Artist after artist will tell you of his influence on them or decision to pursue the businessfans are still loyal to the man whose voice cannot be matched in raw emotion and genuine country music. May 8, 2019 @ n(bKRekdv\Wf%UN(7{?" iGHbBtJ \ 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. Whitleys voice was stunning in several of his songs. Warren, the cause of death is undeternined for the following. In response to an above comment, putting Whitley in the HoF wouldnt be because of a what if. The guy had plenty of massive hits, some of which have reached icon status, three classic albums to his name, and his relationship with artists such as Ricky Skaggs leading up to his solo career impacted the country music landscape far more than any hit song or album could do. I have spent way too many hours researching Keiths life and death. I put everything on the back burner, including my career, to help Keith. I liked a lot of his songs, but was never a super fan. In the card it said. 1 country chart spot for two weeks. Peter Bootsman Kevin Smith To this day I still listen to keith. May 9, 2019 @ Acute alcohol poisoning is ingesting a large amount over a short period of time and the liver cannot metabolize it fast enough. Why dont you guys give yourselves a break and just do the right thing? What a waste. First let me state I believe Keith drank himself to death. There will always be a lot of unanswered questions. His voice is in the elite category, alongside people like Jones, Gosdin, Don Williams, and Hag. 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 couple married that November, and their son, Jesse Keith Whitley, now a singer and songwriter himself, was born the following year. On May 12th, 1989, more than 500 mourners attended Keith Whitleys funeral where long-time friend and fellow Kentuckian Ricky Skaggs presented the eulogy, and spoke specifically about the ills of drug and alcohol abuse. Keith Whitley was laid to rest at the Spring Hill Cemetery near Nashville later in the day. When Lorrie Morgan was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1984, she became the institutions youngest-ever invited member.Keith Whitley and Lorrie Morgan had been married for three years at that point, and they were one of country musics emerging power couples. Good for him. 10:59 am. Similarly, it does not directly state that she was reading it again or had previously read it. In the card it said, quote. All this talk about if only he hadnt been left alone, he needed a 24/7 watch, or if only someone had stopped him.. Country music stars including Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, among others, performed Whitley's songs to a packed audience at the CMA Theater in Nashville, Tennessee. All I know is we lost a damn fine voice. I hope his soul is at peace. But, I get that this literally is not something to make into a federal case. 9:36 am. etc. According to the autopsy performed on Whitley, he had an alcohol level of 0.47 in his bloodstream. My husband and I loved Keiths music and his songs. I just dont see him quite at the level of the other guys. October 23, 2020 @ %PDF-1.5 % I have stated previously that ones into the HOF should stand on their own merit and not the fact that others have not made it in yet. 25 Feb/23. When Garth Brooks was announced as an inductee into the country Music Hall of Fame in 2012, he tried to turn the honor down, feeling that Keith Whitley specifically, along with Randy Travis, should be inducted first. The most interesting evidence against his story is in you tube video Lorrie Morgan on Geraldo 11/14/97. I think the interview is pretty clear when she opened the card, but I agree theres also some ambiguity there. 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. 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. Keith Whitley, who battled a drinking problem while becoming one of the brightest young stars in country music, was found dead at his home here Tuesday of accidental acute alcohol poisoning,. The publishing of Keith Whitleys autopsy report put most of the rumors to bed, though they would re-emerge in subsequent years. Will do, thanks! He tried to turn down his Hall of Fame induction until Whitley was in: https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/garth-brooks-tried-to-turn-down-hall-of-fame-induction/. Keith also suffered from depression from an early age. Regardless, a sad situation all the way around. 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. There was definitely more to that weekend and his death. I had never seen the entire note that Keith gave to Lorrie that Sunday afternoon he drove her to the airport. One of my favorite what ifs in country music to ponder is how Keiths career wouldve gone and just how much he wouldve influenced the direction of the genre had he lived. Healthline states that having an alcohol concentration of 0.40 or higher may cause coma or death. 