Should Keith Whitley Be in the Country Music Hall of Fame?
In 2012 when Garth Brooks was announced as an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, he initially tried to turn the distinction down. “Look, I don’t think I deserve this at this time, you know,” Garth said.
Why didn’t Garth believe he deserved a Hall of Fame induction? Because he felt guilty he was going in before the handful of guys that helped pave the way for his eventual success. The first guy that Garth gave credit to for opening up the door for him was Randy Travis. And the second was Keith Whitley.
“Randy Travis cleared the whole way for the 80’s for guys like me and the class of ’89 to come through. He opened all those doors. My generation’s shot at Haggard and Jones was Keith Whitley. Keith needs to be in here.”
And many others agree.
A group named “Induct Keith Whitley into The Country Music Hall of Fame” has started a campaign to try and get the Kentucky-born singer and songwriter who died tragically in 1989 into country music’s most elite class. The group has set up an online petition and is asking Keith Whitley fans to add their voices and signatures in support of the effort.
“He made a giant mark on the music industry, mainly his love, Country Music,” says the organization. “Many well known artist looked to him as one to follow in the foot steps of as they began their Country Music Journey. Many of them still walk their steps one at a time in the music industry and have made their own significant mark on music history, but their steps started in the desire to follow the ones that Keith Whitley had already imprinted firmly into the progressive roots of Country Music,keeping them entwined with the roots of Country Music’s forefathers enabling them to grow into what Country Music is today and shining a promising light on new generations that are still to come into Country Music.”
An online petition already has received over 6,100 signatures (and counting). “We the undersigned, bring together our loud voices in unison for him,” it says. “He still brings us great Country Music, we come to you to give him his rightful, well earned and deserved place in The Country Music Hall of Fame.”
Keith Whitley started in country music as a member of Ralph Stanley’s bluegrass band. In 1988, Whitely had two #1 singles “When You Say Nothing At All” and “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” off the album Don’t Close Your Eyes, and was expected to become a superstar in country music in the coming years. However on May 9th, 1989, Keith Whitley died of what was ruled as alcohol poisoning, and never got to reap the rewards of the career he’d worked to build. He was 34-years-old. Whitley was also married to country singer Lorrie Morgan.
A petition to induct Sammi Smith was also started recently.
The Country Music Hall of Fame is operated by the CMA and announces new inductees every Spring. It is known for being very selective with inductees compared to other Hall of Fame organizations.
July 17, 2015 @ 8:54 am
Probably belongs, but Rosanne Cash should be inducted before him. Cash had 11 #1 country hits in the 80s. And don’t anyone suggest they weren’t country as those hits embraced tradition while also pushing the music forward. She also showed enormous integrity when, at age 35, she abandoned Nashville and country radio in order to follow her artistic vision. By the way, Cash was announced as a new member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday. There now are 16 females in that Hall of Fame out of 199 members. Of the 16, two never wrote a song in their lives. It is ridiculous that KT Oslin is not in there. Four #1s, including three that she wrote alone. She also had a non-chart-topper in ’80s Ladies’ that many women identified with. She was certainly one of the more unlikely country music success stories ever if not the unlikeliest.
To recap: Rosanne Cash for the Country Music Hall of Fame and KT Oslin for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. I am a fan of people like Keith Whitley and Dwight Yoakam but they shouldn’t go into the Hall of Fame ahead of Cash.
July 17, 2015 @ 8:58 am
Roseanne, is that you?
July 17, 2015 @ 9:07 am
No, I am just a sensible music fan. What reason would there be for not voting in Cash? She has more #1’s than many people already in, and smartly abandoned country when radio started going downhill. She would seem to be a slam-dunk choice. The music she makes today is more country than anything on country radio. Forgive her for wanting to push the music and her art forward.
July 17, 2015 @ 9:07 am
My thought is June Carter before Roseanne
July 17, 2015 @ 9:24 am
June’s credentials: One charting single out of 22 released (#27 “A Good Man” in 1971) Four Top 10 singles out of eight released in duet with Johnny Cash; co-writer of ‘Ring of Fire.” I love the Carter Family and live just a few miles down the road from the Carter Fold thanks to them, but those aren’t slam-dunk credentials. Am I missing something?
July 17, 2015 @ 10:42 am
Out of curiosity, who are the two that never wrote a song and how did they get inducted?
July 17, 2015 @ 11:16 am
In the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame the two are Maggie Cavendar (its founder) and Sue Brewer (a generous contributor to struggling songwriters). In the Country Music Hall of Fame they are Frances Preston (first woman to chair the Country Music Association Board and former head of the BMI) and Jo Walker Meador (first female executive director of the Country Music Association). All four were important though not musically talented).
July 17, 2015 @ 12:01 pm
The CMA really likes honoring their own. Just check the Hall of Fame rotunda.
July 20, 2015 @ 10:12 am
Cma isn’t anything without Jo walker meador. It never even is an organization. When she took it over it had only $800 in its bank account. She paved the way for everything we saw going forward.
July 17, 2015 @ 2:14 pm
One thing Rosanne has going for her (aside from being the Man in Black’s daughter) is that her latest albums have been critical smashes. She is “present” the way Jim Ed was last year after releasing his first album in 40 years.
July 17, 2015 @ 3:49 pm
Sorry. Thought this was about Keith Whitley.
July 18, 2015 @ 8:03 am
YES I DID TO!!!
July 29, 2015 @ 1:34 pm
nuts…keith all the way
July 17, 2015 @ 8:55 am
This is such a tough one for me because I absolutely love Keith Whitley and I actually remember where I was when I heard the news of his death. But, I’m not sure that he had a long enough peak to warrant the ultimate honor in country music which is the Hall Of Fame.
If he were to make it I would be very excited but I can definitely see the reasons why he may not make it.
Maybe he will be one of these guys that gets in thirty years from now as an influence or whatever they call it because that may be his more meaningful contribution in the end.
July 17, 2015 @ 10:44 am
I agree with this. I would like to see him get in but I can also see how it might not happen for quite some time.
July 29, 2015 @ 1:34 pm
are you nuts
July 17, 2015 @ 8:58 am
There’s 100 Hall of Fame secret voters. A petition isn’t going to help unless someone knows at least one secret voter and can point the voter to it who in turn shows the other voters. I honestly don’t think the voters look at petition websites.
Do I want to see him in the Hall of Fame? Yes.
I’d sign if I knew it would help, but I don’t think it helps when it comes to possible future Hall of Famers.
