Garth Brooks’ Emotional Keith Whitley Tribute Said Everything

Garth Brooks has been advocating for Keith Whitley's membership into the Country Music Hall of Fame for years, so it was fitting that he did the honors during the Medallion Ceremony on Sunday night (Oct. 16) in Nashville.
#garthbrooks #keithwhitley #countrymusichalloffame
After a moving acoustic performance of "Don't Close Your Eyes," Brooks spoke to Whitley's family and the country music industry gathered to celebrate him, Jerry Lee Lewis and record label executive Joe Galante.
"For all country music fans, this night is long overdue," Brooks began, needing a moment to push back his emotions.
His five-minute induction speech focused on an early belief that Whitley was "too country" for country radio. Brooks compared that to calling something "too good," and that earned a knowing chuckle from the audience. Neither he nor the Hall ignored the '80s hitmaker's battle with alcohol or how he ultimately died.
If you're new, Subscribe! → bit.ly/subscribe-taste-of-country
Download the app → tasteofcountry.com/app/
Go here → tasteofcountry.com/
Like us → / thetasteofcountry
Follow us → / tasteofcountry
Get our newsletter → tasteofcountry.com/newsletter/
#CountryMusic #Nashville

[@cduke3417]

I'll always listen to Keith Whitley's music. It touches my soul🎶

[@gilbertgaytan7427]

I an Mexican been a country fan all of my life, and you best believe Kieth Whitley is huge in my circle of friends and family, nothing but silence in adoration of that man's talent, country wouldn't be the same without him, our ears are Blessed to know his music.

[@kenkrausse3624]

Who care what you are ,you love Keith that’s all that needs to b said

[@tiediegymnasts920]

That's awesome man

[@angielaxton2982]

Agreed, this honor was Way overdue

[@buddiejackson2937]

@@kenkrausse3624well said

[@hectorcardenas2171]

Same here, Mexicano who LOVES country music, of course Keith Whitley’s included. 🇺🇸🇲🇽

[@jeffb3487]

"Legends never die, They just grow wings and Fly".......❤🇺🇸🙏

[@elvisgal3518]

💯 ❤ 🇺🇲!

[@isaiah3127]

Keith is the reason 90s country existed.

[@isaiah3127]

@ashley1994 I'm talking about the sound. The 90s sound.

[@joepermenter7228]

George Strait, Dwight Yoakam, and Randy Travis were more impactful; big reason this took forever to finally happen.

[@sylviafoster9093]

Dont forget Earl Thomas Conley

[@jackielittle4498]

It is so long over due! He was such a treasure!

[@linhunnicutt6556]

Ten feet away is my all time Keith Whitley song.

[@borntobewild9056]

I'm No Stranger to the Rain....super song!

[@YohoPublications]

Great singer! His music is still on my playlist.

[@belindasanders7072]

Love Keith Whitley! Definitely long overdue! One of the greatest.

[@lorihenry6155]

I had the privilege of seeing Keith in concert many times. He was always humble and had a voice that can never be outdone!

[@LoveMusic9973]

Keith Whitley’s music made a difference then and now. ❤️🎵🤠😘

[@garyculver7846]

It's made a difference in my Life, as I sing on Starmaker and know I'll never be as Smooth as Keith. It was their Gift from God 🙏🏾⭐️⭐️

[@LoveMusic9973]

@@garyculver7846 yes some people never recognize their gifts from God. 🙏

[@elvis52977]

" I know you loved him a long time ago"... These words from Keith Whitley's "Don't Close Your Eyes", always started my tears flowing. His songs will forever touch our hearts. Finally he got his dues...

[@bigredfella13]

I adore that song

[@sammybabyyourtheone]

Don't close your eyes, is one of the greatest Country songs ever!!!

[@mickie-fielden5629]

It's about time!!!! This is Way Overdue For Him and His Family!! Keith had a way of singing a song that made it seem like he was singing it right to you !!! Lorri Morgan My Heart Goes Out To You and Your Family For Your Loss Of Keith , He May Be Gone But He Will Never Be Forgotten!!! R.I.P. Keith Whitley 🌹💗🙏

[@toddbob55]

Keith Whitley has always been my favorite singer

[@carolmartin6719]

Keith whitley was one of the greatest & always will be. He was so awesome & a very talented man. R.I.P Keith your always be missed & loved.

[@amylou5757]

Great and underrated writer/singer. Rest in Peace

[@Chris-bs8vm]

Keith Whitley should have been in the hall of fame long ago. I constantly try to play his songs on the guitar, and that's all I do is try. I still play his music to this day for my kids so the younger generation doesn't forget

[@brendaniebel1355]

Ya think? 🤠

[@glenclifton4563]

I'm with you . Love playing his songs just wish I could sing.

