Keith Whitley-"Don't Close Your Eyes"-1988 (Opry Debut)

Using obscene language will get your comment denied & removed. Don't use it. Show us that you're educated enough to communicate your thoughts without using it. Those of you who have, thank you so much for the heartfelt comments and sharing with us what Keith meant to you. I really feel that 2009 is going to be Keith's year. I just know he's going to find his home either in Nashville or in Renfro Valley (not necessarily in that order). Keith Whitley is not dead, he lives on in us, and we are his voice now. He left the legacy, and we created the legend.

Keith debuts "Don't Close Your Eyes" on stage at the Opry. He is introduced to the audience by the legendary Grandpa Jones.

My eternal gratitude to Troy (waylonhoss), one of my all-time favorite people, for setting me up with the clip... almost 17 years ago.

To those of you who got here from the link on wsmonline.com, http://wsmonline.com/extra/extra07.shtml , welcome! It's an honor to have you!

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[justflem2351]

Not his debut! He grew up in the Opry!

[MAMsMom97]

No, it's not HIS debut, this is where he debuted "Don't Close Your Eyes." I know he's played the Opry before, with Ralph Stanley.

[RomanticBob59]

We miss you Keith...

R.I.P.

Bob & Robby ~ Cole & Parker

4 Romantic Cowboys

[Jamie Murphy]

wonderful singer and songwriter who died to soon..

[brantdeb1]

I will miss you forever, Keith. I have stood at the forefront of depression with my own son and other family members. You will never be forgotten.

[Joanna Backman]

God bless Keith and his struggle with his demons, his death left such a void, i think of him often, he left such a gift behind though for us all.

[melderannetn]

Im so proud of him he still lives on he died the day I was born may 9th 1989 I still listen to his music

[aonmoh8998]

What a wonderful song!!!

[Robert Hall]

No doubt!

[Robert Hall]

And this goes to whoever it was that said that Keith's voice was "cracky". That's just BS. Keith had a "rattle" in his voice. Just to clarify, I consider a "rattle" as a voice when he sings certain words that makes the room you're in "rattle" and he did that..It was his trademark sound, and I really don't think anyone can ever duplicate it. I've been debating for many years as to whether or not to do a cover of this song. Because I know in all my heart, I could not do him justice.

[violetasue]

This song has so many memories.. and the voice just reaches out and fills space with

life.. and love. rest in peace Keith....

[bear ballard]

we seen keith in concert just a week before he passed and when i was on my

way to work and hear this over wsm radio i had tears in my eyes