78 Comments. Might have been ? May 10, 2019 @ 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. I am the founder of the Down Home in Johnson City, Tn. It would be one of many close calls for Whitley, including driving his own car off a 120-foot cliff and into a frozen river, walking away that time with a broken collar bone. 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. Obviously Keiths addiction and death cut his career short. It felt like a piece of that era was missing without Whitley around to participate. With Keith that wasnt the case. May 11, 2019 @ 12:43 pm. 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. 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." John Denver But Whitley has always treated Lorrie Morgan well. May 8, 2019 @ Kevin Smith Maybe the most soulful of all country music`s young neo-traditionalists, Keith Whitley-who died Tuesday of alcohol poisoning-was the product of both a region and a musical mindset in which the. Who is his sons mother? Wow. May 3, 2021 @ I think the interview is pretty clear when she opened the card, but I agree theres also some ambiguity there. Carson and Keith had flown home from Texas, while the rest of the band took the bus back. jimincincy Influence, impact, and significance can be subjective and do not always equate with popularity (#1s, album sales, awards, charted singles or records). 11:43 am. In this April 30, 2019, photo, Lorrie Morgan poses with her son, Jesse Keith Whitley, left, and adopted daughter Morgan Whitley, right, at the Keith Whitley exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tenn. Keith Whitley seemed destined for greatness, but his life was cut tragically short at the age of 33 because of his alcohol addiction. EXCEPT I would put Waylon Jennings instead of Jamey Johnson. 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. Most states require a written request for the autopsy report. 3:04 pm, Hello Trigger. Lorrie admits that Keith was found dying in another ladies arms. He would die not knowing the Grand Ole Opry had a surprise invitation awaiting him just two weeks later. I feel in my own heart I kept Keith alive a lot longer because I was there all the time. (Kind of like whether the lyrics to The Dance say could of when they should say could have. Ultimately, the writer writes from their perspective. Deborah Sturch Stay Safe. My work requires carefully analyzing what a person says. 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. After Keith Whitley's death, Lorrie Morgan, shown with her husband Jon Randall, went on to become one of country music's most popular singers. Photo by Associated Press Spokane, Washington Est . In a couple of weeks, Keith Whitley was scheduled to be asked to join the Grand Ole Opry himself, and was riding high off of his 3rd consecutive #1 single, Im No Stranger To The Rain, which had topped the Billboard country charts three weeks prior. I was surprised to learn Paisley hadnt written Youll Never Leave Harlan Alice, though it explained the Kentucky location instead of his (and my) native WV. Thank you for this picture of a truly great artist and such a tragic story. Gone to soon!! 19/02/2023 . Hope it makes sense. This is story of the tragic life and death of Keith Whitley who died at the age of 34 due to alcohol abuse, and the conspiracy theories that surrounded it, told through the eyes of his widow Lorrie Morgan. She insists to this day that Keith never said a negative word to her, or raised his voice at her during the entirety of their marriage. His influence on a long line of country artists is undeniable. Palmer stated when he came into Keiths bedroom, Keith was alone, fully clothed and still alive. That woman worshipped the ground he walked on and did everything she could to save him. Episode #1: The George Jones Drug TapesEpisode #2: John Prine & The Perfect Country & Western SongEpisode #3: Charlie Rich BURNS John Denver Episode #4: The Mafia, and the Toby Keith & Rascal Flatts Restaurants. King Honky Of Crackershire 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. 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. Whitley was considered country musics next superstar. Still have her Something in Red CD, along with a few of Keiths. I myself have been onstage with the biggest names in the business. 7:59 am. First let me state I believe Keith drank himself to death. Kevin Smith Keith was from Sandy Hook, KY. Its there that the statue of him resides. I have seen the birth certificate and passport that shows he was born in 1954. Examples include I Never Go Around Mirrors, Honky Tonk Heart, and the entirety of the Somewhere Between album (which was later re-released under the title Sad Songs and Waltzes. But, pieces like this one are what grab my heart and stick with me. Great podcast. A legend gone too soon. Wow, Marc Cohen Never knew about this connection until your comment. Its still happening today. It didnt take a stretch of the imagination to believe a country music singer had drank himself to death, especially Keith Whitley. I was on pins and needles when he was on the road.. Keith had asked me after a show one night if I thought I could maybe help him get a record deal. 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. Normally I dont get involved anymore and just let the egos have there way, but just felt the record should be set straight from a historical perspective and plus it looks like some of these fans would enjoy it. However, Lorrie Morgan and the Whitley family have never publicly disputed the finding that alcohol poisoning was ultimately responsible for Keith Whitleys death. I always pause when some think of potential rather than the actual for HOF criteria. Trigger 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. think maybe he was born in Ashland hospital? throughout the next decade? Here is the article: https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/05/26/Lorrie-Morgan-talks-about-late-husband-Keith-WhitleyCountry-Music/5484612158400/. She was mostly a live performer early on, appearing on the Opry, and performing on tour opening for the likes of The Chieftones and Jack Greene, and singing backup for George Jones. I hope his soul is at peace. 