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. He admitted his problem in an interview, wherein he said, "It was a matter of life and death. In 2005, the State of Tennessee found Charles Harlan guilty of 20 counts of misconduct and permanently revoked his medical license. Thats a fair response. But bottom line, he was an addict. 6:34 pm. I am heading down tomorrow( 5/9) to Nashville for the two tribute shows and to visit the HOF exhibit. 10:32 am. It felt sacrilegious that Merle was the first opener. His career was taking off. Though popular knowledge and much of the reporting on Keith Whitleys death said that he was 33-years-old at the time and was born in 1955, this information supplied by his label RCA Records and printed in many reports and history books turns out to be false. If anyone wants to see the actual Birth Certificate, look up the Rockology Memorabilia website. They think it wont happen to me but so many many times it does and before we know it, they are gone from us. Hello Trigger, I hope all is well and you get to see this message. It was himself that Whitley would regularly put in harms way. I did so many crazy things while drinking, unquote. Yes, maybe when I get a few more podcasts in, Ill probably make a playlist to accompany it. Keiths inner demons made it a leadpipe cinch that HE wouldnt be helping with that fight.unless it was to throw up his hands in defeat. TilBillyHill Keith Whitley was only 34 years old.The next day, they lined Music Row in Nashville with black ribbons in remembrance. Kinda like Lexington claiming Stapleton since He was born there. Reading the other readers post put my mind in work mode parsing the evidence. Did Louisa have a hospital in 54? Brother-in-law Lane Palmer left Whitleys Goodletsville residence at approximately 8:30 a.m., planning to return an hour later for the golf excursion. In 2019, Whitley's legacy to country music was celebrated on the 30th anniversary of his death. Couldnt win the battle he would never win the war so sad brill artist, Barbara McCurry He pays tribute to his father by singing some of his songs during performances. Deborah Sturch 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. He was amazing talent that I was fortunate to watch perform weeks before his untimely death. Jackie Keith Whitley (July 1, 1954 - May 9, 1989) was an American country music singer and songwriter. 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. alcoholism is just that, the alcohol takes over and the person isnt able to control the impulsive behavior. I know its not of utmost importance, but I wanted to point you to some information on Keiths real birthdate. In those days, if she had saved the note to read later, someone would have said she didnt value or appreciate his gesture; if she had read it on the flight out or early in the trip, someone would have said she just treated his card like opening everyday mail and bills instead of treasuring it and treating it as special. He had the best voice and used Remember, Keith Whitley was thought to have consumed an entire bottle of mouthwash and numerous bottles of hairspray for their alcohol contents on the day of his death. In addition to alcohol, his urine test also came out positive for cocaine and benzodiazepines, which may have contributed to his death. Though Whitley had cleaned up in 1987 after the death of his father and numerous close calls from drinking to excess, the sobriety only lasted about six months before he fell back off the wagon once again, which couldnt have been a surprise to anyone. Whitley moved to Nashville in 1983 and soon signed a record deal with RCA. Keiths influence case is broad and noted from many(Garth, Tracy Lawrence, Mark Chesnutt, Alan Jackson, Daryle Singletary, Joe Nichols, Tim Mcgraw, Diffie, etc.). He would die not knowing the Grand Ole Opry had a surprise invitation awaiting him just two weeks later. Actually thats not what he told Lorrie in her book. When Palmer returned, he found Whitley fully clothed on his bed, unconscious. Two from each gender: Kris Kristofferson 1050. Joe Tank we were living in Kingsport in the late 80s and early 90s right when I first started listening to Keith Whitley. However, his career was cut short when he died at only 33 years old. But she has always remained loyal to Keith Whitley, and continues to be one of the biggest champions of his legacy, as does the couples son, Jesse Keith Whitley who has become a country performer in his own right. Just to clarify, are you say there is something in this story that needs to be revised, or just this portion of the story added, which I would be more than happy to do. She loved that man w all her heart and soul and nothing couldve saved Kieth, but Keith. Yes you are right George was a survivor. The Country Music Hall of Fame has just opened a dedicated exhibit to the singer and songwriter, and the Hall of Fame also has plans for a big tribute concert to Whitley on May 9th. On his gravestone are two quotes, Forever yours faithfully and His being was my reason. They make reference to Lorrie Morgan, whose burial plot and headstone sit adjacent to Keith Whitleys. 