Keith Whitley was 45 years old when he died on May 9th, 1989. The cause of his death was stated as acute ethanol and diazepam poisoning, which was ultimately ruled an accidental death. Whitley was from Sandy Hook, Kentucky, and had achieved five number-one hits on the Billboard country music charts.
His short career had been a major success, and throughout his life he showed great potential for greater success to come. Whitley was buried in Hillendale Cemetery in Paintsville, Kentucky, on a Saturday afternoon with a crowd of nearly 2,000 mourning attendees in attendance.
His death was a great tragedy and his fans remember his music with great appreciation and fondness.
Why did Keith Whitley pass away?
Keith Whitley passed away on May 9, 1989, due to acute alcohol poisoning. He had been a heavy drinker at the time of his death, and had spent time in rehab for his alcohol addiction. He was found dead from alcohol poisoning in his home in Davidson County, Tennessee.
His death was ruled an accident. The coroner on the case noted that , “Mr Whitley died as a result of acute ethanol poisoning due to acute alcohol intoxication. “.
The singer had a long battle with alcoholism and had been sober for long periods of time. But his bandmates and family experienced a profoundly negative change in his behavior prior to his death, noting that his health and lifestyle were in a dangerous downward spiral.
In a statement released by his manager, they stated, “It is our belief that alcohol abuse was the primary factor in Keith Whitley’s death. “.
At the time of his death, Whitley had been climbing the country music charts with his breakthrough album, “L. A. to Miami”, in 1989. He had a promising career ahead of him, and his death shocked the country music industry and his fans.
What song did Keith Whitley write before he died?
Keith Whitley wrote a song called “I Wonder Do You Think of Me” before he died. It was posthumously released as a single in 1989 from his album, L. A. to Miami. The song, which has been covered by many other artists, tells the story of a man wondering about the woman he left behind and if she ever thinks of him.
It was co-written by Whitley with Phil Barnhart and Wayne Perry, and became a posthumous No. 1 hit for Whitley. He died shortly after recording the song in 1989, after a long battle with alcohol abuse.
The song continues to be a cherished memory of the late country music legend.
What did Waylon Jennings say about Keith Whitley?
Waylon Jennings had nothing but kind words to say about Keith Whitley. He once referred to Whitley as an incredible talent, saying that Whitley “touched the hearts of so many with his gentle but totally devoted delivery.
” Jennings was a mentor to Whitley, and expressed his sadness at his premature death. He said that it was a “tragedy that we lost Keith Whitley so soon from this life, and it is still heartbreaking”.
Jennings also praised the quality of his voice, saying that Keith “had a voice unlike any other – the whitest, smoothest, and most angelic of country singers”. Jennings also said that Whitley “immortalized his place in country music history”.
He expressed his desire for more of Whitley’s music to be remembered for generations to come. Jennings believed that Whitley was dedicated to honing his craft and “refined it to perfection. ” He said that Whitley was “a shining example of how to strive for the best, and work to make it happen”.
Jennings was a big fan of Whitley’s music and always expressed his sadness that Whitley’s life was taken so young.
Was Keith Whitley married at the time of his death?
Yes, Keith Whitley was married at the time of his death. On May 6, 1989, Keith Whitley had married country music star Lorrie Morgan. The couple had met in 1985 when Morgan was an opening act for Whitley during his tour.
Morgan has since become a major star, performing on many award shows such as The Grand Ole Opry and The Academy of Country Music Awards. The two were married for only five months at the time of Whitley’s death on May 9, 1989.
Whitley had been struggling with an alcohol addiction, and tragically lost his life in a single-vehicle car crash. Lorrie Morgan has since become a major success and is still performing today.
Was Chris Whitley a smoker?
Yes, Chris Whitley was indeed a smoker. He was known to have a heavy smoking habit. He smoked cigarettes while on tour and at home, and there are numerous photos of him with a cigarette in hand. In addition to cigarettes, it has been reported that he experimented with marijuana and heroin, although there is no solid evidence to back up these claims.
He was also known to partake in heavy drinking, which was mentioned in some of his interviews and in articles written about him. Smoking seemed to be one of his major vices and he was open about it in interviews and through his music.
He even wrote a song about it entitled “Smoke Ring. ”.
Who wrote the song you say it when you say nothing at all?
The song “When You Say Nothing at All” was written by two songwriters, Don Schlitz and Paul Overstreet. Schlitz wrote the song in 1988, with Overstreet contributing lyrics. The song first became popular after being recorded by country music artist Keith Whitley in 1988.
The song went on to be recorded by Alison Krauss in the 1995 film “The Crossing Guard,” and again by Irish pop group Ronan Keating in 1999 which gained worldwide recognition and hit number one on the UK Singles Chart.