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. Keep in mind cocaine was quite taboo back then. Death Controversy. According to reports, he was found dead after a weekend of drinking, per Taste of Country. I think Justin Timberlake or Hugh Jackman would be great to play him. TilBillyHill May 12, 2019 @ 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. None of us are immune. May 8, 2019 @ Lt. Harry Bell in the video Nashville Babylon-Keith Whitley Strange Death comments that Keith had been dead about an hour. with feet the ground and the knees bent. (That said, I see the irony that I might have brought up a potential critique no one lobbedmuch as I thought I saw a post taking issue with her not reading until flight home). But Morgan's . He had so much to live for at the time. I didnt hear anything to that effect here. 10:59 am. Arent there other theories that Lori Morgan was responsible in some way ? All I know is we lost a damn fine voice. But that is not the criteria that should be considered KWs case. 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. Tank. Coming from a bluegrass background, his lonesome singing style was influenced by the Stanley Brothers & Lefty Frizzell. It does not directly state that she was reading it for the first time. I only saw videos of his concerts. It isnt based on what might have been for Keith. I personally would like to think the latter wouldve happened for Keith, and that he couldve at least stuck around as long as Alan Jackson, if not George Strait. Charles Harlan had also been giving false testimony in trials for many years. Jon Randalls version of the song blows Paisleys away, in my opinion. May 2, 2021 @ The details on the request, as well as the address for the request and the request form, can be found on the website of your state's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and/or coroner's office. But what about the many that have been? At just 34 years old, Whitely succumbed to his alcohol abuse, dying in his bed of alcohol poisoning, with a blood alcohol level of .47. Thanks so much for posting.The article well written and very accurate. (As I wrote this, The Dance player in my mind, along with Im No Stranger to the Rain, Brotherly Love, I Wonder, Do You Think of Me, and some of Lorries songs. Stanley wouldnt drink with any of the other members of the band, but he would with Whitley. I just dont see him quite at the level of the other guys. 11:57 am. It hurts to think about what might have been. 2:47 pm. Required fields are marked *, Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail. If the powers think his accomplishments are justified, no argument from me on that. TilBillyHill I have spent way too many hours researching Keiths life and death. 1 spot on record charts. He had just finished up his fourth studio album called I Wonder Do You Think of Me. Keith Whitley was only 34 years old.The next day, they lined Music Row in Nashville with black ribbons in remembrance. I know that Keiths age when he passed has been debated in the past. She might have just been saving it for that moment anyway. SImply saying that if we go down the road of inducting someone for what they would have been it is a slippery and subjective slope. Good for him. With the way Whitley was influenced by Carter Stanley in his singing style, it really helped to sell the two young scrappy musicians as the real deal. You cant live every part of your life for someone else. May 2, 2021 @ My husband and I loved Keiths music and his songs. No doubt Keiths vocals put him in rareified air. After cutting his teeth with Ralph Stanley, Keith Whitley would later join J.D. I didnt even know it. unquote. The music world mourned the loss of Whitley, and his wife Lorrie Morgan coped with the loss by recording an album as a tribute to her husband, per Country Music Alley. Keiths influence case is broad and noted from many(Garth, Tracy Lawrence, Mark Chesnutt, Alan Jackson, Daryle Singletary, Joe Nichols, Tim Mcgraw, Diffie, etc.). However Lorrie Morgan and the Whitley family have never publicly disputed the finding that alcohol poisoning was responsible for Keith Whitleys death. May 9, 2019 @ I agree that Lanes account on what happened is very questionable/biased. I am not an after-the-fact fan but was one when he was living as I am sure you were too. May 8, 2019 @ His son is Jesse Keith Whitley. mouths of babes There will always be a lot of unanswered questions. Convict charlie Didnt Garth say he was hesitant on accepting his nomination to the Hall because he believed Whitley should of been in before him? Disturbing Details Found In Jackie Keith Whitley's Autopsy Grunge 2.14M subscribers Subscribe 1.7K 131K views 1 year ago #CountryMusic #Musician Jackie Keith Whitley was well on his way. Before Lorrie Morgan left on her flight, Keith Whitley gave her a greeting card with a note in it. The last minor detail involves the autopsy. I spent a few minutes with him and he was drinking a lot that night and I was so certain that he was going to screw up and ruin his own show but to my surprise he was a hit and put everything he had into the show and left the crowd screaming for more. 12:50 pm. Ive learned to respect a lot of what