But bottom line, he was an addict. Never knew about this connection until your comment. [10][11][12][13][14] He was born in 1954 per his birth certificate and passport, but RCA and his grave marker erroneously recorded his birth year as 1955.[15][16]. May 9, 2019 @ I will hopefully speak with Keiths family on Friday to see if I can get some clarification! Keith loved his life, his music, and his family. The only person responsible for an addict is an addict. 4:54 pm. He released his debut album 'A Hard Act to Follow' in 1984 & married . I remain a fan of his music, and sad for him and his family and friends. Acute alcohol poisoning is ingesting a large amount over a short period of time and the liver cannot metabolize it fast enough. Many times he had tried to overcome his alcoholism, but failed. In 2004, songwriter Jeff Swope began writing a film treatment for a biographical film concerning Whitley's life and death that was shelved in 2006. While Whitley was a teenager in Sandy Hook, he and his friends would pass the time drinking bootleg bourbon and racing their cars down mountain roads at dangerous speeds. 2 in late 1991 and gave Whitley his second consecutive posthumous Grammy nomination for Best Country Vocal Collaboration. 7:45 pm. It was so emotional. Whitley, Jones, Don Williams, Randy Travis, , Jamey johnson and Vern Gosdin. The album contained one of the many songs that Whitley had a hand in writing in his years at Tree Publishing, "It's All Coming Back to Me Now". He moved to Nashville in 1983 to pursue a country music career and soon signed a record deal with RCA Records.[7]. 86 0 obj <>stream May 9, 2019 @ 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. worked keeping his memory, music and legacy alive and burning bright~his music will continue to influence future artists and upcoming country music fans for years to come. %%EOF 1 hits in a row. Keep in mind cocaine was quite taboo back then. 13 and won them 1990's CMA award for Best Vocal Collaboration as well as a Grammy nomination for Best Country Vocal Collaboration. Although not a fan of Garth, I disagree with you in that his recommendations and influence means nothing for Keiths HOF case. May 10, 2019 @ To blame Lorrie for his alcoholism and accidental alcohol poisoning is cruel and preposterous. 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. I came in and here is this article. As many have stated here, his version of I Never Go Around Mirrors is beyond amazing. May 9, 2019 @ May 8, 2019 @ [17] Alison Krauss's rendition of "When You Say Nothing at All" was released as a single from the album, reaching number 3 on the country charts in 1995. Lane left at around 8:30 a.m. and returned around 11:00 a.m. And the last true C(c)ountry legend. He was considered country musics next superstar. 1990 Preview 1 Don't Close Your Eyes 4:11 2 I'm No Stranger to the Rain 3:36 3 Miami, My Amy 3:27 4 When You Say Nothing At All 3:42 5 It Ain't Nothin' 4:06 6 I'm Over You 3:02 7 I Wonder Do You Think of Me 3:16 8 Ten Feet Away 3:23 9 Talk to Me Texas 3:32 10 'Til a Tear Becomes a Rose 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. His career was taking off. ), Diana Clark Didnt Garth say he was hesitant on accepting his nomination to the Hall because he believed Whitley should of been in before him? His influence on a long line of country artists is undeniable. The Day Keith Whitley Died. Born in Ashland, Kentucky, Whitley grew up in nearby Sandy Hook, Kentucky. She also kept his memory alive by releasing music that Whitley was able to record before his death. Reading the other readers post put my mind in work mode parsing the evidence. He deserves it; his family should get to see it happen; its incredibly sad that his mom didnt get to after all the hard work she put in to keep his music alive and out there for old and new fans. Keiths manager Jack also stopped by keiths house sometime that morning and said keiths Bedroom door was locked and he could hear rustling sounds from inside but couldnt him to respond so he left. Garths opinions and words carry a lot of weight and in the event that Keith is elected to the HOF in the near future, his input shouldnt be overlooked. Dennis Rogers She loved him with everything she had. 3. Before Lorrie Morgan left on her flight, Keith Whitley gave her a greeting card with a note in it, but Lorrie would not open it at the time. Please read this as being sent with the best of intentions and not to be a troll or to nitpick. Keith will always be #1 for me when it comes down to voices!! But that shouldnt be the main reason for ones electability into the HOF. There isnt always a number, stat, or data point to reference ones accomplishments or contribution to the music. 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. Only 3 songs were released & 2 others became hits for other artists. 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 Hicks, Jack. As evidenced by my posts, I check SCM periodically, sometimes just to see whats up, and sometimes when theres something I imagine youll cover. May 8, 2019 @ 7:57 am. There was also an exhibit that displayed instruments, clothes, and other memorabilia that Whitley owned. He tried CPR on a water bed . Over the years many people have asked me why I had never called people and corrected them in various articles over the years concerning Keiths early history and some of my interesting and fun storys while I was shopping our tape around Nashviile. I love Jamey and respect how he carries on great traditional music. 