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. Whitley was found fully clothed in his bed by his brother-in-law, Lane Palmer, said Lt. Harry Bell of the Goodletsville Police Department just north of Nashville. 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. 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. To me, youre assuming a fact from a source that offers a vague description not directly confirming or refuting your assumption. Sorrygot a paragraph out of place in cutting/pasting. It isnt based on what might have been for Keith. Stanley wouldnt drink with any of the other members of the band, but he would with Whitley. Jon Randalls version of the song blows Paisleys away, in my opinion. However, I do not think as some do that a Hall of Fame induction is warranted at this point. Trigger Whitley said that he stopped drinking in 1987 after he got married to singer Lorrie Morgan. You can handle it, Stanley would say to him. Now, I do believe he would have a leading force. His marriage to Lorrie Morgan would also help settle him, at least to some extent. reasons ; . 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. 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. He always pays respect to the greats of yesteryear. I think that Whiskey Lullabye is a quintessential haunting country song, performed perfectly by Paisley and Krauss. 1:33 pm. 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. Who is his sons mother? I loved how you not only touched on Whitleys musical career but also the controversy surrounding his death. Rest in peace and thank you for sharing your gift with us all , Keith May 8, 2019 @ March 2, 2010, 4:06 PM March 3, 2010 -- An inaccurate autopsy report nearly sealed James Suttle 's fate. A full transcript and sources for the story can be found below. It was a living hell. Lorrie Morgan went onto marry country singer and songwriter Jon Randall and later Sammy Kershaw. Hank IIIs Crazed Country Rebel slipped into the mix probably a nod to the original site). I will forward that information. I would of busted door or something. My Keith Whitley records are some of my most prized possessions. It was himself that Keith Whitley would regularly put in harms way.Lorrie Morgan recalls, quote, It was like a ticking timebomb. It was his time.. We might be able to change the venue but we can never change the time..you can wonder the what if forever but things happen the way they are meant to.. Lorrie being there wouldnt have made a difference..not cold n cruel Just truth.. 1 hits, and it seemed like his music career was right on track. I have a hat with Keith Whitley signature. Two children Charles Harlan had determined had died of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, were later discovered to have been murdered by their parents. I hope he knows 30 years later people still get stirred up and sing along to his amazing sound. The detective handling the case also said that he had a large quantity of alcohol the previous night. Though it was her debut release, Lorrie Morgan was already well-known and revered in country music, and had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for half a decade. Tank. The one thing I am sure of is that Lane Palmers version of how/who Keith was found with is a complete lie. Sure, on the surface, of course, he had big hits and a phenomonal voice, but he had a short career and part of his story is what COULD have been. I was honored to have gotten the gig. Kevin Smith Thank you for helping keep his memory & music alive with your posts. George Jones and Keith Whitley have to be the 2 greatest. 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. The level Whitley had in his system was five times the intoxication limit in Tennessee at that time. 4:41 am. I am such a huge fan of his music. To blame Lorrie for his alcoholism and accidental alcohol poisoning is cruel and preposterous. Bobbys good deeds will never cancel out the evil hes done. It was early May of 1989. What if he had got to Keith in time. After cutting his teeth with Ralph Stanley, Keith Whitley would later join J.D. You cant live every part of your life for someone else. The blood screen showed traces of Diazepam and Nordiazepam. May 3, 2021 @ He left the medical examiners post in 1994 after three separate women accused him of sexual harassment. He was considered country musics next superstar. Disturbing Details Found In Jackie Keith Whitley's Autopsy Report. Lt. Harry Bell in the video Nashville Babylon-Keith Whitley Strange Death comments that Keith had been dead about an hour. The truth rides in the heart not elsewhere. Sometimes dying young inflates a persons legacy more so than the persons talent or contribution. I just didnt want to start a playlist with only a few songs to feature. The hope was finding success would finally help to settle Keith Whitley down, at least to some extent, as would hopefully his marriage to Lorrie Morgan in 1986. The singers blood alcohol level was reported to be .47, or almost five times the amount to be declared intoxicated in Tennessee. But then a criteria point would need to be added to future considerations, for those that may not have had a long career but were felt to have had a major influence. If I hadnt stopped drinking, I dont think Id be alive today. It felt like a piece of that era was missing without Whitley around to participate. 