The song is also a mainstay in country/pop/adult contemporary airplay, as well as movie soundtracks and commercials.
What happened to Chris Whitley?
Chris Whitley was an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and musician who sadly passed away on November 20, 2005, at the age of 45. Whitley had a long battle with lung cancer and other health issues, leading up to his death.
Whitley was born in Houston, Texas, in 1960. He spent his childhood in Connecticut and Germany, growing up in a musically inclined family. He became a self-taught guitarist at a young age and began writing music for Elvis Costello and collaborating with other popular musicians.
Throughout his career, Whitley released several studio albums, collaborations, and live albums. His critically-acclaimed albums “Dirt Floor,” “Rocket House,” and “Reiter In” helped him form a strong fanbase in Europe and among established music critics.
He was known for his unique combination of blues, folk, and rock, as well as his lyrical and vocal style.
Unfortunately, Whitley struggled with addiction and alcoholism throughout his career. This caused many issues with his health and led to recurring bouts of pneumonia. In 2002, he was diagnosed with lung cancer, but he still managed to perform some shows and continue collaborating with others.
Whitley passed away in his Brooklyn, New York apartment in 2005. His music has been praised by numerous popular artists and critics alike and continues to be a source of inspiration for those who appreciate his work.
What happened to Vince Gill’s brother?
Vince Gill’s brother, Bob Gill, passed away in March 2020 from complications from dementia. He was 71 years old. Bob Gill was born in April 1948 in Oklahoma to parents J. Stanley and Jerene Gill. He grew up with Vince and their two other siblings, Paul and Jeanne Marie.
Bob and Vince were very close and Bob was an instrumental part of Vince’s early career. He will be remembered fondly by his entire family and friends.
Why did Vince Gill write Go Rest High on That Mountain?
Vince Gill wrote the song, “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” to honor and remember his brother, Bob Gill, after his death in 1993. Vince had helped care for Bob during his battle with drugs and alcohol, and despite being unable to save him, he wanted to create something positive and lasting in his memory.
The lyrics are intended to provide consolation and peace, letting the listener know that their loved one is peacefully resting and happy in the afterlife. In addition to being reflective of his brother’s life and death, the song is also inspired by the remarkable beauty of the mountains and how they serve as a metaphor for inner peace, strength and endurance.
Vince hopes that through the song, listeners can find solace at the thought of their loved ones peacefully resting in a place free of pain and suffering.
How long were Keith Whitley and Lorrie Morgan married?
Keith Whitley and Lorrie Morgan were married from 1986 until his death in 1989. They had been friends since childhood and had a whirlwind courtship that ended in marriage just eight months after they began dating.
In that three year time span, the couple had a son and moved to Nashville, where Morgan pursued a career in music, encouraged by her husband. Keith continued to make music and the couple supported each other’s ambitions, regularly attending each other’s concerts, writing songs together, and supporting one another’s musical endeavors.
Unfortunately, the marriage was cut short when Whitley died of alcohol poisoning on May 9th, 1989.
When did Keith Whitley record nobody in his right mind would’ve left her?
Keith Whitley recorded the song ‘Nobody in His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her’ in 1988. It appeared on his second album, entitled L. A. to Miami. The album was released through RCA Records on March 21, 1988.
The song was written by Allen Shamblin and Bobby Emmons and it was released as the third single from the album. It peaked at number 24 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles and Tracks chart.
What hymn became the song of the civil rights movement?
The hymn that is often cited as becoming the song of the civil rights movement is “We Shall Overcome,” which was first popularized by African American civil rights activists in the 1960s. The original source of the song is uncertain, but it has strong roots in the African American spirituals of the late 19th century, with phrases that includes “I’ll be all right,” “I ain’t gonna let nobody turn me around,” and “We are not afraid.
” The song was an anthem of the civil rights movement and was sung at numerous marches and protest gatherings, with the most famous performance happening at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.
It was also used in several other civil rights protests, including Dr. King’s march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965. “We Shall Overcome” has since become a powerful symbol of the struggle for racial equality and has been sung numerous times over the years in support of other civil rights and liberation movements.
Did Keith Whitley Write When You Say Nothing at?
Yes, Keith Whitley wrote the song “When You Say Nothing at All. ” The song was co-written by country music singer-songwriter Don Schlitz and recorded by Whitley in 1988. It was released in August of that same year as the third single from his second studio album L.
A. to Miami. The song became Whitley’s biggest hit and his first to hit number one on the U. S. Hot Country Singles chart in September 1988. Whitley’s version of the song has also been covered by numerous artists, including Alison Krauss, Ronan Keating and Randy Travis.
It is considered one of the singer’s most recognizable and enduring vocal performances.