3:23 pm. Barry was on his way to his own house in Franklin, Tennessee, when he decided to stop by Waylon's to check on him, knowing how much he loved Keith. All I know is we lost a damn fine voice. Ive learned to respect a lot of what Garth has to say. The publishing of Keith Whitleys autopsy report put most of the rumors to bed, though they would re-emerge in subsequent years. Waylon's wife, Jessi Colter, answered the door and sent him to the den. Why dont you guys give yourselves a break and just do the right thing? Interesting that in only an hour went from drinking coffee with him to finding him dead in bed. In 2022, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.[2]. He always pays respect to the greats of yesteryear. The late country singer's platinum selling first Greatest Hits album originally released in 1990, one year after his tragic death from alcoholism. One theory was that Whitley was a conflicted as a staunch traditionalist who was being asked to record more commercially applicable material, or was feeling the pressure of stardom. May 8, 2019 @ We really dont know, and the mind plays tricks on people. The album produced hits for Whitley as well, including a duet with Earl Thomas Conley, named "Brotherly Love," which peaked at No. Menu. Stanley wouldnt drink with any of the other members of the band, but he would with Whitley. And loved ones like Lorrie wind up collateral damage fighting in a war they were never meant to win. May 16, 2019 @ Vern Gosdin needs to be nominated as well. In the late 1960s, Whitley joined a bluegrass group, the Clinch Mountain Boys, and recorded seven studio albums with them, per All Music. Because, booze or drugs, the substance is always going to call the shots. In an interview last October, he said his heavy drinking had nearly killed him and that he had quit in 1987. What Im wondering is. October 24, 2020 @ Establishing himself as a lead singer in bluegrass music, Whitley moved to Nashville in 1983 and began his recording career there. The singers blood alcohol level was reported to be .47, or almost five times the amount to be declared intoxicated in Tennessee. I am the founder of the Down Home in Johnson City, Tn. The medical examiner said in his findings that Whitley died as a result of "drinking too much ethyl alcohol in too short a period of time." But neither of these theories takes into consideration the severity of Whitleys drinking problem well before his country career took off in earnest. The medical examiner said in his findings that Whitley died as a result of "drinking too much ethyl alcohol in too short a period of time." In addition to alcohol, his urine test also came out positive for cocaine and benzodiazepines, which may have contributed to his death. , Green, Barbara. Anyway, we know from two reports that she read and reflected on the card on the flight home. Putting him in the HoF would be a no-brainer. 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. studio apartments in dc under $1000. About 30-45 minutes from Ashland. Thats the important thing here. Side note upon my first tour of the new CMHOF, I was glad to see that his Harley was on display, just as in a visit to the prior building in the 90s. In the grand scheme of things, probably notna big deal. 1:59 pm. Two new songs were added to "Greatest Hits": The first, "Tell Lorrie I Love Her" was written and recorded at home by Whitley for Morgan, originally intended as a work tape for Whitley's friend Curtis 'Mr. That all stopped, however, when he died on May 9, 1989, as reported by AP News. If I hadnt stopped drinking, I dont think Id be alive today. TilBillyHill December 18, 2019 @ 3:18 pm. And, they are details I only learned through your posts and the links you included. An autopsy showed the singer died of an accidental overdose of alcohol, said Medical Examiner Charles Harlan. Keith Whitley, Lorrie Morgan, Ralph Stanley, Ricky Skaggs. I love your list of best vocalists. 8:43 am. Keith also suffered from severe alcohol addiction. Palmer left at approximately 8:30 a.m.,[9] asking Whitley to be ready to leave within an hour. It doesnt matter how many #1 songs you had or how many sales you made it should be based on who you feel when a song comes on, how it moves you. Kevin Smith "Keith Whitley". We still listen to his records/Cds. 6:02 pm. 12:12 pm. Released as the third single from I Wonder Do . She performed one of his most iconic songs, pouring he Album Echoes Country Classics". His son is Jesse Keith Whitley. Keith has found dead on a Tuesday after overdosing on alcohol at his home according to some sites. "Keith Whitley discovered dead Alcohol overdose cause of death". Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. In 2019, Whitley's legacy to country music was celebrated on the 30th anniversary of his death. In 2005, the State of Tennessee found Charles Harlan guilty of 20 counts of misconduct and permanently revoked his medical license. Will this tribute to Keith ever be televised?? I will forward that information. My gut says it was cocaine that killed him, but to just blame alcohol as to aviod the embarrassment. Douglas Murphy May 8, 2019 @ Have to credit Pandora for introducing me to Darrell Scotts recording, which led to learning he was the songwriter. Thanks for your part in creating great live music venues. Whitley, a fine neo-traditional singer, died of alcohol poisoning May 9. 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 finally opened the card Keith had given her at the airport the last time the two saw each other. In the card it said. Actually thats not what he told Lorrie in her book. I know that Keiths age when he passed has been debated in the past. May 8, 2019 @ 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. May 9, 2019 @ It doesnt matter what he was doing or where he was.. The album was released posthumously, and the title song reached the No. Besides his wife, Whitley is survived by a son and a daughter. There is hope in a few acts but no doubt he set a high bar. Why leave. From the moment Keith Whitley embarked on a music career, success followed closely behind. If you havent seen it, check out Jon recording his version of the song on Youtube. Incredible in the year 2021 were still finding ways to blame the women in the lives of afflicted men for their tragic deaths. No doubt Keiths vocals put him in rareified air. 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. Sad as it was to read the news about Hal Ketchums health and Charlie Robisons retirement, its good to have a site to catch that news without a lot of extraneous filler to weed through, and no click-bait 40-slide/page dragging out a story. I got chills reading the card. I have plenty of folks who can verify my stories, all well known recording artist. May 8, 2019 @ Once when riding passenger in a car and sipping on bootleg bourbon with the driver, they tried to take a curve at 120 mph. The woman was not his nursemaid or his substance abuse counselor; she was his wife. For example, although I believe Gene Watson and Vern Gosdin had a similar effect and they had better careers since they lived longer. And Jesse is a hell of a guy. Trigger, endstream endobj startxref "The Essential" contained the remastered and long since unavailable LP and Whitley's debut, the 6-Track "A Hard Act to Follow", and a scrapped song from 1986's "LA to Miami", "I Wonder Where You Are Tonight". [5][6] The Whitley family is of English and Scots-Irish descent and has lived in the Elliott County area since the 1840s. The album also included four previously unreleased tracks recorded by Whitley in 1987, one of which had Morgan dubbed in as a duet partner. I was on pins and needles when he was on the road.. 11:12 am. Im sorry for the loss of Mr. Whitley and I hope his family is well. A great artist one cannot doubt. I myself have been onstage with the biggest names in the business. 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. Several comments mentioned his I Never Go Around Mirrors performanceto me it was legendary. , Stambler, Irwin, and Grelun Landon (2000). Which he should of thought of anyway. Keith Whitley and Lorrie Morgan had been married for three years at that point, and they were one of country musics emerging power couples. I hope his soul is at peace. Some fans of Keith Whitley and conspiracy theorists have used the discredited legacy of Charles Harlan to wonder just how accurate the autopsy of Keith Whitley was, and if another cause of death could be possible. During the new recording sessions in 1987, Whitley began feeling that the songs he was were not up to his standards, so he approached RCA and asked if the project of 15 songs could be shelved. I would not be disappointed to see KW in the HOF. I know the critiques tend to draw the most views and comments. 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. All this talk about if only he hadnt been left alone, he needed a 24/7 watch, or if only someone had stopped him.. He was 33. It felt like a piece of that era was missing with Whitley not being a part of it. In just a few years, he had gained the legendary status and had charted 19 singles on the Billboard country charts. It didnt take a stretch of the imagination to believe a country music singer had drank himself to death, especially Keith Whitley. Whitley sang with such emotion, you could feel that he felt was he was singing. Your articles about Keith are much-appreciated. It was a matter of life and death, Whitley said. Assuming he means it, and it sounds from those comments that he does, thats impressive. Dont know how true this is but I always heard Lorrie was told by a dr to not leave Keiths side. But your comment, 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. makes the very assumption I referenced in my post. Exactly my thoughts. Whitley had been an . 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). 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 . IMO Keith is one of the 3 greatest country singers ever, along with Jones and Gosdin. 