July 17, 2015 @ 9:39 am
I think a petition is a good way to help spread awareness and give an outlet for fans to voice their opinions. Is it a sure-fire way to get something done? Of course not. It’s a tool. I don’t see any harm in it, but signees should be aware just because a certain goal is met, nothing is guaranteed.
July 29, 2015 @ 1:51 pm
The number of voters for the Hall of Fame isn’t 100. The number of voters are few and they are secret.The committee is a very small one that decides on the inductions. The number of voters for other awards are 100,but not for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. A petition as well as other ways of getting attention for an artist does matter. It shows a support for that artist. If Keith Whitley is inducted into the Hall of Fame it will though,be because of his talent and that he deserves it. All measures of helping him get there are small compared to the talent that has already earned him that place rightfully.
July 17, 2015 @ 9:04 am
Whitley had five straight #1 singles, two of which were released after his death. That is impressive. Rodney Crowell had five straight #1 singles off the same album in addition to writing a slew of great songs (it is not his fault that country radio hasn’t played his music in recent decades). If you’re talking about a Hall of Fame, you can’t help but discuss who’s enshrinement would be most crucial. Whitley had hits and is considered influential, but I would put Cash and Crowell in before him along with Dwight Yoakam.
July 17, 2015 @ 8:06 pm
Wait? Dwight is not in the Country Hall of Fame? That almost seems impossible.
July 17, 2015 @ 9:25 am
There are far too many others who deserve to be there ahead of him .
I’m a HUGE KW fan .
July 17, 2015 @ 9:36 am
After looking over the list of inductees I would have to say that Keith should not be admitted into the country music hall of fame. Jim mcGuiness is pointing to 5 number ones as a reason but I can point to dozens of country artists with 10 or more number ones (Toby Keith has 20). I think Brad paisley had ten number ones in a row! Anyway, his death was tragic and his music was loved but when you compare him to the accomplishments of others still not in themselves you’ll see he comes up short.
July 17, 2015 @ 10:35 am
It isn’t just about number of hits. You also have to take into account influence, impact, and uniqueness of contribution. What is the influence, impact and uniqueness of Toby Keith? Is he a groundbreaker in any way beyond having some hits? It will take years before that can be discussed. Number of hits is factual; influence, impact, and artistry more subjective. Yet any legitimate hall of fame has to weigh and consider those factors.
In terms of Rosanne Cash (her again), I feel enough time has elapsed to assess her contributions to country music. There are currently 18 female members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. This includes non-musical contributors Frances Preston and Jo Walker Meador along with the Carter Family group and songwriting partnership of Bordleaux & Felice Bryant. Of the other 14, only Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn are performers who have regularly taken part in the writing of their material. That is an alarmingly small number. Rosanne Cash would become the third, and the “sound” of her music helped build a bridge between the Parton/Lynn-penned songs and today’s country music. Of the women not in the Hall of Fame, I can’t think of one more deserving. And 18 women is an embarrassingly low number.
As for Keith Whitley, who are the most deserving males that he should be compared to? Think not just of hit singles but overall contribution to the genre. One obvious candidate would be Hank Williams Jr. Lots of award nominations with a few awards sprinkled in; influential; 10 #1 U.S. country singles and 70 million albums sold worldwide; a lengthy career despite many lesser albums later on. I am not a fan but think he belongs due to his overall impact and body of work during his peak years. What would be the case against him?
July 18, 2015 @ 1:07 am
In a strange way I think you agree with me. I’ve read not only this response but also your other responses on this page and it seems your real objective is to get Rosanne Cash in the Hall of Fame. A noble cause and please don’t let me stand in your way but it still doesn’t justify Keith Whitley as a inductee. I also completely agree with the Hank Jr. suggestion. The only thing I don’t agree with is the argument about the ratio of women to men in the HOF. If the reason Rosanne Cash was inducted into the HOF was because there are not enough women that would cheapen the whole thing. Also, I was not suggesting Toby Keith should be in the HOF but if you think he wasn’t influential, had any impact or was not unique it’s hard to take anything else you say seriously. Go see any local country cover band in any bar in this country and ask them to play Should’ve been a Cowboy. I almost guarantee they will know it. He wrote that and the vast majority of his material. (That goes to your singer/songwriter argument). How did I get sucked into defending Toby Keith?!?!?!
July 18, 2015 @ 10:39 am
I do agree with you. As for Rosanne Cash, the reason I feel she belongs is because she made a tremendous impact on country music. You can’t dismiss that part of that impact has to do with her being a woman. Only two female performing songwriters in the Hall is ridiculous. Thanks to her songwriting she is more influential than someone like Whitley. She was a roots artist who pushed the music forward, as the best roots artists tend to do. Some people think country music shouldn’t ever have any new wrinkles and should stay stuck in the past. I think all music should continue to move forward. It shouldn’t become set in its ways like many fans are.
June 5, 2023 @ 8:07 am
Keith Whitley deserves to be in the hall of fame for the quality of his voice alone. Who cares about #1 hits. His is one of the best ever recorded. Dr. Ralph Stanley knew this before anyone even knew the name Keith Whitley. If my vote mattered I wouldn’t hesitate to vote him in.
July 17, 2015 @ 9:38 am
In short, yes and so should many others. I know from personally interviewing Dr. Ralph Stanley years ago that he held KW in high regard as a performer. While I was chatting with Ralph I asked if he had a favorite version of his bands (post-Carter of course) He answered that he did and give me a CD of he and the Clinch Mountain Boys from when Whitley and Ricky Skaggs were members.
July 17, 2015 @ 9:47 am
hell yes, if solely because of his influence over the years. I play his last two albums constantly.
July 17, 2015 @ 10:04 am
I say he should, and not just on the strength of his #1s. Anyone who Dr. Ralph Stanley holds in regard is worthy, if you ask me. I also think it’s crazy that Ricky Skaggs hasn’t been inducted yet; He has, what, 15 Grammys?
July 17, 2015 @ 10:13 am
If you are looking for a career comparable for Whitley then Patsy Cline might be a fair choice as they both had considerable success and then died at a very young age and Patsy Cline made the Hall about ten years after her death. The one thing in Cline’s favor is that her musical impact seemed to grow after her death while with Whitley once he they ran out of his recordings he sort of became relegated to the past where as Cline seems to live on in the culture.
July 17, 2015 @ 1:43 pm
Aside her talent and lasting impact, the biggest thing in Cline’s favor is gender. It matters, as we know that the country music industry has always and continues to have a bias against women. For Patsy Cline to be the genre’s iconic female voice is huge. Whitley was great but doesn’t have that kind of stature.
July 17, 2015 @ 1:57 pm
Well she’s been in since 1973 so it’s hard to argue that she is being disrespected. My point was more to the issue of having a shortened career due to premature death.