[@donnnamundy4325]

Keith Whitley was the epitome of what Country Music is, was and always will be. We all know where we were that day we heard that he died and what a tremendous sense of loss we all felt inside. This honor is more than well deserved and his legacy lives on in his Family. R.I.P. Keith Whitley…you left us too soon, but we have a lasting treasure in the music you shared with the world!!!🤠🎶💔🌹

[@teresagoodwin7458]

PRAISE GOD 🙏 IT'S ABOUT TIME 🙏🙏 IT'S LONG OVERDUE BECAUSE KEITH WHITLEY WAS GENIUINE COUNTRY GREATNESS 🎶🎶🎶💞🤗💞🙏🙏🙏 GOD BLESS Keith's precious family and fellow country musicians now and always 🙏 💞🙏

[@pameladerouen9044]

Keith Whitley was a true country singer and legend. He left us too soon.

[@barbaramaddern6694]

It’s been tooo long coming. He was always a gentleman on stage and gave his fans what they wanted. It’s sad 😢 to think he had the thought of not being good enough , he was better than most going around today and if he was still around today he would be giving you young ones a run for your money. He deserves this honour. 🌅🇦🇺🦋🙏🌹

[@susangagnon2518]

I'm happy to hear this news. I was a fan of Keith before I was a fan of Garth. His voice could melt an iceberg.

[@davidjessee7701]

About Damn time is right!! Being a teen in the 80s Keith Whitley was one of my favorite singers!!! Along with ETC and Steve Warner!! 2 more underrated country singers!!!!

[@jamesstafford62]

I agree100% ETC never got the respect he deserved either! No one today hardly even knows who he was.

[@janetblackburn6898]

Keith was outstanding in whatever song he sang .dont close your eyes is the best yet and will live on forever .

[@conniealdridge8920]

I was a DJ at a local radio station. I remember the day he died, I broke down and cried like a baby. All day long. I love Keith Whitley and I am so glad he finally got this well deserved honor.

[@perfectlysimple1744]

My older brother came in and said Keith Whitley died...I was like No he didnt...he's not dead..you heard that wrong.

[@brianelfrink9864]

Whitney, a Tremendous Entertainer 👏. Who was never appreciated. As He should have been !!! What do they say ?!?!?! * The Good 👍 Die Young *

[@brianelfrink9864]

Alcoholism, Has killed so many 😢 !!! He was taken, Way too soon 😢 !!!!

[@Canuckgirl152]

@@brianelfrink9864 Yes and that ihs wife was screwing around on him

[@jamesrobert672]

hello do you really believe in God...

[@jwgbmp40]

first heard about him in 1989 from my friend from Arkansas, while we were stationed at Ft Bliss for school. Been listening to him ever since, played em at my wedding as well.

[@rubenhinojosa8332]

Yes he does deserve to be in the Hall of Fame! I believe he saved country music in his time. He was very impactful in its tradition and continuation. And left for all of us the greatest of country music. He did make a difference in anybody’s life that heard him certainly. I will be sad forever for Kieth and his family. May he rest in peace.

[@ralphstroud4195]

He was super good!

[@darleneriggs5794]

One of the greatest singers of all time.

[@allenharrison4161]

One of the best, Glad to see he's finally getting recognized...Love and miss you Keith.

[@KrissiCreates]

It's about time for sure!! I loved Keith and his music. I fell in love while dancing to "When you say nothing at all". I met Keith in Kansas at a concert. He was a humble, kind gentleman that had a smile that could light up your whole day. He sure did mine and my friends !! Love and miss you Keith !!

[@robertaa.carney-king2716]

A few years ago, I turned the radio only to hear Mr. Alan Jackson singing, "Don't Clise Your Eyes". Which I still feel Mr. Jackson put his own musical magic to the song. I didn't know of Mr. Keith Whitley until I looked up songs on Spotify or this KZbin site. No matter, I still love Mr. Whitley's music. In fact, my favorite song is "When You Say Nothing All", which was sung by Alison Krauss. And now this wonderful man has been honored for his hard work. So thank you, one and all for this tribute to Mr. Whitley. Rest In Peace Mr. Keith Whitney.

[@clearlycaribbeanreb2895]

Keith is immortal. He is loved just as much now as ever.

[@jeanetterogers9556]

Once in a lifetime. A legend

[@waynemarchildon5831]

He was a great singer he didn't know how good he was I love singing his song I wish i could seen him and lorie Morgan I'm so sorry you guys did everything you could so sorry hall a fame CONGRATULATIONS KEITH YOU WERE THE BEST

[@Linda-fe7jo]

He definitely could sing. I love his voice. It's sad that he doubted himself. I wish we could learn to show love to the living

[@tamarafields5703]

I love his music! My first heartbreak I listened to Keith over and over again! His soul came through in his music!