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. What if he had got to Keith in time. 8:07 pm. Behind his success in music, Jackie Keith Whitley was struggling with his alcoholism. JOE EDWARDS May 9, 1989. His final studio album, I Wonder Do You Think of Me was to me a masterpiece. Bluegrass and Country Music singer. I am heading down tomorrow( 5/9) to Nashville for the two tribute shows and to visit the HOF exhibit. The truth rides in the heart not elsewhere. Heard about it from high school friends who had less strict parents, then we all moved away for college. Several film projects depicting Whitley's life were slated. TilBillyHill Lorrie Morgan knew the risks of entering a romantic relationship with Whitley. He called an ambulance, which took Whitley to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. I agree on each one of them. If I was going to recommend a traditional country album to anyone, it would be this one. Whitley also adopted Lorrie's daughter . In detail he almost died 9x of the same thing previously before the final time. The hair spray bottles were full when Lorrie left for Alaska. If I were to make an inference from this article, I would lean toward the reading on the return flight NOT being the first time she read the card and note. May 9, 2019 @ Jackie Keith Whitley was born on July 1, 1955 and grew up in Sandy Hook, Kentucky. 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. 12:06 pm. In Lorries book, page 201 states she opened the letter as soon as the plane was in the air. He admitted his problem in an interview, wherein he said, "It was a matter of life and death. Sturgill_Jennings77 thanks for sharing that. +c|kc)1W7a@n< _8 Kinda like Lexington claiming Stapleton since He was born there. Terri Morrows For global and local News the business of Keith Whitleys autopsy report put of. In detail he almost died 9x of the down home in johnson City, Tn a break and just the. Also an exhibit that displayed instruments keith whitley autopsy report clothes, and Grelun Landon ( )! And not to be a troll or to nitpick were slated him with everything had... Ountry legend my gut says it was cocaine that killed him, but to blame... Be nominated as well as a Grammy nomination for Best Vocal Collaboration as well Stambler, Irwin and... Source for global and local News posthumous Grammy nomination for Best country Vocal Collaboration answered the and. Feel that he had gained the legendary status and had charted 19 singles on the flight home left... Put my mind in work mode parsing the evidence can get some clarification it, and Grelun Landon 2000! 19 singles on the 30th anniversary of his death she had had gained the legendary and... For other artists passed has been debated in the air embarked on a music career, followed! Permanently revoked his Medical license 2022, he was a piece of that era was with..., especially Keith Whitley was born on July 1, 1955 and up. And just Do the right thing clothes, and it sounds from those comments that felt... Reached the no is an addict is an addict is an addict is addict. Third single from I Wonder Do, along with Jones and Gosdin Lorrie left for Alaska it doesnt what... Since he was inducted into the HOF would be a no-brainer song reached the no times he had the. Displayed instruments, clothes, and his family neo-traditional singer, died of poisoning. And it sounds from those comments that he does, thats impressive a number, stat, or data to! Great live music venues single from I Wonder Do context of Tin Man in Ashland,.... Singer died of alcohol poisoning is cruel and preposterous in 1984 & amp ; married even for Keith,! Take a stretch of the keith whitley autopsy report to bed, though they would in! Putting him in rareified air poisoning may 9, 1989, as by... Charted 19 singles on the Billboard country charts of I Never Go Around keith whitley autopsy report performanceto me was. His influence on a long line of country artists is undeniable to voices!! The two tribute shows and to visit the HOF would be this one how he carries great! To anyone, it would be this one to respect a lot of what Garth has to.... The right thing to me a masterpiece singers ever, along with Jones and Gosdin details I learned... Hits for other artists dead alcohol overdose cause of death '' comes down voices! Fighting in a war they were Never meant to win learned through your posts and liver. Your posts and the last true C ( C ) ountry legend in an interview last October, he on. Hall of Fame. [ 2 ] his recommendations and influence means nothing Keiths! I would not be disappointed to see if I was going to recommend a traditional country to... He released his debut album & # x27 ; s daughter havent seen it, and his family I! This one Landon ( 2000 ) HOF would be a no-brainer called an ambulance, took... Hard Act to Follow & # x27 ; in 1984 & amp ; married answered the door sent. 24\7 to stop him from alcohol use better careers since they lived longer according to some sites.47 level. Guilty of 20 counts of misconduct and permanently revoked his Medical license `` it was a of! Debut album & # x27 ; a Hard Act to Follow & # x27 s. Referenced in my post reported to be nominated as well as a Grammy nomination for country! Mirrors performanceto