And I’m not a fan of inducting people (whether man or woman) in some effort to make up for some bias. The past is the past and if a performer has the resume to get in then they should get in whether man or woman.
July 17, 2015 @ 4:59 pm
I see your point, but at the same time Patsy Cline is not just an icon because she has a good singing voice. She was a trailblazer for woman in country music, and woman tend to have a more difficult time making it in country music. Check the charts during Cline’s career. Almost all men. Though she didn’t write the songs, Cline offered a different perspective when she came on the radio. She must have been a huge breath of fresh air for both male and female listeners, while also being an inspiration to women who wanted to sing. Her overall impact is enormous and a big part of that has to do with her gender. Patsy Cline was the first female solo artist to be inducted when she and Chet Atkins became the 21st and 22nd members. The only other prior female presence was 1970 inductees the Carter Family. Kitty Wells was inducted in 1976.
Some people are saying Whitley belongs because they like his singing. I do as well, but don’t think he belongs in the Hall just yet as others also need to be considered. I have lots of favorite singers and musicians who aren’t necessarily Hall of Famers as a performers role in the music’s history and evolution also matters. I don’t care much for Hank Williams Jr. but think he belongs in ahead of Whitley.
July 17, 2015 @ 5:11 pm
‘people are saying Whitley belongs because they like his singing. I do as well, but don’t think he belongs in the Hall just yet’
Yep, this is my exact point (see my first post above). I could list a dozen performers that I love but know they aren’t Hall worthy. To name a couple Johnny Rodriguez and Skeeter Davis who I think are top notch but their career outputs fall short of the very elite but that shouldn’t in any way diminish the enjoyment one can get from there music.
‘
July 17, 2015 @ 5:25 pm
The exclusivity is what makes the Country Music and Baseball Halls of Fame. Sometimes I feel they can open things up more, but a Hall of Fame should be difficult to get into. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a joke as they’ve been making questionable decisions for years, just so they can throw a party. Meanwhile the fans still aren’t happy, as everyone wants their personal favorites to get in. Some people just want their tastes validated. The other two halls are different. When I visited the Baseball and Country Music Halls of Fame I felt like I was being touched by history. Both of those places are meaningful and educational. I learned a lot at both places.
July 17, 2015 @ 10:19 am
Here I am again beating the drum for Jerry Lee Lewis but now am thinking that not only will he be dead when he gets in but I probably will be too!
July 17, 2015 @ 10:23 am
There is a large backup of deserving artists right now but the Hall’s turn toward exclusivity is going to mean quite a few will be dead by the time they get inducted.
July 17, 2015 @ 10:20 am
If we’re talking great TRADITIONAL artists who died far too young, then Stringbean and Wendy Holcombe are equally deserving because both were fantastic. Stringbean had the credentials, he played will Bill Monroe before Earl ever did. BUT Keith Whitley worked for Ralph Stanley alongside Skaggs, I really think he payed his dues and played enough of a role to deserve the induction, but I don’t think he’s more deserving than Stringbean, and keeping in mind Freddy Fender still isn’t it, nor, if I’m not mistaken, is Don Walser. We really need to clean up some of the back log, but doing that costs the hall some of prestige, since it’s so exclusive.
July 18, 2015 @ 10:30 am
I know of Don Walser and interviewed him many years ago. He does not belong in the Country Music Hall of Fame. What could possibly be his credentials?
July 17, 2015 @ 10:26 am
Yes, without a doubt. Although his career was cut short, his influence on the genre cannot be overstated. The way I see it, he was the precursor to the Class of ’89 and without him, the traditionalist movement that came with that group doesn’t happen. His career may have been short lived compared to the other modern legends, but his impact and legacy may be bigger than all of them. However, I think there are definitely some others who deserve to be in before him (Alan Jackson, Hank Jr., Randy Travis to name a few).
July 17, 2015 @ 10:44 am
As a huge Keith Whitley fan my heart says yes. These petitions have been circling around since the Yahoo fan group was in its prime. However without some bigger renewed interest and some notable push from other hall members I don’t ever see it happening.
July 17, 2015 @ 10:46 am
Short prime or not, I don’t know a single Keith Whitley hit that hasn’t transcended time. That voice, coupled with the emotional haymaker songs he cut, make him very worthy, imo.
July 17, 2015 @ 11:07 am
Keith’s music touched and Still touches peoples lives today in a way that cannot be described. It is his music above other’s mentioned in prior posts on this page that new artist’ use to get on and stay on talent shows. It is his music lover’s use to romance the one close to their hearts, it is his music that when a first few notes are played people already know the song that’s gonna be played. Keith Whitley’s life was music and he put his music into millions of lives and hearts and still do. Yes .The Country Music Hall of Fame is where Keith Whitley should be.
July 17, 2015 @ 11:26 am
I don’t care how many albums he put out, or how many #1’s he had. Based off of vocal talent alone, he is probably one of the 5 greatest country music singers ever. In my opinion, the 3 greatest country music voices ever are 1)Jones – easily the best. Had the vocal range, phrasing, style, and most importantly more soul than any other country music singer ever. 2)Vern Gosdin – As Tammy Wynette once said, “he is the only other singer that can hold a candle to George Jones.” Vern also should be in the hall of fame. 3) Keith Whitley – natural smooth baritone and could convey emotion better than anyone, except maybe Jones and Gosdin. He may have not had the vocal versatility of Jones, but I highly doubt this world will ever hear a better natural country music singer than Keith Whitley
July 17, 2015 @ 11:41 am
What’s interesting about the legacy of Keith Whitley is the (sorry to say this) timeliness of his death. The sound of country music changed so much in the early 90s that there’s no telling what direction his career would’ve moved.
Traditional country singers like Randy Travis, Paul Overstreet (a prime example), Vern Gosdin, Ricky Van Shelton, even George Jones and Conway, struggled to match their 80s successes once the 90s boom hit. Not to say it was impossible: ie. Mark Chesnutt, Alan Jackson can attest to that (though they debuted as part of the next wave).
July 17, 2015 @ 11:49 am
Well Randy Travis kept going for awhile into the 1990s maybe not at his eighties pace but still pretty good. But I think the most optimistic take is that Whitley could have bridged the divide like George Strait who is also cited as a big influence of the next generation of male singers.
Plus some of those pushed aside were because of age (Jones, Twitty, Pride, Don Williams) as the genre went on a youth kick and I think Whitley was young enough to have survived that.
