Join me Sunday, April 12th for the Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight as we feature Keith Whitley. 

Keith was born on July 1, 1955 in Sandy Hook, Kentucky.  His given name was actually Jessie Keith Whitley.

Keith was a hard core country singer just beginning to hit his stride when he died on May 9, 1989 of alcohol poisoning.  He was only thirty-three years old, but he left behind a musical legacy.

He moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 1983 and began his recording career there.  While touring for his album, L.A. to Miami, he married country singer Lorrie Morgan.

In 1988 his first three singles from his studio album, Don't Close Your Eyes, the title track, When You Say Nothing at All and I'm No Stranger to the Rain were all #1 hits.  My favorite from Whitley is I'm No Stranger to the Rain, which was released in January 1989  and was also the last single before his death.  The song peaked at #1 and was written by Sonny Curtis and Ron Hellard.

I'm no stranger to the rain, I'm a friend of thunder, friend is it any wonder lightning strikes me.

His funeral was held in Madison, Tennessee just outside of Nashville.  Ricky Skaggs, his good friend, sang at the service.  Lorrie Morgan was on tour at the time of his death in Alaska.  Morgan once said quote , "I live with that yoke of not being home when he died.  I know if I had been there, he would be alive."

Hear more of your favorite country classic hits every Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm. Remember we take your requests at 320-252-9897 or email dick@minnesotasnewcountry.com.

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