasnt for Keith Whitley. May 10, 2019 @ It didnt take a stretch of the imagination to believe a country music singer had drank himself to death, especially Keith Whitley. May 8, 2019 @ Lorrie Morgan went onto marry country singer and songwriter Jon Randall and later Sammy Kershaw. The actual album consisted of only 8 songs. KWs consideration should be based upon him solely and not any relative factors such as others who have not made it in. She alleges that Whitleys manager at the time, Jack McFadden, dropped by in between when brother-in-law Lane Palmer made his two visits, but McFadden was unable to get Keith to answer the locked bedroom door. What a waste. May they only make you that much stronger, and able, and wise. Im not saying one is right or wrong, I really have no idea, and Lorrie may have no idea. She would save it for the trip home. In the card it said. May 10, 2019 @ If an important criteria for HOF is what could have been, then yes Keith should be in. who is Keith Whitleys son? with feet the ground and the knees bent. May 8, 2019 @ what states require consummation of marriage; new milford ct police scanner; reply to opposition to motion to compel california; environmental opportunities and threats in business; Nancy E Brandon May 7, 2021 @ Hank IIIs Crazed Country Rebel slipped into the mix probably a nod to the original site). Here is the article: https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/05/26/Lorrie-Morgan-talks-about-late-husband-Keith-WhitleyCountry-Music/5484612158400/. Have heard Pattys version, too. EXCEPT I would put Waylon Jennings instead of Jamey Johnson. 4:27 pm. 1 hits in a row. I do think Waylon is at the same level. Ive learned to respect a lot of what Garth has to say. Hopefully we will all see him elected to the HOF very soon. If I could have any wish I wanted, this is my wish: That in your life which is so precious to me, may worries, troubles and problems never linger. The death of Keith Whitley seemed like an open and shut case. with the autopsy findings:r and in fact do not support a hanging diagnosis. Though it was her debut record, Lorrie was already well-known and revered in country music, and had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for half a decade as the institutions youngest-ever invited member. It shows in four different places his year of birth being 1954. It wasnt until signing with RCA Records in 1988 that Lorries recording career would commence in earnest, and right about the time she would be asked to endure arguably the greatest trial of her life. Thanks to you for the site and to the community who read and respond. On May 12th, 1989, more than 500 mourners attended Keith Whitleys funeral where long-time friend Ricky Skaggs presented the eulogy, and spoke specifically about the ills of drug and alcohol abuse. There is hope in a few acts but no doubt he set a high bar. But, it can seem a bit cold that she didnt read his note until the flight home. Thanks for your part in creating great live music venues. 9:41 pm. (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). Hope it makes sense. 4:41 am. In a week, Lorrie would be releasing her debut album on RCA Records called Leave The Light On. And Jesse is a hell of a guy. 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. Influence, impact, and significance can be subjective and do not always equate with popularity (#1s, album sales, awards, charted singles or records). if that is the criteria, then they better go back and assimilate a list of artists that would be candidates based on what they could have accomplished. It felt sacrilegious that Merle was the first opener. It is the equivalent of 20 1-ounce shots of 100-proof whiskey. No argument there. You think she would have stayed home..it is a shamesuch talent is gone.ioved all of his songs..i even sing a few of his songs..he was awesome.when a Dr tells your not to leave someone side you do not do it.. Now thats some big bullshit. Whitley recalled one time in 1986 hearing Miami, My Amy on the radio station WSM in Nashville. (Kind of like whether the lyrics to The Dance say could of when they should say could have. Ultimately, the writer writes from their perspective. Stanley would say to him, quote, You can handle it. One theory was that Whitley was conflicted as a staunch traditionalist who was being asked to record more commercially viable material, or that he was feeling the pressure of stardom. Trigger, that was a very well written take on Whitley. Every time the phone would ring it was in the back of my mind that there was somebody calling to tell me hes been in a wreck or died of alcohol. throughout the next decade? Also Lorrie Morgans other husband Jon Randall wrote the song Whiskey Lullaby while going through a divorce with her. He needs to be in the Hall. The question I have is What if through one way or another had Lane managed to resuscitate Keith to a point where he be transported by an ambulance to the hospital?, Ronald Stoner jimincincy Thanks so much for posting.The article well written and very accurate. It should impact Keiths either. What Im wondering is. 12:51 am. Nope, it was Skaggs and Whitley. In the card it said, quote. 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 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. henry thomas annalee thomas. May 7, 2021 @ To this day I still listen to keith. From the moment Keith Whitley embarked on a music career, success followed closely behind. His influence on a long line of country artists is undeniable. "I thought everybody had to drink to be in this business," Whitley said in an. I love your list of best vocalists. 3:23 pm. Keith Whitley absolutely should be in the HOF; this was the perfect year to do it, but it should be done post haste. The official cause of death for Keith Whitley was ruled alcohol poisoning by local medical examiner Charles Harlan on May 10tha day after Whitleys death. We really dont know, and the mind plays tricks on people. History Keith Whitley was laid to rest at the Spring Hill Cemetery near Nashville later in the day. Luckyoldsun Just before he died, Jackie Keith Whitley had recorded his fourth solo album titled "I Wonder Do You Think of Me." or would he have been right up there with the class of 89 and other neo-traditionalists (Tracy Lawrence, Mark Chesnutt, etc.) As a journalist, trying to balance recollections of past events can be very difficult. 