Monday, May 6, 2019

Remembering Keith Whitley, 30 Years Later #MewsicMovesMe

Thursday will be the 30 year anniversary of the day the country music family lost singer Keith Whitley at only 33 from alcohol poisoning. I remember the moment I heard the news on the radio almost as clearly as the devastating Saturday morning Conway's death was announced.


There's a long list of country music stars who have died tragically and untimely due to accidents, but deaths caused by alcohol and drugs aren't nearly as common in the country community as in the rock genre. Had he lived I firmly believe he would've gone on to become one of country's all-time greats. He's considered a legend today even though his career was cut way too short.

It's a freebie week in the Mewsic Moves Me blog hop and we're remembering Keith with two all-time favorites...





A Hard Act to Follow was the title track of Keith's 1984 debut album. Ironically, Conway recorded the song the same year for his By Heart album. (Yes, I can find a way to sneak him into any music post.)



I would be interested to hear your preferred version of the song. I think you probably know mine - everyone takes a back seat to Conway with me!

If Keith Whitley is a "new to you" artist, I hope you've enjoyed our choices and tribute today.


19 comments:

Debbie D. said...

So many stars have died tragically young; such a shame to lose those talents! :( (Also the theme of my 4M post). Keith Whitley (I didn't know about him, so thanks for the introduction) had a nice voice. I'll have to agree with you about Conway on the last song. His vocals are a bit richer. Cheers!

Fr. Tom Fish said...

Not that familiar with Keith, but his voice is so gentle! The housekeeper always liked the country videos that went with some great music. I agree that Conway's voice is deeper and richer. RIP Mr. Keith - Tom x

Cathy Kennedy said...

Melissa,

I don't recall Keith by name but I do remember 'Don't Close Your Eyes'. I think alcoholism affects people across all walks of life. It's sad when someone allows addiction to rule his/her life. This is a tragedy of many people famous or not. :( You're the third blogger today to make reference to substance abuse and death. Thanks for the mewsic share and for joining me on the dance floor. Have a boogietastic week, my friend!

csuhpat1 said...

Not familiar with him but I like his music. Thanks for sharing him with us.

Rene said...

He was a great artist for sure. His version of "When You Say Nothing At All" will always be the best one.

Eastside Cats said...

Jimi Hendrix didn't have to die either, if someone would have been with him to help him roll on his side! With greatness, comes a disconnect with normal life, and I think some great artists cannot make the transition. So sad.

pilch92 said...

I always liked the song, When You Say Nothing At All, but didn't know who sang it. How sad that he died so young.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

He was an exceptional talent, it's so sad to know that he died so tragically.

The Menagerie Mom said...

You know, I don't know that I'd ever heard of Keith Whitley until you mentioned him today. Your post is a wonderful tribute to his memory, and now I'll go listen to some of his music.

Brian's Home Blog said...

Those were all good and we like the one you do too!

Momma Kat and Her Bear Cat said...

There's some connection between deep talent and mental-un-wellness. I've done a lot of thinking about which must come first - but I have a feeling everyone is different. And maybe the common trait of both are deep, passionate feelings that often become too much in what seems like a cruel world too often.

Hairballsandhissyfits.com said...

he had a beautiful voice!!!

Mickey's Musings said...



















It is always sad to see people go before they should.

Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ







Mary B said...

Keith Whitley has such a sexy song voice. Great shares!

Cathy Keisha said...

Heard the name but not the music. I think drugs and alcohol are a problem across all types of music about the same. You just hear more about the rockers. Just meowin'.

Michele at Angels Bark said...

Keith Whitley is new to me and I really enjoyed his music. This might not be the right thing to say to a hardcore Conway fan but when Keith started singing I thought "Hmm, he sounds a lot like Conway Twitty."
Which was cool then down in the post you included a Conway song.
By the way, my preferred artist for "A Hard Act to Follow" is definitely Conway.

I needed some of this kind of music today so thanks!

Michele at Angels Bark

Three Chatty Cats said...

I'm not familiar with Keith Whitley, but it's always sad when someone passes unexpectedly. What a nice tribute to him.

bookworm said...

Why, I wonder, is it that so many talented people, especially in music (but also other areas) find they have to turn to alcohol and/or drugs - sometimes I feel it is almost like a curse. The strange thing about Keith Whitley (this post was my introduction to him) is that I really enjoyed his voice on the first two songs, but on the last song, they didn't seem as good, and I enjoyed Conway's voice more. Still, again - tragic! Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com

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