Jackie Keith Whitley was born July 1, 1955 in Ashland, Kentucky. Keith was the son of Elmer, an electrician, and Bonnie, the editor of The Elliott County News. His siblings were Randy, Dwight, and Mary. Keith began singing as a child. He won a talent contest at four years of age. At age 8, he learned to play guitar. Within a year he was singing on a radio station out of Charleston WV. He attended Sandy Hook High School in Sandy Hook, KY. On April 12, 1986, Keith asked Lorrie Morgan out for the very first time. On April 13th they ate at Wendy’s Hamburgers. On November 22, 1986, Keith married Lorrie Morgan and they remained married until his death on May 9, 1989 in Goodlettsville, Tennessee of alcohol poisoning. He was 33 years old. He had one son, Jesse Keith Whitley, born June 15, 1987.

Awards: Country Music Association: 1989: Single of the Year for “I’m No Stranger to the Rain”; 1990: Best Vocal Collaboration with Lorrie Morgan “‘Til a Tear Becomes a Rose.”
Academy of Country Music Awards: 2013: Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award.

Keith Whitley was known for “Don’t Close Your Eyes” and “When You Say Nothing at All”.