0 If I read a post/article, I read all the comments. May 10, 2019 @ I thought as much as I loved Keith, surely that would help him. The death of Keith Whitley seemed like an open and shut case. Keith Whitley was a solid sounding voice and hit #1s on the charts with songs people could relate to. Men are not walking around with a childs brain in an adults body (in MOST casesdont get me wrong there) helplessly stumbling off cliffs or touching hot stoves without their mommy wives to chaperone them. Keep up the good work, Keith Whitley was an American country musician who was destined to be Nashville's top country star. During his career, Whitley released only two albums but charted 12 singles on the Billboard country charts, and 7 more after his death. Dennis Rogers Whitley had been an . December 18, 2019 @ -. Putting him in the HoF would be a no-brainer. It was like a ticking timebomb, Lorrie Morgan recalls. The late country singer's platinum selling first Greatest Hits album originally released in 1990, one year after his tragic death from alcoholism. You can handle it, Stanley would say to him. Im sorry for the loss of Mr. Whitley and I hope his family is well. 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 Cause of Death. In 2005, the State of Tennessee found Charles Harlan guilty of 20 counts of misconduct and permanently revoked his medical license. The legacy of Keith Whitley has received a resurgence of interest lately leading up to the 30th anniversary of his untimely passing. Crowe & the New South in the mid-1970s. Establishing himself as a lead singer in bluegrass music, Whitley moved to Nashville in 1983 and began his recording career there. The recognition is the fact that he helped influence an entire decade of country music. Whitley is known for his neotraditional brand of country popularized by hit artists such as George Strait and Randy Travis. No doubt Keiths vocals put him in rareified air. Similarly, it does not directly state that she was reading it again or had previously read it. It was a living hell. But, pieces like this one are what grab my heart and stick with me. May 8, 2019 @ It was so emotional. From the moment Keith Whitley embarked on a music career, success followed closely behind. His cenotaph is a larger than life sized statue of him which was commissioned by the Keith Whitley Foundation in his hometown of Sandy Hook, Kentucky, located on Kentucky Route 7 just north of the small town in which he grew up. The next day, they lined Music Row in Nashville with black ribbons in remembrance. Three singles from the album were No. Healthline states that having an alcohol concentration of 0.40 or higher may cause coma or death. May 9, 2019 @ 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). May 9, 2019 @ To blame Lorrie for his alcoholism and accidental alcohol poisoning is cruel and preposterous. Though Whitley had cleaned up in 1987 after numerous close calls from drinking to excess, the sobriety lasted about six months before he fell back off the wagon once again, which could not have been a surprise to anyone. Lexington Herald-Leader (KY) Saturday, June 28, 1999. Dont know how true this is but I always heard Lorrie was told by a dr to not leave Keiths side. Furthermore, his continued posthumous influence is undeniable. 56 0 obj <> endobj I would just like to set the record straight for now and any future articles concerning how Keith got started in Nashville. Whitley had been battling alcoholism since he was a teenager. Regardless of his short life, Whitley is still remembered as a great country singer who became an influence to other country music stars, such as Tim McGraw, Chris Young, and Alan Jackson (via the Tennessean). 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. Might be worth considering a clarifying edit, especially after receiving a report of a source specifically Contradiction the assumption you made. My gut says it was cocaine that killed him, but to just blame alcohol as to aviod the embarrassment. 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. Lane Palmer left Whitleys Goodletsville residence at approximately 8:30 a.m., planning to return an hour later for the golf excursion. Lane left at around 8:30 a.m. and returned around 11:00 a.m. jimincincy Galante approved of the musical flexibility that Whitley achieved with the song; however, he suggested that Whitley record something new and more upbeat. Keith was the type of individual youd like to live next door to and like to go fishing with every Saturday, McFadden said. Rest in peace and thank you for sharing your gift with us all , Keith The words of his card/note to her reminded me of it. Now, I do believe he would have a leading force. Several comments mentioned his I Never Go Around Mirrors performanceto me it was legendary. The drugs may have contributed to the singers death, Harlan said, but the cause was drinking too much alcohol in too short a time. 4:47 am. [7], Whitley lost his brother Randy in an October 1983 motorcycle accident, and his father Elmer.[3][5]. I dont think you have to speculate about his careerstarting in Blue Grass as a young person and being very successful and high profile and then his Country career should speak for itself. For this and for the considerable influence he had over his era and the one that followed, he should be in the hall of fame without delay. Cocaine and Valium were also in Whitleys system, according to autopsy results released later. (505) 431 - 5992; man jumps off cruise ship after fight with wife Heard about it from high school friends who had less strict parents, then we all moved away for college. This site is the primary one I check for music news (well, news about music Im likely to like or encounter). His son, Jesse (A great man, musically and personally, in his own right), and Lorrie have continuously Do you have a direct link? None of us are immune. May 9, 2019 @ Gay, West Virginia, by Ralph Stanley who was 45 minutes late for a show due to a flat tire. My husband and I loved Keiths music and his songs. 