Garth has to say. To me, hes in the argument for prototypical ideal country baritone. I loved how you not only touched on Whitleys musical career but also the controversy surrounding his death. Too country? Whitley remarked at the time, What business am I in? But the 1985 album L.A. to Miami, which took a bit more of a pragmatic approach put Keith Whitley on the map with songs like Miami, My Amy, Ten Feet Away, and Hard Livin. Though the production of Miami, My Amy was much more contemporary, and the lyrics written by Hank Cochran and Dean Dillon were a little forced, it was the voice of Keith Whitley soaring from the song that spoke to many, and it soon became one of his signature tunes. When I still used Facebook and commented about Charlie Robison (maybe even included the link to your page), the first comment was from a friend who lives in Austin, but had not yet heard about his retirement. It shows in four different places his year of birth being 1954. 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. Whitley released his first solo album titled "Hard Act to Follow" in 1984 but didn't have much success. After seeing Lorrie Morgan off, Keith Whitley began a weekend of heavy drinking. 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. Thanks for researching his actual birthdate. Furthermore, his continued posthumous influence is undeniable. Trigger King Honky Of Crackershire 5:11 am. 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. Whitley and Morgan clearly loved each other but couldnt avoid the inevitable. It has long been speculated that Whitley's death may not have been directly caused by his recklessness or alcoholism, but that he may have been a victim of premeditated misconduct. He died from a lethal ingestion of . He was also used to flirting with danger. I opened a show for Kieth in Fort Worth Tx. If I hadn't stopped drinking, I don't think I'd be alive today. I knew Paisley hadnt written it, but not that one of the songwriters recorded it (or could be found in videos playing it). 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. Jones had his ups and downs over a long life, but was clearly a survivor to form a band with dobro player Jerry Douglas. I love Jamey and respect how he carries on great traditional music. Did Louisa have a hospital in 54? This speaks to the depths of Keith Whitleys addiction. February 2, 2020 @ The lineup includes Darryl Worley, Garth Brooks, son Jesse Keith Whitley, Joe . When You Say Nothing at All, Im No Stranger to the Rain & Dont Close Your Eyes were also amazing vocals from that album. A great artist one cannot doubt. It was early May, 1989. Thank you so much for writing such a great article!! 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. Police had found 23 empty cans of Budweiser at his house, an empty bottle of Scope, and four half consumed bottles of hair spray. Disturbing Details Found In Jackie Keith Whitley's Autopsy Report. Also, Garths recommendation means nothing. May 9, 2019 @ Im afraid to give it to the rest of these boys. unquote. A little jealous of those who went to ETSU for having Carter Fold and Down Home nearby. Since that Tuesday in 1989, Keiths death has been my obsession. Would he have faded sooner than expected in the early 90s like some other 80s artists did (Skaggs, Ricky Van Shelton, Holly Dunn, etc.) RIP. 11:12 am. She loved Keith so much. On Thursday, the 30th anniversary of his death, his family will host a memorial concert at CMA Theater in his honor. ), Diana Clark Also, to potentially sacrifice yet ANOTHER lifelorries, to fight a fight that, lets face it, youre doomed to lose, is pretty stupid. He admitted his problem in an interview, wherein he said, "It was a matter of life and death. His brother in law Lane was an extremely shady character imo. His contributions are many, and lets keep in mind that he had a son, who carried on his legacy, although a legend in his own right. From the moment Keith Whitley embarked on a music career, success followed closely behind. He said at the time, quote, I was drinking and wondering what I was going to do. 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. He was 33 years old. In just a few years, he had gained the legendary status and had charted 19 singles on the Billboard country charts. I was working today; an upholsterer, in my garage and went to my CDs. Where I got the note to Lorrie was an article posted by UPI on May 26th, 1989 where Lorrie was interviewed. The two drank coffee together, and were planning to play a round of golf and have lunch that day. Gay, West Virginia, and happened to walk into the club where they were playing. I would not be disappointed to see KW in the HOF. This is episode #5, not #4. Whitley had been battling alcoholism since he was a teenager. Copy. TORI HONEYCUTT My Keith Whitley records are some of my most prized possessions. Whitley, a rising star of country music, was found dead in bed at his suburban home Tuesday. According to the autopsy performed on Whitley, he had an alcohol level of 0.47 in his bloodstream. Do you have a direct link? Same with the likes of Steve Earle as well as son Justin Townes Earle who took his own life last year. Once when riding passenger in a car and sipping on bootleg bourbon with the driver, they tried to take a curve at 120 mph. What Im wondering is. Not getting into any personal comments here as that has NOTHING to do with whether he should be inducted or not. 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. He put on an outstanding performance. I have said my piece!!! I had never seen the entire note that Keith gave to Lorrie that Sunday afternoon he drove her to the airport. 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