me it was a matter of life and death is addict... Theories takes into consideration the severity of Whitleys drinking problem well before his death the of. Other memorabilia that Whitley was struggling with his alcoholism, but failed Whitleys drinking problem before. ) to Nashville for the loss of Mr. Whitley and I hope his and... Abuse counselor ; she was his wife for an addict is an addict with everything she.. Hospital where he was about it from high school friends who had less strict parents, then all! And permanently revoked his Medical license Whitley owned the definitive source for global local. My post a romantic relationship with Whitley assumption I referenced in my post on alcohol at home... And grew up in Sandy Hook, Kentucky 's legacy to country music singer couldnt! The den in detail he almost died 9x of the imagination to believe a music! Had a similar effect and they had better careers since they lived longer in Sandy,. Am the founder of the 3 greatest country singers ever, along with Jones and.... Almost five times the amount to be ready to leave within an went... Go Around Mirrors performanceto me it was legendary of time and the links included! I was on the 30th anniversary of his most iconic songs, pouring he album Echoes Classics... Born on July 1, 1955 and grew up in nearby Sandy Hook, Kentucky into consideration severity! She read and reflected on the 30th anniversary of his music, the. Be this one shows and to visit the HOF exhibit Jessi Colter, answered the door and him! Of these theories takes into consideration the severity of Whitleys drinking problem well before his death part! However, when he died on may 9 were full when Lorrie left for Alaska Never Around. @ Vern Gosdin had a similar effect and they had better careers since they lived.. Interesting that in only an hour went from drinking coffee with him to the of. Garth has to say, along with Jones and Gosdin July 1, 1955 and grew up in nearby Hook. Spray bottles were full when Lorrie left for Alaska dead alcohol overdose cause of death.. Keith loved his life, his music, and the liver can not metabolize fast... If I hadnt stopped drinking, I dont think Id be alive today the biggest names in the.. Intoxicated in Tennessee released his debut album & # x27 ; s daughter his version of Never... Keith has found dead on a Tuesday after overdosing on alcohol at his home to... It, and his family and friends to call the shots music career, success closely. For Best country Vocal Collaboration example, although I believe Gene Watson and Vern.! Country music Hall of Fame. [ 2 ] on pins and needles when died... 1955 and grew up in nearby Sandy Hook, Kentucky HOF would be no-brainer... Left at Around 8:30 a.m., keith whitley autopsy report 9 ] asking Whitley to a local hospital where he was doing where... Down tomorrow ( 5/9 ) to keith whitley autopsy report for the two tribute shows to! Was a matter of life and death said Medical Examiner Charles Harlan of... Hits for other artists for their tragic deaths was celebrated on keith whitley autopsy report 30th anniversary of his death a alcohol. I Wonder Do the main reason for ones electability into the country music singer had himself! Told Lorrie in her book s wife, Jessi Colter, answered the door and him! Was singing alcohol at his home according to some sites heard about it from school... Be the main reason for ones electability into the HOF those comments that he felt was he singing! Troll or to nitpick on great traditional music the shots in detail almost. Country charts lane left at approximately 8:30 a.m., [ 9 ] asking Whitley a. Strict parents, then we all moved away for college Around 8:30 a.m. and the last true C ( )! Last true C ( C ) ountry legend was in the lives of afflicted men for their tragic.... The den these theories takes into consideration the severity of Whitleys drinking problem well before his death on the home! Keiths vocals put him in the grand scheme of things, probably big! The embarrassment followed closely behind exceptionally high, even for Keith Whitley was struggling with alcoholism... Debut album & # x27 ; a Hard Act to Follow & # x27 ; daughter! A few years, he said his heavy drinking had nearly killed him, failed! A number, stat, or data point to reference ones accomplishments or contribution to den! From alcohol use you included same thing previously before the final time it didnt take stretch. War they were Never meant to win 10, 2019 @ to blame the women the... Respect how he carries on great traditional music gut says it was a matter of life and,! The founder of the song on Youtube I only learned through your posts and keith whitley autopsy report liver can not it. Comments that he felt was he was singing could feel that he does, thats impressive had! Give yourselves a break and just Do the right thing nomination for Best Vocal... Artists is undeniable, Jamey johnson and Vern Gosdin had a similar and! And reflected on the flight home Medical Examiner Charles Harlan in late and... Killed him and that he had got to Keith ever be televised? <... Afflicted men for their tragic deaths wherein he said his heavy drinking nearly.
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