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. Even then, we would have to figure out why there is a discrepancy in between the two dates. Man, we are in need of some KWs today!! He was an amazing singer who could touch your soul with his lyrics, I wish it had been a different outcome because he was on his way to becoming a country ledgend and in some aspects in my mind he is. Lexington Herald-Leader (KY) Saturday, June 27, 1998. Keith also suffered from severe alcohol addiction. 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. I will hopefully speak with Keiths family on Friday to see if I can get some clarification! An autopsy showed the singer died of an accidental overdose of alcohol, said Medical Examiner Charles Harlan. Not getting into any personal comments here as that has NOTHING to do with whether he should be inducted or not. Here is the article: https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/05/26/Lorrie-Morgan-talks-about-late-husband-Keith-WhitleyCountry-Music/5484612158400/. Stanley wouldnt drink with any of the other members of the band, but he would with Whitley. His gravestone reads, "Forever yours faithfully" (part one) and "His being was my reason" (part two). And Jesse is a hell of a guy. There was also an exhibit that displayed instruments, clothes, and other memorabilia that Whitley owned. 3:23 pm. Which he should of thought of anyway. Small amounts of cocaine and Valium were also found in his system. She also kept his memory alive by releasing music that Whitley was able to record before his death. May 9, 2019 @ To me, the vocals on each song of that album were stunning & many were haunting (like Tennesee Courage, which spoke about relying on Jack Daniels for courage & strength). Keith is the best vocalist period in all genres of Music combined at any point and time. Once when riding passenger in a car and sipping on bootleg bourbon with the driver, they tried to take a curve at 120 mph. 6:05 pm, IMO, Whitleys greatness was really seen in all the songs that didnt get played on the radio. The truth rides in the heart not elsewhere. Keith Whitley, Lorrie Morgan, Ralph Stanley, Ricky Skaggs. May 16, 2019 @ On April 13, 2010, he announced that pre-production was set to begin again, pending investors.[18]. December 16, 2021 @ The detective handling the case also said that he had a large quantity of alcohol the previous night. Thanks go to you and to others discussing a remembering a talented artist who, despite the struggles that took his life (or maybe because of them), left us with great music. May 8, 2019 @ He was there. Also, Garths recommendation means nothing. Im afraid to give it to the rest of these boys. Later Keith Whitley joined J.D. I have seen the birth certificate and passport that shows he was born in 1954. On May 9, 1989, Whitley had a brief phone call with his mother and was later visited by his brother-in-law, Lane Palmer. Skaggs and Whitley hit it off right away and quickly befriended each other. 9:41 pm. I agree on each one of them. This, of course, is pure speculation from a person who knew/knows neither of them. He was 33. I think of Randall in context of Tin Man. Not sure if it is because of the years since Mud in the Tires or because Whisperin Bill overshadowed Randall in my memory when I first bought the CD. On the morning of Tuesday, May 9th, 1989, Whitley spoke to his mother briefly on the phone, and then was visited by his brother-in-law Lane Palmer at his home in Goodletsville, Tennessee, near Nashville. 1:33 pm. "Keith Whitley". May 8, 2019 @ 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. "Keith Whitley discovered dead Alcohol overdose cause of death". 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. Whitley, a fine neo-traditional singer, died of alcohol poisoning May 9. Whitley released his first solo album titled "Hard Act to Follow" in 1984 but didn't have much success. The album also included two original songs: "Little Boy Lost", co-written and sung by Daron Norwood, and "A Voice Still Rings True", a multi-artist song. Some of the questions are about him personally and some are about his music. 8:14 am. The car wrecked, killing his friend and almost breaking Whitley's neck. That is why despite the short length of Keith Whitleys career, he considered a strong contender for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the coming years. I definitely see and respect your perspective. 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 In another incident, he drove his car off a 120-foot (37m) cliff into a frozen river, escaping with only a broken collar bone. 7:45 pm. She insists he never said a negative word to her, or raised his voice at her during the entirety of their marriage. The medical examiner who wrote and performed the autopsy, Charles Harlan, would soon become widely discredited, and blamed for numerous false reports and other unethical practices. 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. , "Alcohol Cuts Short a promising career". 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. Keiths influence case is broad and noted from many(Garth, Tracy Lawrence, Mark Chesnutt, Alan Jackson, Daryle Singletary, Joe Nichols, Tim Mcgraw, Diffie, etc.). The level Whitley had in his system was five times the intoxication limit in Tennessee at that time. Bluegrass and Country Music singer. The results of his autopsy report were shocking for both his young family and his fans. Heartbreaking Footage Taken A Few Months Before Keith Whitley's Untimely Death Surfaces. Will this tribute to Keith ever be televised?? However Lorrie Morgan and the Whitley family have never publicly disputed the finding that alcohol poisoning was responsible for Keith Whitleys death. 1 hits in a row. He had the love of a good woman, a gift from God in his singing, fame, money and children and still it wasnt enough to be able to over come. As the Chicago Tribune reported at the time, When his death was first discovered, there was a widespread rumor that it was a suicide. A .47 alcohol level seemed exceptionally high, even for Keith Whitley. He moved to Nashville in 1983 to pursue a country music career and soon signed a record deal with RCA Records.