Keith Whitley-"Don't Close Your Eyes"-1988 (1st Performance of song on Opry)

This is the first time Keith sang "Don't Close Your Eyes" at the Opry. He is introduced to the audience by the legendary Grandpa Jones.
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.
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, wsmonline.com/extra/extra07.shtml , welcome! It's an honor to have you!

[@MAMsMom97]

No one else sounds like Keith Whitley. No one is even in the same class as Keith Whitley. No one even comes close.

[@baderfinger]

If Keith would have lived he would been the greatest of his generation . All of music lost when he died . As far as the drinking it's obvious he was numbing the pain of a failing marriage and I don't think any less of him as a man because of it .God bless K.W.

[@lwms135]

Where did Country Music like this go? How did we go from this to today's country? It's not a lack of talent. We have Ken Mellons, Daryle Singletary, Wesley Dennis,and Kevin Denney, who are talented, sittin at home,and can't get anything going because they are country. Makes me mad!!!!

[@gaylahuckaby1]

It's 2020 and this song is better than anything today... RIP 💔😥

[@mindylance73]

I'm here in 2023

[@TRAMGEN]

@@mindylance73 Me too...

[@susanshaw9815]

2024 here

[@startrac2]

Who is here listening to this great country singer in 2022?

[@user-fd3nr5gp1i]

2024, I’ve listen to him before he lost his life! My favorite singer of all time.

[@WurzelsFan]

2024, only just discovered this awesome song!

[@susanshaw9815]

2024 here

[@michaelholder7243]

Keith was surely a legend! How is it possible for 429 people not like this? Sad!

[@michaelangelo9024]

No man in country music today could hold a candle to Keith Whitley. Period!

[@31wildcats]

before i thought george strait was the king of country but my eyes have been opened...Keith Whitley is THE KING OF COUNTRY MUSIC no question about it.

[@Thejukebox091982]

There is nobody who can ever sing this song as good as he could. God bless you Keith Whitley.

[@pennyschmitt2993]

His son Jesse is pretty damn close

[@billcrotts5456]

I tried, you're right

[@FitzgeraldStudios]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXvQXmCYn5eHgpofeature=shared

[@patriciashirkey4158]

Today's music is NOT Country... R.I.P. Keith.

[@TheBarrett1971]

Still remember the day daddy opened the door as he was leaving for work and told me he passed. Still sad after all these years, always one of my favorites.

[@curtisallred7250]

Keith sure messed up his life. He could not let go of the alcohol. I absolutely love his music! Country music back in the 90's is much better than today's country! Especially the 80's is better, too!

[@carinawright420]

He died when I was 4 and I’m now at the age he was when he died. I cry every time I hear this song, grieving over this man who died far too soon.

[@50cluv]

One of the greatest losses in Traditional country music history! Keith's voice says country and i get chills hearing him sing.

[@judyhalamicek8357]

What a talent, really miss him......!

[@piscesempress1978]

@@judyhalamicek8357 Me too. My mom also was a huge fan of his.

[@mrsb8629]

I could hear this song a million times and never get tired of it, love his voice !!!

[@teresariggs6523]

He will never not for gotten. Died to soon.

[@lisaritter1960]

Loved Keith Whitley and this was definitely my favorite song!❤️🎶🎶💔country music lost a RisingSuperstar too tragically early! ❤️🥰🙏🎶🎵

[@Vicki.]

I get chills everytime I hear this song.

[@mrsb8629]

@@Vicki. Me too, such a beautiful ballad. What I would give to see him in concert. Lord could we have just one more day with Keith here....

[@bellatayag8872]

I like song very nice

[@jamesjohnson-tx8zn]

It takes a hell of a man to be able to sing a song like that in front of masses of people. Rip mr Whitley. You will never be duplicated

[@liberalslayer7445]

I was just saying the very same thing. Absolutely correct sir .

[@williammccloud5579]

liberal slayer true very true we lost Keith Whitley to soon to alcohol poisoning and there will never be another Keith Whitley

[@draggin-up9911]

james johnson And why would that be ? Sounds like every other country cry in your beer song I’ve ever heard.

[@cathyl2338]

Helluva man or coke.

[@gierhedd75]

@@draggin-up9911 Have you heard any other songs by Keith Whitley? He was one of the last of a different breed of country writer/performer. He also helped to set the blueprint that a lot of today's "country" singers follow. By today's standards, I'm sure he may not stand out as anything special to you. But (and I don't want to make assumptions about your musical likes or anything) I would suggest giving a listen to his other songs.