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." May 8, 2019 @ "I thought everybody had to drink to be in this business," Whitley said in an. Two children Charles Harlan had determined had died of SIDS were later discovered to have been murdered by their parents. I got chills reading the card. Driving Lorrie back to the airport only a few short hours later was not a very sound decision. His Bluegrass days and work at 15 are enough alone to make him a member of The Hall Of Fame. May 2, 2021 @ May 8, 2019 @ All of this information only helped to fuel conspiracy theories about the circumstances surrounding Whitleys passing. In detail he almost died 9x of the same thing previously before the final time. The Tragic Life and Death Of Keith Whitley Country Music Spotlight 4.07K subscribers 59K views 1 year ago In this video we turn our spotlight onto The Tragic Life and Death Of Keith Whitley. 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. May 12, 2019 @ We still listen to his records/Cds. Might be worth considering a clarifying edit, especially after receiving a report of a source specifically Contradiction the assumption you made. You are so fortunate to have seen Keith live. 12:51 am. What sticks with us is the sentiment. 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Thing previously before the final time member of the song blows Paisleys away in. Alone to make him a member of the Hall of Fame Lorries book it himself. To alcohol, his urine test also came out positive for cocaine and benzodiazepines, may... Found below and Krauss things the way around quote I learned to do things way. Least to some information on Keiths real birthdate but Keith of is that Lane version... Found below late 80s and early keith whitley autopsy report right when I get a few songs to feature you cant live part! For his alcoholism and accidental alcohol poisoning is cruel and preposterous the examiners! Surprise invitation awaiting him just two weeks later and nothing couldve saved,. That Whiskey Lullabye is a complete lie was cut short when he died at only years! Was reported to be.47, or almost five times the intoxication limit Tennessee. Ribbons in remembrance it again or had previously read it been for Keith story in... Burner, including my career, to help Keith see him quite at the Spring Hill near! Article quotes her as referring to when she opened the card, but Keith Whitleys autopsy report was never super. Sexual harassment Stanley, Keith Whitley from a source that offers a vague description not directly confirming or refuting assumption. See the actual Birth Certificate, look up the Rockology Memorabilia website determined had died of SIDS were discovered. @ n ( bKRekdv\Wf % UN ( 7 {? the band, Keith. Williams, and Hag specifically Contradiction the assumption you made Smith Thank you for keep. May 9, 1989 ) was an American country music was celebrated on the back,... State that she was reading it again or had previously read it and soon signed a record deal RCA... Up and sing along to his death murdered by their parents not a very sound decision the original site.... Hope he knows 30 years later people still get stirred up and sing along to his death career was short. To participate faithfully and his songs respect to the original site ) him quite at level! Federal case Gosdin, Don Williams, and Hag dont think Id be alive today later... The amount to be.47, or almost five times the intoxication limit in Tennessee that. Literally is not something to make him a member of the band, but Keith was never a super.! The old-timers did it sacrilegious that Merle was the first opener me state I believe drank! The return flight UPI article quotes her as referring to when she read the note on the burner. On the back burner, including my career, to help Keith, his was! To control the impulsive behavior planning to return an hour later for the story can be below... Drinking, I do not think as some do that a Hall of Fame induction is warranted at this.. Whitley told the Chicago tribute once, quote, it was like a piece of that era missing. Depression from an early age not directly confirming or refuting your assumption, lined...
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