[@angeladilbeck2084]

I love the way Keith sang don't close your eyes an more he is missed

[@youngguns1319]

Hands down the best country singer ever

[@fosterit]

The greatest country song ever written and recorded ever is "Would These Arms Be In Your Way". Can you imagine having two of the greatest voices in country music, Vern Gosdin and Emmy Lou Harris, singing harmony for you? Absolutely perfection!!!

[@glenclifton4563]

You are so right!

[@rickyarme2317]

Keith will always be my favorite country singer. Miss him.

[@mickeyandres2651]

I still listen to Keith and always will…. He is missed.

[@rosemaryleaton4442]

Yes love Keith Whitley, miss him.

[@ppetrey]

Long overdue. Love Keith Whitley.

[@bluemindjewelry5968]

I love everything Keith did! This was a good thing.

[@haulingandconstruction2126]

My grandmother said, why? She was soo heart broken,and said he had a way of singing that vibrates the soul with his deep soulful sound.... He was awesome and as Whitney Houston just didn't know how really amazing he really was....

[@annclinkscales8222]

I loved Keith Whitley. Loved listening to his music. I also remember when he passed away. You could tell he was hurting, though. You could feel his pain in his music. God Bless Keith!

[@lynnjohnson1413]

I absolutely ❤ LOVED KEITH WHITLEY’S VOICE, it is LONG OVER DUE❤

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

I loved Keith so much that I had We you say Nothing at All sang at my wedding ❤. One of the most beautiful songs ever. Keith had the most pure voice. Miss him making new music

[@lowcruiser9976]

"KEITH WHITLEYS - You say it best, by saying nothing at all" is my wedding song to my amazing wife and still treasure that song years later.

[@nathanalmond8280]

We lost Keith way too early. He was and will always be a great singer.

[@stephaniehoward9068]

I say dang right Preach on Garth

[@amicooper8537]

It's about time!! Miami my Amy is the single most important song in my whole life... I have all of his songs but that one is THE one. There will never be another voice like his. Never.

[@deryckmcleod4608]

Keith Whitley was sent from heaven to us mortals. RIP, Keith....

[@sheilawoldenberg5765]

He is and always will be the best voice in country music! Love, love him! So glad this happened!

[@patriciaferrell9418]

I love Keith Whitley music he was one of theGreat one RIP Dear Keith you are missed a lot

[@donnaheiden1105]

Loved Keith Whitley n songs n his smile. Wish he was still with us. Others have sang his songs but....not close.

[@janesmith3123]

I have always loved Keith Whitney and still listen to him!!

[@dennisraymond542]

You're absolutely right.....Good evening how are you doing over there it's a alovely day that the lord has made

[@THELASTOFTHEMOHICANS-1980]

Greatest traditional country music singer ever Keith Whitley. My fav nobody can hold a candle 🕯 to Keith.

[@kathym8806]

My new husband at the time introduced me to Keith’s music in 1987 and played it all the time. It was nice to see the Keith Whitley display at the Country Music Museum in Nashville in 2019. Reminder of that music I grew to love back in ‘87.

[@nancykaczmarz8874]

I love Keith, his music was so pure! Left too soon!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@barbaraeggleston6858]

Well deserve congratulations to Keith Whitney I love his music

[@seandobson6221]

I grew up in the late 70s early 80s and Keith Whitley was a staple in my house. I still listen to his music every time I break out my country albums.

[@Gratefulman1965]

I said it in the 1980’s when I first caught wind of Keith and I’ll say it again now. “Where has this guy been hiding, I mean, just listen to the emotion in this man’s voice” To me Keith was the connecting link of the old country guard to the new traditional country revival. Had he lived he would be even more revered than he is already. I sing and play guitar and write and I will admit, it’s mostly due to Keith’s influence on me. I am one of probably millions of Keith Fans and this induction into the CMHOF is long overdue. An unimaginable loss is now tethered to an incredible place of honor…….Go rest high on that mountain Keith……R.I.P. Kentucky Bluebird🎶

[@marinemike1559]

Don't Close Your Eyes! His music helped me through so much grief and pain.

[@jimwest6571]

I was on the air at WFMS, Indianapolis when I interviewed Keith on the air. Within a year he had died. His star was rising, and he could have been the next superstar in country music. Always a fan.

[@sherryturner7181]

GONE TOO SOON

[@elvisgal3518]

My Keith Whitley 💖🙏🏻🤲🏻🕯️😢❤ Very Long overdue! RIP KEITH WHITLEY and yes He has made a tremendous difference in my life and always will 🙏🏻💯

[@keithkeihsa9350]

Keith Whitley, was the greatest country artist and deserved hall of Fame status way earlier than this.