[@bluealue2603]

Still the best country singer. No one can sing better in 2023.

[@dennisdemark7533]

No one comes close him , not Garth not Tim not Alan not Clint not Blake or anyone else. Period. He was truly one of a kind singer with emotion.

[@zetaiotapike2000]

It’s truly tragic he left us so early. He was great. Imagine what he could’ve done!

[@robinpresleywoodward]

What about his son?

[@robinpresleywoodward]

@@zetaiotapike2000A car crash would have been tragic but alcoholism though an illness can be helped medically…so, no…he was pathetic truly needing extreme attention from family for treatment. But…he designed his own death knowingly. Wonder if it was suicide??

[@gerrybristol8107]

just so brilliant no one can compare. a great loss.

[@annanutherthing4373]

Sweet tribute of loyalty but many you name sound as good and all as deserving . Shame Keith was lost so young to alcohol abuse …terrible addiction that woulda ruined his life and voice soon enough sadly

[@bengalsfan97]

Every time I hear this song I can’t help but wonder what might have been I’m so happy that he is finally being inducted in the country music hall of fame it’s long overdue congratulations

[@manuar3054]

I'm from south east Asia, we love him here...this is my favourite songs

[@skater664life]

I was there that night I will never forget it!

[@madelinemanning5695]

rich santia OMG are u serious that's so cool

[@madelinemanning5695]

rich santia OMG are u serious that's so cool

[@dilbertdoe601]

rich santia Me too. My girlfriend was stroking my cock as he sang. I took her back to my apartment and tossed her salad.

[@jjreyes1763]

rich santia 💖💕💕💔

[@badams9854]

rich santia + Lucky Bastard!

[@lakenormanusa]

Keith had a hidden disease. We were robbed of his talent, and like many other great artists, he was lost to addiction. What a legend.

[@MAMsMom97]

That's a great story. I think Keith's spirit really is at peace knowing how many lives he continues to touch and how many people he's brought together with his music. I'm blessed to have so many wonderful friends whom I would have never met if it hadn't been for Keith. Even relationships that have been created through Keith and his music... it's so heartening. Thank you for your wonderful comment!

[@wanda8345]

He is one of the greatest real country artists this world has ever heard. ❤ 😢

[@debbieminaker5770]

we need more gr8 singers like Keith now instead of the crap they call "country"

[@hoss73ford]

+Debbie Minaker I don't listen to this stuff that's out now. Haven't for about 20 years. It's not country.

[@lilfufu1232]

+Debbie Minaker Chris young is not crap lmao

[@debbieminaker5770]

all the so called country singers today are crap and real country music will never be out Mark

[@skittlesbro1378]

Chris young is not crap

[@debbieminaker5770]

I didn't say any names,,there are a few that are good and Chris is one of them

[@jimkeith2016]

what a gifted singer. great voice. so sad he left us to soon.

[@matts2588]

Real country music touches your heart because it comes from Love, lose, pain and real life. It still brings tears to my eyes. Today's country can't do that. They haven't lived a life that can product this kind of music. Love Keith Whitley!

[@dwightorman2420]

💯

[@wankecreek4224]

31 yrs & still a heartfelt awesome song 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🍺🍺

[@rokyericksonroks]

Wow, the song is debuting here? He said he thought it would "be the biggest record we've had" and by golly, he was right. Did that Opry audience know they were witnessing history?

[@miltonclark7796]

I noticed it was dabuting myself and its still a moving great get back to country singer. And i remember bellowing out the hole song growing up its awesome

[@MarkTenn62]

OH, THE DAYS OF REAL COUNTRY MUSIC. NOTHING LIKE THIS SONG. MISS THOSE DAYS. R.I.P., KEITH. YOU WERE ONE OF THE BESTS!!! ;)

[@mbaker312]

One of the greatest

[@larondaangelo4554]

This song brings so many memories to mind, always hits the heart hard.

[@geraldtarpley3103]

Laronda Angelo: yeah me too

[@archiemegel1013]

Yeah bc your thinking about another man , you bitch

[@mrsb8629]

Yeah me too, reminds me of my husband that passed away. He was the one who introduced me to his music. Keith was 33 when he passed my hubby was 40. I'm sure he met him in heaven !! May The God of peace rest there souls...