19/02/2023 . Still listen to him now and then. it so well. In my opinion Keith reached that level and should be inducted into the country music Hall of Fame. Carson and Keith had flown home from Texas, while the rest of the band took the bus back. endstream endobj startxref Paisleys remains my favorite. It was a tragedy what a voice! But Whitley has always treated Lorrie Morgan well. Gill started writing "Go Rest High on That Mountain" after Whitley's death and finished the song four years later when he lost his brother due to a heart attack. That field requires absolutely clarity about what is stated, what is implied, and what is inferred. However, his career was cut short when he died at only 33 years old. He was also used to flirting with danger. To me, it is interesting that his family has never publicy questioned the autopsy report even though there seems to be many questions about what happened that day. It was early May of 1989. He signed with RCA Records and released his first solo effort, the Hard Act to Follow EP, in 1984.The honkytonk-heavy EP wasn't an ideal introduction, but he followed up in 1985 with L.A. to Miami. Too country? Whitley remarked at the time, What business am I in? But the 1985 album L.A. to Miami, which took a bit more of a pragmatic approach put Keith Whitley on the map with songs like Miami, My Amy, Ten Feet Away, and Hard Livin. Though the production of Miami, My Amy was much more contemporary, and the lyrics written by Hank Cochran and Dean Dillon were a little forced, it was the voice of Keith Whitley soaring from the song that spoke to many, and it soon became one of his signature tunes. Man, we are in need of some KWs today!! 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. In the grand scheme of things, probably notna big deal. He was just so wildly talented. 4:47 am. It is such a shame to lose such a great artist while so young. 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. His pre existing depression made it harder for him to quit. Randy Travis and Keith opened the doors for all the acts of the 90s with there style and straightforward approach to real country music. I will hopefully speak with Keiths family on Friday to see if I can get some clarification! I was honored to have gotten the gig. ~(?=T-((aw68 'ht`iE323,>D_$Gc{dY:/BpT &YG@g Lorrie admits that Keith was found dying in another ladies arms. Speaking to individuals about the legacy of Keith Whitley, from country music historians to superstars such as Garth Brooks, they believe there wouldnt have been the commercial resurgence in country music heading into the 90s like the genre experienced if it wasnt for Whitley. 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. In the romantic part of my soul, Keith may have very well known what was to happen if he hadnt let go and let Lorrie carry on without him. Mary Chapin Carpenter In the late 1960s, Whitley joined a bluegrass group, the Clinch Mountain Boys, and recorded seven studio albums with them, per All Music. It has long been speculated that Whitley's death may not have been directly caused by his recklessness or alcoholism, but that he may have been a victim of premeditated misconduct. Sometimes details change in the minds of people over time. I agree on each one of them. 12:43 pm. 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 The Chicago Tribune Whitleys Last DaysUPI Lorrie Morgan Talks About Late Husband, Keith WhitleyLorrie Morgan Forever Yours, Faithfully: My Love Story The Associated Press Odd behavior, mistakes finally catch up to Tennessee Medical ExaminerABC News Are Dr.s Botched Autopsies to Blame for Murder Convictions? His brother in law Lane was an extremely shady character imo. Rest in peace and thank you for sharing your gift with us all , Keith I was 15 when he died and I still listen to him and love his music. After Lorrie Morgan received news of Keith Whitleys death in May of 1989, and prepared to return to Nashville from her Alaskan promotional trip, she remembered the card Keith had given her at the airport the last time the two saw each other. All of this information only helped to fuel conspiracy theories about the circumstances surrounding Whitleys passing. I had never seen the entire note that Keith gave to Lorrie that Sunday afternoon he drove her to the airport. The autopsy findings. 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). You are so fortunate to have seen Keith live. Born in Ashland, Kentucky and raised in the small town of Sandy Hook, Keith Whitley received his start in country music during high school as a member of Ralph Stanleys bluegrass band The Clinch Mountain Boys, right beside long time friend Ricky Skaggs. 7:45 pm. I was surprised to learn Paisley hadnt written Youll Never Leave Harlan Alice, though it explained the Kentucky location instead of his (and my) native WV. You did an excellent and thorough job. Gay, West Virginia, and happened to walk into the club where they were playing. It wasnt just what Whitley accomplished before he passed away that left such a gaping hole in the heart of country music, its what many expected him to accomplish in the coming years. In the book, Morgan goes into some fairly lurid details of Keith Whitleys life and death, including accusations of infidelity, and how she couldnt even trust Whitley around alcohol-based toiletries or beauty products due to his addiction, even having to tie his legs to hers at night so he wouldnt sneak out of bed to drink, and how she would have to sometimes accompany him when he used the bathroom to make sure he wouldnt guzzle something on the counter or beneath the sink. 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