July 17, 2015 @ 11:41 am
I’m a part, of this group to induct Keith whitley. It’s long past time. Please y’all go over and sign the petition 🙂
July 17, 2015 @ 11:48 am
Hi! First i will say Keith Whitley should have been in Country Music Hall Of Fame for many years ago! His influence to country music have been big! And it’s unfair he is not in there. Keith probely had the best country voice ever been!!
July 17, 2015 @ 12:24 pm
Keith Whitley continues to influence young and aspiring singers to this day. There will never be another like him.
July 17, 2015 @ 12:29 pm
Well i cant really see why anyone would disagree about this
July 17, 2015 @ 12:48 pm
As a radio professional and someone who has spent many years programming Country Music, there is no doubt in my mind that Keith Whitley should most definitely be in the Country Music Hall Of Fame. He contributed so much to the industry and his vocal ability in incredible. Yes, Keith Whitley should be inducted and it is long overdue!
July 17, 2015 @ 12:52 pm
1000% yes. For a guy whose influence can be heard from Garth to Sturgill… thats a wide-assed swath right there… Not to mention best country singer since Jones, as well as a deep and passionate love for country music.
July 17, 2015 @ 1:14 pm
Absolutely.
Here’s another great single, one that I am proud to own:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jUICUbKZoI
Most importantly, Keith Whitley was one of the key founders of the neo-traditional movement that led to what I would argue is the greatest sonic period in country music history.
July 17, 2015 @ 1:40 pm
Whitley and about a hundred other people deserve the accolade — well ahead of Toby Keith and Kenny Chesney, who will both be in within the next ten years. Rosanne also gets my vote, as would a number of other women: Rose Maddox, Wanda Jackson, Skeeter Davis, Lynn Anderson, Dottie West, Sammi Smith, Tanya Tucker, Mary Chapin Carpenter, maybe Jessi Colter and Bonnie Owens, just to get the list started…
On another note, I am glad for this thread because I teach a college class on country music and have been thinking about having my students start writing essays proposing new members to the Hall of Fame. This will be a good place to steer them for some ideas!
July 17, 2015 @ 2:42 pm
Dusty, sounds like a fantastic idea for your class as they will have to consider various criteria. Interesting that you mention Sammi Smith as I was thinking about her a lot yesterday. Most of my adult like I have considered Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” as country music’s greatest single (I am a nerdy list maker who has my own Top 100). Just yesterday I changed it Sammi’s rendition of “Help Me Make it Through the Night.” I am a fan of hers. Odd how little commercial success she had. Out of 43 singles, just three cracked the Country Top 10; two peaking at 9 and 10 plus “Help Me Make it Through the Night.” I think she was fabulous despite the lack of hits.
Any Sammi Smith admirers are urged to check out The Delines, a band that is essentially alt-country band Richmond Fontaine but with Damnations TX member Amy Boone on lead vocals. Songwriter Willy Vlautin says their ‘Colfax’ album from last year was made with Sammi in mind. The albuj just oozes soul. The band is never in a hurry and never gets too loud. It’s slow-burning country soul and my favorite album of 2014. Here is a listening link.
http://thedelines.bandcamp.com/
July 17, 2015 @ 2:13 pm
I would like to see florida/georgia line inducted. (just kiddin)
July 17, 2015 @ 2:25 pm
The Hall of Fame has already made itself illegitimate, and will become more illegitimate with each passing year.
Of course Keith deserves to be inducted, but since induction doesn’t mean anything anymore, it won’t matter much if he gets in or not. He’ll always stand as one of the greatest stylistic singers in the history of Country Music.
July 17, 2015 @ 8:12 pm
Clint, if you’re going to make inflammatory statements, you might explain yourself instead of relying on generalities. I’m not saying I disagree, but what events exactly are you referring to in regards to the Hall? I mean, it can’t be as bad as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with their ridiculous snubs and tendency to induct artists that are an arm’s length from rock.
July 18, 2015 @ 10:55 am
AD,
I would’ve thought my comment was more “populist”, than “inflammatory”, but I’ll explain.
They have a track record of bad decisions: inducting people too soon, inducting people too late, inducting people that don’t ever belong, leaving people out that obviously belong.
The most obvious example is the induction of the ‘King of Rock & Roll’. From my perspective, and that of many others, Elvis paved the way for the destruction of Country Music. Country Music gave up a little bit of itself as a reaction to Elvis, which opened the door for anything, and eventually led to what we have now. It was a pure PR move to fit in with the cool kids. It would be like inducting Hitler into the Jewish Hall of Fame (please don’t get dramatic and accuse me of calling Elvis a Nazi; it’s just an analogy). The Hall has also inducted The Everly Brothers.
Then I would point to the fact that the Hall waited until the 90’s, even the late 90’s and early 2000’s to induct legends from the 50’s and 60’s: i.e. Webb Pierce, Ray Price, George Jones, Buck Owens, and more. They still haven’t inducted poor ol’ Johnny Horton, and at this point they probably never will.
They inducted Garth Brooks, who did as much to hurt Country Music as he did to help it.
They seem to play favorites with people who were part of the CMA.
These are just a few things; I could’ve written a response three times as long, but I think you get the point.
July 18, 2015 @ 11:37 am
Interesting thoughts about Elvis. From what I know, Elvis was in country music for only a few years before he left to revolutionize pop.
On the one hand, he left a permanent legacy in country music of artists including boogie woogie tunes (rather annoying, in my opinion) in nearly every album. On the other hand, one could argue that the entire Nashville Sound served as a backlash to rock n roll, primarily devised to attract jazz fans who were disillusioned with the new style of pop. It was analogous to country music from the 90s up until 2011, which maintained a soft rock sound that attracted many classic pop fans who were disillusioned with rap-based sound (such as myself).
July 19, 2015 @ 7:02 pm
Clint, I don’t consider your opinions to be populist because you’re quite literally the only person I’ve ever interacted with that harbors such an insular opinion of country music. Nothing wrong with that per se, but phrasing your statements like you’re speaking for the majority is a tad ironic. I understand your reasoning behind distaste for the Hall, however, now that you’ve explained it to me.
I suppose you’ll flip when they inevitably induct the Eagles?
July 20, 2015 @ 9:32 am
No. I won’t flip, because it doesn’t matter anymore. Bad decisions are the expectation now. They’ve made it clear that they have an agenda, so they’re dead to me.
You really think my opinions are insular? How do you figure? I disagree.