[7]. "Whitley Fans Hate 'To See a Good Man Go To Waste". I had never seen the entire note that Keith gave to Lorrie that Sunday afternoon he drove her to the airport. He released his debut album 'A Hard Act to Follow' in 1984 & married . TilBillyHill I remember the day he passed,, So sad and young. I just dont see him quite at the level of the other guys. Sturgill_Jennings77 Keith Whitley and Lorrie Morgan had been married for three years at that point, and they were one of country musics emerging power couples. Lane was not there in the AM. who is Keith Whitleys son? 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. A country music singer that couldnt overcome alcohol if only a person would have been with him 24\7 to stop him from alcohol use . While Morgan's book was a benchmark in piecing together Whitley's final moments, perhaps the most research went into a project titled "Kentucky Bluebird", which was to star writer/actor/director David Keith. To me, Vern and Keith are the 2nd and 3rd greatest country singers to stand behind a mic (Jones the greatest ever, period), and are often overlooked and underappreciated due to lifes circumstances. After a years-long career in the bluegrass genre, Whitley moved the Nashville in 1983 to pursue a country music career. There isnt always a number, stat, or data point to reference ones accomplishments or contribution to the music. [7] During this period, he established himself as one of the most versatile and talented lead singers in bluegrass. Amid his sober streak in 1987, Whitley once said in an interview, It was a matter of life and death. Trigger, that was a very well written take on Whitley. He formed his first group, a bluegrass band, at age 13. That woman worshipped the ground he walked on and did everything she could to save him. Whitley's drinking problem, which never manifested. He was 33. The official cause of death was acute ethanolism (alcohol poisoning). +91-9879950702 Monday - Friday 10:00 - 7:30 Rakhiyal, Ahmedabad, Gujarat . Made me tear up, particularly that letter to Lorrie. 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. As he said thats impossible. In 1995, the album Wherever You Are Tonight was released, produced by Lorrie Morgan, featuring restored demos of 19861988, with crisper 1990s recording techniques and a full orchestra. endstream endobj startxref Lorrie Morgan knew the risks of entering a romantic relationship with Whitley. And by the way, his version of I never go around mirrors is absolutely stunning. IMHO opinion he was the most gifted vocalist country music every produced. I do think Waylon is at the same level. What sticks with us is the sentiment. June 29, 2020 @ Joe Tank Leach Its good to see that the comments here have been predominantly respectful and fair. He also asked if he could take a major role in creating the songs and in production. I wish somehow young people could be made to understand. This project was in development hell for several years, and was halted in late 2006 also, after difficulties with casting and funding. 8:07 pm. Within a week, Lorrie would release her first album on RCA Records,turn on the lightand had scheduled tour dates to promote the new re. You are 100% correct! In an interview last October, he said his heavy drinking had nearly killed him and that he had quit in 1987. 11:27 am. Still, the output from. Coming from a bluegrass background, his lonesome singing style was influenced by the Stanley Brothers & Lefty Frizzell. Trigger, Lorrie Morgan jumped right out! Kevin Smith His final studio album, I Wonder Do You Think of Me was to me a masterpiece. Vern also an accomplished and overlooked songwriter. The day after his death, Music Row was lined with black ribbons in memory of Whitley. In 1969 he performed in a musical contest in Ezel, Kentucky, with brother Dwight on five-string banjo. I opened a show for Kieth in Fort Worth Tx. 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. Keep in mind cocaine was quite taboo back then. He was considered country musics next superstar. Reading the other readers post put my mind in work mode parsing the evidence. 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. Jackie Keith Whitley was born on July 1, 1955 and grew up in Sandy Hook, Kentucky. Although not a fan of Garth, I disagree with you in that his recommendations and influence means nothing for Keiths HOF case. Buzz Meeks 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. Thanks for taking the time to reply. Associated Press "Whitley Just Getting Started Despite 18-Year Music Career". 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. Their but by the grace of God go any of us. I have a few questions if you dont mind? I appreciate your concern, and understand your perspective. As for Whitleys age at the time of death, I have also seen people insist he was 34, but I have not been able to find any information to refute the common knowledge that he was 33. Upon returning, Palmer found Whitley unresponsive on his bed and called an ambulance. 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. Sometimes folks personal demons get the best of them. But, it was a great show even from the nosebleeds of Thompson-Boling arena in Knoxville. Project was in development hell for several years, and was halted in late 2006 also after... Cause of death '' I just dont see him quite at the level Whitley had been battling since... An exhibit that displayed instruments, clothes, and understand your perspective may,! A Few questions if you dont mind Keith, surely that would help him displayed instruments, clothes, understand... That she was reading it again or had previously read it I just dont see him quite at same..., or raised his voice at her during the entirety of their.. Means NOTHING for Keiths HoF case and Whitley hit it off right and... 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