[@janeburton7647]

I miss and admired Keith Whitley! Bless his family! 💖💖

[@sheiladonnell2957]

Oh I loved his voice.

[@LoveMusic9973]

Thank You Lord. 🙏

[@MatthewvMayo]

I gravitated to Keith Whitley as a teen because he was singing in my sweet spot. He's one of only 4 artists that never went out of my pocket voice wise. The other three are of course the Legendary Randy Travis, Amazing Trace Adkins, and Inspiring Josh Turner.

[@shirleys765]

Too long is coming is so true for that's in the past.....he is in now...YES!!!

[@nickreichenbacher4711]

It's about dam time that Keith got into the country music hall of fame. His music is dynamight country. He's a legend, a country giant, pioneer, g.o.a.t

[@mayevans4636]

LOVE ALL HIS MUSIC! A GREAT VOICE!

[@rockyschurman8625]

One of if not thee greatest country singers ever!!

[@paulhopkins1905]

The greatest country voice in history. Keith was a force of nature

[@rodneyheintzelman9378]

This is so long overdue and well deserved. Keith left us way to soon but lives on in the heart of his family and fans. I still love his music and think it's some of the best country music ever.

[@countrydj2]

Keith passed away a couple of weeks before I graduated from high school. I really like the song Honky Tonk Heart.

[@hopetemplemire4896]

My personal oppinion:..Kieth Whitley is one of the very best & most deserving to ever be entered into the Country Music Hall of Fame.He is the best that country music has to offer & is & always will be my favorite.Met his brother Dwite in Nashville back in 97..or 98..Out of all the celebrities that was at Fanfair..meeting Kieth's brother was most memorable..RIP Kieth Whitkey

[@haroldharrison9085]

He has made a big difference to me r.i.p Keith ❤❤❤

[@connie5663]

Congratulations Keith , you deserved to be there. I grew up singing all your songs. But 🎶 When You say nothing at all 🎶 my favorite. RIP and know you are missed and was good enough. 🎤♥️

[@dougpeery6888]

What an extraordinary voice. I was hooked the first time i heard him.

[@jakerbennett9909]

I love Keith Whitley's Music w/a few 🍻🥴👍🏻🍻

[@rickeyzinn7542]

I shook his hand at the fairgrounds as a little boy. Little did I know that it was gonna be the last and only time that I had to meet him. What really impressed me was that he was like anybody else. But give him a guitar and microphone. He's the greatest thing to ever happen to country music.

[@ignoredstopsign3407]

keith was my grandpa’s favorite Country singer. My grandpa passed 9 years ago but anytime i listen to keith i think of me an my grandpa is with me

[@tornadicraptor]

Keith Whitley, was one of the real country singers and the best of all time. He was taken too soon. RIP Keith Whitley!

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

Keith is still in my top 2 favorite artist of all time.

[@jimmyruger7529]

Keith, was GREAT, I listened to him often. luv ya brother , from Ohio

[@farmermiyagi1338]

I was in my late teens working as a radio DJ when Keith hit the scene. To this day he is still one of the greatest country artists of his day. My little cover band still plays all of his #1 hits. A loss to the country music world for sure.

[@bobbyjones5390]

Keith Whitley had a way of delivering a country song that most of us could relate to. He will be always be missed. He will be cherished by us for our lifetime.

[@melissajordan9104]

HEY WHEN YOU GOT IT YOU GOT IT!!! Keith Whitley You are/ IN MY TOP 5 FAVORITE of ALL TIME!! He is a absolute legend

[@wku88]

It's about . Damn. Time.

[@user-vt7sp6pp4p]

One of if not the best voice ever in country music

[@beckienoland1590]

Don’t close your eyes was the song playing when I was asked to dance to the man who become my husband and the father of my 3 children that has led to my 4 grand children. Still to this day I can close my eyes and be back there.

[@michaelwatkins7391]

Always Loves his Music

[@JosephineOliver-qh1te]

I'm an Aussie, that is Australian, and my brother introduced me to Keith Whitley and I went and ordered my own CD of Keith 😊💙

[@ChrisRimbyLive]

my favorite singer man. thank you keith

[@garyculver7846]

The Loss of Keith was Just as Heart Breaking as The Loss of Hank Sr. and Every Singer We've Lost. I was 7 when Hank Passed and I was a Already a Fan and would Sing along with The Greats...

[@QUINCYGIRL]

I LOVED KEITH WHITLEY! CRIED LIKE A BABY WHEN HE PASSED AWAY.🙏🙏😢😢😭😭

[@allanstephenson9336]

I loved all. Of his music. Another person who made so many happy but sadly couldn't understand how truly AWSOME he was