July 20, 2015 @ 8:48 pm
I didn’t mean “insular” to be “ignorant” or invalid, it’s just that you think of country music as one type of music and only the kind YOU like. I’m not really one for subgenres or the ridiculous lines they cause music fans to draw, but there’s a LOT of country music that doesn’t sound like Roy Acuff or Johnny Horton that’s still very much country. Ever heard of Red Dirt? Americana also has a lot of music I’d call country, particularly certain songs by one Jason Isbell (even if I think his latest music is more rock-oriented) and the Civil Wars. I understand that you consider country to be the music of your life, but it doesn’t have to be “traditional” to be country necessarily. And no, I’m not hopping into the “evolution” boat. Willie Nelson isn’t exactly traditional but he’s country. That’s what I mean. The Grateful Dead is a rock band, but as Trigger points out their two 1970 albums Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty are both very country. Heck, for all intents and purposes Marty Robbins’ most famous material wasn’t “traditional,” so is he not country?
You also act like anyone that gets popular that isn’t traditional causes irreparable damage. Maybe so, but it’s not necessarily Elvis’ fault that country wanted a piece of his pie. Same with rap and hip hop. It’s the industry’s power to do what they want with their puppets. I also feel like you judge many artists more as names than based on their work. For instance, Blake Shelton used to make some fairly country music. However, I doubt you’ll seek out any recommendations because you don’t like HIM. I don’t like David Allan Coe’s character, but I’m not going to label his music based on his asshole demeanor. Granted, he’s never sold out as hard as Blake, but by the same token just because someone sells out doesn’t necessarily invalidate everything they’ve ever done. Sometimes they come back, sometimes it’s not even “selling out.” You mentioned having lost respect for Vince Gill for backing up Taylor Swift. Well, Billy Joe Shaver cut a song with Big & Rich in 2006. Is he suddenly blacklisted, too? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeJ4kp1AwY4
July 21, 2015 @ 6:51 am
AD,
You’re premise is that I believe Country is only one specific sound, that only I decide. Then you immediately contradict yourself by bringing up two singers I like who are completely different from each other. Also, you seem to have forgot the discussion we had a few weeks ago about how great the 90’s were.
I don’t think you’ve got a leg to stand on with this argument. I do hold to a strict definition of what Country is, but there is a lot of variety within that definition.
July 21, 2015 @ 11:29 am
Pardon me, then. I hadn’t forgotten our discussion about the ’90s, I thought you considered that era mostly traditional at the outset. I suppose I’m just a tad off-put by your negativity every now and then, which informed the “insular” statement. I know you’ve said that you mainly comment to vent, but you never seem to make your way to anything other than articles about pop country crimes or perceived mistreatment of older acts (like Keith Whitley). I always look for comments by you on other articles, such as Trigger’s reviews of Jason Isbell, Alan Jackson and Ronnie Dunn’s new single in the last few days, but never find anything. Come on, man, there has to be more than one way to circumvent your disillusionment with modern country music. There’s plenty of good stuff still out there, some traditional and some not, but it’s like you willingly torture yourself with the bad stuff.
July 18, 2015 @ 3:09 am
What’s wrong with the Hall of Fame? If anything, they have been overly tight in accepting members, not overly loose.
July 18, 2015 @ 9:54 am
The RRHOF is a joke. No Warren Zevon, no Joe Cocker, no Chicago, No Dire Straits, no Doobie Brothers, no Jim Croce, but the Beastie Boys, Joan Jett and Madonna are in…. laughable if not so sad
July 18, 2015 @ 10:29 am
Chicago and the Doobie Brothers aren’t snubs. They don’t belong. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s problem isn’t snubs (though Wynonie Harris should have been in a long time ago, it’s that they’re beginning to appease fans by putting in classic rock radio acts that have nothing to do with rock ‘n’ roll. It seems as if every time someone complains about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they then turn around and suggest an artist that doesn’t belong. Chicago? No way.
July 19, 2015 @ 8:02 am
Why wouldn’t Chicago belong? They enjoyed a massive string of hits in the late 70s and throughout the 80s.
July 21, 2015 @ 7:12 am
Eric, my feeling is that the late 70s is when Chicago seemed to abandon any semblance of rock and roll for pop/adult contemporary, at least by what I heard on rock radio.
I bought my first real album in 1976. My friend Richard bought his around the same time. Mine was Led Zeppelin’s fourth album (aka IV, Zoso – the album with Stairway to Heaven) and his was Chicago’s Greatest Hits. It consisted of their big radio hits up to that point. Still, it was a great album with some great rock and roll on it (e.g., 25 or 6 to 4, Beginnings, Feeling Stronger Everyday). The first single from the next studio album they put out was If You Leave Me Now, which bored the hell of me and I never heard another Chicago song on the radio that did anything for me, especially from a rock and roll perspective.
July 17, 2015 @ 2:43 pm
I feel like it’s way over due that Keith Whitley be inducted into The Country Hall Of Fame. Keith’s voice was inspirational to so many other Country Artist. He sung his songs with great compassion because he loved music. Keith’s songs are still played every where you go. He is a Country Legend. I listen to a lot of music and there is always someone trying to sing his songs that’s what he left behind a wonderful voice that inspires other Country Artist. Keith Whitley music will live on for a very long time it already has and it will continue to live on. He had so many fans because one he was a wonderful person with a big heart and he loved his fans as much as his fans loved him. Keith Whitley never forgot where he came from and how he got to where he got in the music industry.
July 17, 2015 @ 3:06 pm
Could someone post a KW tune that cooks? Everything I’ve heard of his falls under the 80’s sappy ballad category.
July 17, 2015 @ 4:18 pm
What is your idea of something that cooks? By and large, much of the best country music is introspective. Like soul music, much of it is not loud or even dancy. That’s why songwriting is such a huge part of it.
July 17, 2015 @ 4:48 pm
So…..does he have anything that cooks or not? You know what I mean smartass.
Can’t something boogie woogie and still be introspective and well written?
By the way, a big part of country music IS “loud and dancy” mixed in with the slow sad stuff. If you’re only playing sad slow material, then you’re missing out.
Listen to a live ET show, he’ll back me up
July 17, 2015 @ 5:02 pm
http://youtu.be/uf5VJyNejR0
http://youtu.be/ydeOzBdg7tg
July 18, 2015 @ 3:18 am
There are many options between “sad and slow” (which I love, by the way) and boogie woogie. There is happy and slow, for example. And then you can have songs that are both dancy and melodic, like this one from Ashley Monroe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRy7nZFTO24
July 17, 2015 @ 11:49 pm
Here is you one…..
https://youtu.be/g4H9vShRtAI
July 17, 2015 @ 3:22 pm
What can I say that hasn’t already been said. Only because I had just started to listen to country music until 1988 & We don’t get the great music in Canada that they have in the States, I never heard the name “keith Whitley ” until He had passed. Now every time you hear someone say who they were influenced by, It’s keith. He’s touched so many people in His short time. Most of the “new country” music artists now couldn’t carry keith’s guitar for Him. A voice like His is rare. It’s nothing short of wrong that He’s not already in the hall of fame. It’s time to make it right…………….
July 17, 2015 @ 3:57 pm
I believe Keith Whitley belongs in the country music hall of fame. My reason, Its not about how many # 1 hits you have. Its about opening up doors & laying the ground work down for song writers & their marks they made in the country music world. I signed & I hope a massive amount of people sign. Remember the “Basis” on how you “earn” the right to get into the Country Music Hall Of Fame. Please sign. Thank you & God Bless!
July 17, 2015 @ 3:58 pm
YES!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.
July 17, 2015 @ 4:10 pm
Listening to him right now. What a voice. Not too many like him. Yeah, he should be in.
July 17, 2015 @ 5:08 pm
Can we finally induct Tanya Tucker, PLEASE?
July 17, 2015 @ 5:48 pm
I apologize for being off topic here, but am I the only one who notices that aside from sounding like Waylon that Sturgill Simpson’s voice is very reminiscent of both Randy Travis and Keith Whitley?
July 17, 2015 @ 5:54 pm
Sturgill names Keith Whitley as one of his primary influences. They’re both Kentucky boys. I’ve always thought he’s trying to sound like Keith Whitley, but when he opens his mouth, Waylon comes out. Probably not a bad ailment to have. At least it’s worked for him thus far.
July 17, 2015 @ 6:03 pm
I have no doubt in my mind that had Keith Whitley lived, he would have been right up there with George Strait, Alan Jackson, Randy Travis and Clint Black as an artist that someone would credit for “saving” or carrying on the flag of country music. Whitley’s success would have continued from the 80’s on into the 90’s ala George Strait. I would venture to guess that as he aged to his music would have only gotten better, ala Alan Jackson.
Whitley is clearly an artist on the cusp of induction, but if it were up to me, I would induct him into the Hall; not only for what he did, but what he would have likely become.
July 17, 2015 @ 6:08 pm
I won’t complain if he ever makes it in but due to his short career I don’t see him being considered for a while yet, there’s just too many great artists who are waiting their turn who were just as or more influential than Keith. He’s on my list of eventuals but it’s not his turn yet in my mind.
My personal votes are for David Houston, Alan Jackson or Jerry Lee Lewis for male, and Tanya Tucker, Lynn Anderson and Rose Maddox for female, just for the record.
July 17, 2015 @ 8:19 pm
I don’t know, if Nirvana can get into the Rock Hall in their first year of eligibility and with only three studio albums, I don’t see why Whitley couldn’t make it. Granted, the Country Hall has a bit more integrity than the Rock Hall, but both artists are in similar boats.
July 18, 2015 @ 10:18 am
Nirvana popularized a whole new sub-genre and brought it to the masses almost singlehandedly the way I’ve always heard it. (Not a big rock fan here so I don’t know the history thoroughly.)
Keith Whitley on the other hand was one of a group of artists who brought in the New Traditionalist sound, none of his contemporaries who were just as important as him in this movement have been inducted yet so that’s the difference I see between the two.
I again say he should be in eventually, but Randy Travis, Dwight Yoakam, Ricky Skaggs, and others like Alan Jackson should make it before hand if only because they were lucky enough to have longer careers and more influence in the genre, imo. Keith was really important, and I’d definitely think he should be in before we consider people like Toby Keith or Tim McGraw, but there’s stronger candidates at the moment.
I will also say I’m changing my David Houston vote for a Johnny Paycheck vote because I always forget and am shocked he’s not in yet.
July 19, 2015 @ 7:07 pm
The problem being that that’s the popular opinion, but it ain’t the truth. Firstly, grunge didn’t “invent” anything; it was a repurposing of 1970s rock and punk with much simpler compositions and a bunch of propaganda. Secondly, Nirvana basically copied fellow grunge pioneers the Melvins and Mudhoney, whilst they were only one of the “big four” that made grunge palatable to the mainstream along with Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice In Chains. So not at all unlike Keith Whitley, or at least as far as the actual artist is concerned. If we begin digging into the revisionist history of the “fans,” that’s where things get hazy.
On another note, glad I’m not the only one that’s for Johnny Paycheck 🙂
July 17, 2015 @ 8:17 pm
Trigger, how come Whitley isn’t already in? Is there any specific reason that’s been posited or have the stars simply not aligned? Also, given your knowledge of the genre and its history, where do you think Whitley might be these days if he hadn’t passed away? Obviously he wouldn’t still be on the radio, but perhaps a strong run into the ’00s like Alan Jackson? Or a fade out at the turn of the century like Randy Travis?
I’m for Johnny Paycheck, of course. Much as I dislike his character, David Allan Coe also deserves to be in. Slightly different note, but since you’re intimately familiar with Waylon, why did he not attend his induction in 2001? I’m not sure if I’m simply searching the wrong terms but I haven’t been able to find out why.
July 17, 2015 @ 8:45 pm
It’s hard to say where Whitley would be now, but I do think he would have risen with the “Class of ’89” to be considered a big star of the era, similar to how Randy Travis did, just a few years ahead of him. He was on such a winning streak when he died, I can’t see it going any other way.
For Keith Whitley to get in, Randy Travis has to get in first. That’s how I see it. And Rickey Skaggs is right there beside Keith in my depth chart. Not saying that’s who I would vote for, but who I think will get in. Right now the Modern Era has a massive glut at the top. Skaggs, Tritt, Travis, Whitley, Yoakam, and now you have Brooks & Dunn, and even Toby Keith and Kenny Chesney coming up behind them, and only one name to pick per year.
July 17, 2015 @ 8:59 pm
And Alan Jackson should be next in line.
July 17, 2015 @ 9:03 pm
Yes, another modern name that seems ridiculous is not in. It’s a massive glut, and I feel a few names are going to have to tick off before Whitely gets his rightful chance. But I do think he should be in, and I think he probably will be with big supporters like Garth and others.
July 17, 2015 @ 9:11 pm
My order of the modern men for nomination:
1) Alan Jackson
2) Randy Travis
3) Ricky Skaggs
4) Dwight Yoakam
5) Keith Whitley
6) Travis Tritt
7) Brooks & Dunn
And I don’t consider Hank Jr modern but they may and he should be in ahead of all these guys except Jackson.
July 17, 2015 @ 11:55 pm
Alan Jackson is a choise for the Hall in the future but did you know Alan Jackson was ON a talent show that Keith WAS a judge on? Nashville Star? So Keith was judging talent of those in line for the Hall now.
July 19, 2015 @ 7:24 pm
Scotty j, where does Clint black come in on your list? Just wondering.
July 19, 2015 @ 7:32 pm
Jackie,
Forgot about Clint Black I would probably put him between Whitley and Tritt. It’s forgotten because of his total disappearance from the scene but by some metrics Clint Black was the fourth most successful radio act of the 1990s behind Garth, Strait and Jackson so I would say he will be in the conversation eventually.
His nearly non existent presence these days despite being relatively young is a puzzler. Keeping your name out there has to help with this kind of stuff and is certainly an obvious problem for Keith Whitley.
July 17, 2015 @ 9:12 pm
I am personally in on the push for Keith Whitley and yes there are petitions going around we were recently in Sandy Hook, Kentucky for an event for Keith and I will say I know why he loved that place. The reason I think he should be in the Hall of Fame is because his motorcycle is there in the Hall of Fame but he is not we need to make right what is a wrong. Keith Whitley had many great songs to name a few I’m No Stranger To The Rain, Don’t Close Your Eyes, Ten Feet Away, Rose Colored Glasses, Kentucky Bluebird. I could go on and on with a list of his songs that were great in my opinion but he does deserve to be in the Hall of Fame and we are doing our best to get him there. We have online Petitions plus the ones we set up with at events and a lot of his fans that love him and his songs have signed it and there is also a lot of Country Artist that are backing this push for him. I do agree that there are many that should be in the Hall of Fame but you have to start somewhere to get them there and that is what we are doing with Keith Whitley My Vote Yes Keith Whitley Country Music Hall of Fame.
July 17, 2015 @ 11:48 pm
Keith Whitley should definitely be in the Hall of Fame.
Trigger, any review coming for Alan Jackson’s new cd? I think the title cut, “Angels and alcohol” should be on the song of the year list.
July 17, 2015 @ 11:57 pm
Yes, it’s coming up shortly. Trying to figure out how best to navigate this new Friday release date and still do justice to the album reviews to post.
July 18, 2015 @ 1:07 am
Keith Whitley is a country music icon he had the gift of making his audience feel his songs. He had an emotional connection to the songs that he sang. When I formed my first band I naturally added three songs of Keith’s 10 feet away ,I’m no stranger to the rain,over you.and the dance floor was packed with all three songs that says a lot for an artist that has been gone for 26 years.please take the time to sign the petition to help get Keith Whitley into the country music Hall of Fame.
Thanks
Don Woods
DW Country
July 18, 2015 @ 7:49 am
There are artists that have hits, and those that who inspire and endure. I’m sure I’m repeating what so many have said but, there are so many artists today who identify KW as their idol & formative inspiration. He deserves to be there. I know R. Cash has a number of hits & maybe it’s just personal taste but as far as a female artist goes, I would argue Crystal Gayle should be considered as she too has an enduring quality. When I think of the hof I worry there are many artists that will be overlooked as country gets farther from its roots.
July 19, 2015 @ 7:24 am
Yes, I am a big fan of Keith’s. I want to see him get into the Hall of Fame and so I signed the petition. I agree there are many artists out there that also deserve to be there, men and women alike. I think the criteria for induction should be for talent and influence on the industry, not how many #1 hits you have or how long you live or died. Keith was an amazing talent. He put his heart and soul into his music and you felt it every time he sang. He sang the songs that my generation fell in love to. He was influential to so many trying to make it in country music that that is the reason so many bands play is music in local bars and venues. They not only love his music, they know that his music, when performed well, will be the songs that get the people on the dance floor. Also in my opinion, there are some already in the HOF that don’t deserve to be there…yet. How is it that it takes so many years to actually get inducted, supposedly because it is hard to get it, that people lie Blake Shelton are already there? What mark did he leave? I like some of his music but I don’t think he has paid his dues yet. So many that are deserving to be there and yet here he is. I will gladly sign all the petitions I can of the ones that I think deserve to be there if anyone cares to send me one. I will not sign because of their gender but I will sign for legitimate reasons. Keith was all about his fans and his fans are all about him. So how did his motorcycle end up in the HOF? I have one. Want to add it?
July 19, 2015 @ 10:40 am
“It was about the song and the singer. I think, if anything, Keith’s legacy has left us that.” – Lorrie Morgan during a TNN interview
That quote always stuck with me. Nice overview of Keith’s life in this special: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Wlq7UfRHijU
Keith Whitley never compromised his sound to fit in with trends. He was deemed “too country” when his first record was released, but he never strayed in order to achieve success. He was completely true to himself and he loved country music so much.
As far as induction into the Hall of Fame, to me it doesn’t matter how how much time he had in the mainstream world, what matters is how he spent that time. He obviously left a lasting impact with his music and I want to believe that future generations will continue to know, to learn, and to love the music of Keith Whitley. An induction to the hall of fame would help preserve that legacy.
July 19, 2015 @ 4:25 pm
I was 9 years old when KW died, at that age a little too young to fully remember him. I bought his greatest hits cassette when I was around 12 or 13 years old and that made me kind of obsessed with the man. Many great songs that were not released, Kentucky Bluebird is one of my favorites of KW’s.
His voice alone is right up there with George Jones and Vern Gosdin (who should already be a HOF). In Keith’s short solo career, he had a strong track record kind of like Hank SR but not as big obviously.
I’ve always said George Strait is my favorite singer, but Keith is a close second, there is no doubt he would’ve had a very successful career and I believe as do others that Keith would’ve given Strait a run for his money.
But that said Randy Travis had a very strong career and blew the doors open for traditional country music in the 80’s but still never put together the career that Strait, Jackson or Reba put together.
Keith is definitely a HOF, in the songs he sings, you can feel the emotion. You can tell he’s lived it. Not many singers have the ability to do that.
July 20, 2015 @ 10:05 am
Torn on this one….
His body of work isn’t very extensive.
There are five straight No. 1s, but a couple of them were after he passed.
Statistically, that makes me wonder if hey would have reached the top of the charts had Keith not died so young.
I kind of look at Whitley as country music’s Thurman Munson.
In all likelihood, Munson would have been in the Hall of Fame conversation in baseball had he not died at age 32.
Same with Whitley for me. He just didn’t get the years in to get to this point.
Was 1988 as good for him as most any year for a lot of inductees? Yep. But that was only one year and you can’t put someone in the Hall of Fame for that.
July 20, 2015 @ 11:45 am
“I kind of look at Whitley as country music”™s Thurman Munson.”
Exactly what I was thinking, the only difference being that Munson should be in given the current threshold level of the Baseball Hall of Fame has become.
I love Whitley and think he needs to be enshrined as one of the all-time greats, but there are many other more-deserving artists who should make it in first.
July 29, 2015 @ 2:06 pm
Do you realize that Keith was on stage at the age of 4? On the radio at age 8? On tour by 15 and in Japan twice? He was a Colonel in Kentucky DUE TO HIS music contributions by the age of 21. So saying his career was short is like SAYING NOTHING AT ALL. Please check your LIFE FACTS before you comment on what you thought was a SHORT career.Keith Whitley was in music for 30 of his 34 almost 35 year life….in most regular jobs a Gold Watch is equal to The Hall of Fame for a Country Artist…..where is Keith’s Gold Watch….at 34 …so YES he should have his place in the Hall of Fame.
July 30, 2015 @ 4:01 am
Not to discount the accomplishment, but being a Colonel in Kentucky and 65 cents might get you a cup of coffee in Tennessee.There are plenty of home-state darlings, who did not enjoy the prolonged mainstream and national success to necessitate a Hall of Fame career. Plenty of artists tour other nations as unknowns, too. Last I checked neither of those was a Hall of Fame prerequisite. I doubt the CMHOF will take into consideration the fairs and countless gigs Whitley or others played as a teen for Hall of Fame consideration either. Most every artist does that on their way up. I can tell you are not objective on this issue and are passionate about him getting in. That’s fine. However, imagine if you will that Brad Paisley only had five No. 1 songs and three records as a mainstream artist? Would you deem him worthy of Hall of Fame status since he was a child prodigy in his home state and performed since he was 4 years old?
July 20, 2015 @ 11:34 am
A Handful of hits, a number of great songs, awesome f’n hair, and he drank himself to death like a true badass.
HOF material for sure.
July 20, 2015 @ 11:36 am
Best man perm in country history!
July 20, 2015 @ 12:23 pm
Amen.
July 20, 2015 @ 5:30 pm
Keith Whitley is the number one reason I fell in love with traditional country music. I saw him in concert in July of 1988, and it changed my life forever. Keith in concert was much more traditional than his first several hits(e.g.Miami, My Amy ,Ten Feet Away) . Songs I remember him singing that night include: I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink, Blues Stay Away From Me, That’s The Way Love Goes, and in my humble opinion the greatest vocals ever on a country song, I Never Go Around Mirrors. I would possibly suggest Sandy Koufax as a better baseball analogy. Greg Maddux won 355 games, Mr. Koufax won 165. Koufax had five great years, and was on the list of final four of all time baseball greats last week. Can you name a better singer than Keith since he passed in 1989? My top five list of pure singers in order are Keith, Lefty, Merle, George Jones, and Vern. Please listen to the vocals when he sang lead with J.D. Crowe…Brilliant. I Wonder Do You Think of Me is my favorite all time album. Keith scrapped an album when it was not “country enough.” The album he replaced it was Don’t Close Your Eyes…So sorry I rambled, please consider Keith for HOF. Peace.
July 29, 2015 @ 2:08 pm
Know your facts
July 20, 2015 @ 11:48 am
Would love to see Kieth Whitley in the HOF. My personal choices would be DAC, Gary Stewart , Jerry Jeff Walker and Johnny Paycheck and Hank Hr. first.
July 21, 2015 @ 2:48 pm
Yes, he should. But Randy Travis needs to be inducted first. He was The Man in the 80s and still very big in the 90s. Of course, he then transitioned to gospel, but later came back to release more good country music up until his unfortunate stroke.
When George Jones asked “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes,” he pretty much answered it when he sang “A Few Old Country Boys” with Randy Travis. He is the natural heir to the greats, influenced by Jones and Haggard.
Not only did he open the door for neo-traditionalists like Alan Jackson, but he inspired a new generation of artists. Josh Turner and Daryle Singletary have specifically credited him as their primary influence.
July 21, 2015 @ 4:41 pm
And don’t forget movies and television, I really liked Randy playing Cole Younger in “Frank & Jesse”. “Black Dog” was good also, he also played Wayne on “Touched By An Angel”
July 21, 2015 @ 3:54 pm
Keith Whitley’s voice stands alone. He belongs in the HOF.
July 24, 2015 @ 12:47 pm
Keith Whitley definitely belongs in the Hall of Fame! He is the greatest singer/songwriter of all time, in my opinion. A unique voice that many try to imitate and only wish they had. He had more talent in his little finger than Roseanne Cash has in her entire body. I don’t care who’s daughter she is, I have never liked her voice or her music. I have always been a country music fan and I definitely know talent when I hear it. I agree Hank Williams Jr. should have already been in the Hall of Fame and I agree Alan Jackson should be inducted when his turn comes. How can anyone with an ear or good hearing compare Cash to the greats such as George Jones, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams or Ralph Stanley? One can sure imagine putting Keith Whitley in that category, undeniably he fits in. To be fair and put Cash up against women, she cannot compare with Loretta Lynn, Dolly Pardon, Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, Alison Krauss or any of the great women of country music. She just does not have the voice, that my ear likes to hear anyway. Keith Whitley is the only logical choice! He was Great and his music lives on today! His voice has and is standing the test of time. He never took a break from his career and sounded just as good live as he did in the studio, no gimmicks, no tricks! He didn’t even need back up singers, really. He has my vote for sure! As for newcomers? Well let’s talk Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert way above Taylor Swift. The first time I heard Taylor Swift live, my first thought was “Is this some kind of joke”? She couldn’t carry a tune in a #5 gallon wash tub! Country music is going so far left these days that I worry it is becoming a lost art! Shameful, just shameful!!
July 29, 2015 @ 12:12 pm
Kieth is the reason country music is heard all over the world.
July 29, 2015 @ 1:32 pm
keith whitley is the best is music is country….his fan forever and always
January 19, 2016 @ 4:21 pm
If Keith is not in the hall of fame, I have no interest in ever going. What a joke. Keith Whitley was one of the absolute best in my opinion, but unfortunately, he died too early.
January 17, 2017 @ 7:15 pm
Now that Randy Travis has been inducted, the next three choices for the modem inductee has to be Alan Jackson, Ricky Skaggs, and Keith Whitley. I’m sure Alan will get the induction this year but Keith’s time is coming quickly, hopefully in the next couple of years.
November 24, 2018 @ 7:46 pm
I don’t care that he died prematurely. Keith Whitley was one of the greatest singers the good Lord ever put on this Earth. He not only belongs in the Hall of Fame, his story IS the Hall of Fame.