[@debbiebraswell8341]

Miss him and his music so much. He was the greatest, he was real country.

[@suegreenlaw2604]

2019 anybody? 💕💕

[@kyledoxstader2731]

And every year after.

[@neilbrown7546]

Sue Williams hell yes! I’m only 35 yrs old and keeping the 90’s flame burning!

[@Irish780]

Songs like that why wouldn't ye 👍👍

[@bryce3754]

Yep

[@tomascastro78]

Aquí en Mar del Plata.

[@darlagibson7692]

Such a beautiful man with a beautiful voice. RIP.

[@tommyjamesdonahue]

How could anyone give Ol' Keith a thumbs down? His hair alone deserves two thumbs up. If only he would've lived to record more tracks.. we have to cherish these old tunes!

[@MAMsMom97]

Thank you so much for doing your part to keep Keith's music and memory alive. Tomorrow would have been his 54th birthday, and I know he's smiling down on you for all you've done.

[@Harley223100]

This is my favorite Keith Whitley song

[@joey8446]

What a great talent that we lost way too soon. His voice was so great and unique, you could easily pick it out of a million country singers. His version of "When You Say Nothing At All" can bring tears to your eyes.

[@stevereynolds9951]

No one could deliver a song better than Keith Whitley.

[@annaleedaughterofyhwh7767]

Country music lost a would have been legend. Still missing you Keith

[@godspeed335]

Would have been? Keith Whiteley IS a legend

[@annaleedaughterofyhwh7767]

Derick Daughenbaugh CORRECT!

[@godspeed335]

Annalee Sellars :)

[@mr.wizard2974]

Annalee what do you mean "would have been legend"? Keith was a legend!

[@mr.wizard2974]

Annalee what do you mean "would have been legend"? Keith is a legend!

[@gyorgosgyorgos1133]

Once upon a time , a great one ! This stuff here means history , our history . Let worth it .

[@geralds5048]

What Talent... I Miss Keith So Much...

[@logancredeur473]

You can hear the pain in his voice and how he makes the song come to life when he sings pay attention to the end.. The only time you'll hear his voice break during a performance

[@BobSFox]

Alcohol addiction has destroyed so Much Great Talent......My Favorite Song By Keith along with "When You Say Nothing At All"....RIP Buddy !

[@barrymarley1681]

+Bob Fox some weed and be happy you won't die from that!

[@keilaw4423]

+Barry Marley Tell that to my Brother....oh wait, you can't. Please quit spreading your ignorance.

[@ADN1996]

Bob Fox not true at all. a guy my dad worked with died from smoking pot that was laced with heroin. died in his sleep that night. heart attack brother. so don't say that, it's illegal for a reason and was made that way by a bunch of people much smarter than you. so don't act like you know please.

[@paulbunyun-xi9by]

pot is not illegal in some states, also used for medical reasons

[@lynncameron9885]

Both are my favorite songs

[@kreed1742]

Wow! I loved this man’s singing from day one! This is what is missing fromj today’s country music!

[@cherylfloryance8159]

What a voice and what a talent.

[@jamesavery9581]

Keith was my homeboy,and he passed away much to soon. We all miss him,for sure.

[@billcrotts5456]

There has not been a single country song that got radio play as good as this since. Country music died with Keith

[@billcrotts5456]

@@SteveK8334 I blame Garth Brooks

[@kittyfan67]

I face a few of Keith's demons and I can tell you...he is one of the most amazing artist ever. Please never judge Keith for he had the most amazing gift I've ever been priviledged to see. It doesn't matter how many pills, counseling session, etc. that you undergo, sometimes...you fall back on what is familiar and comfortable and occasionally that is alcohol. It does not mean you are a sorry individual, just that you battle demons. Keith battled his demons to the very end and did so much good.

[@rocksasamickguitar]

1 of my favorite songs of all times I sing at all the time!

[@griminsights]

This still gives me goose bumps in 2015. I miss Real Country. I miss Kieth Whitley.

[@briartlaw]

A great singer and song .What a lost to country music, thanks for posting.

[@yogaqueen5]

Its sad to have lost such talent and such a young age. These songs will always carry his memory

[@MAMsMom97]

I've so often wondered, if he hadn't passed away, what would have become of half the country artists who made up "the Class of '89," as they were often called, those who became mainstream only after Keith died. Thank you for stopping by and for remembering Keith.

[@t.m.hackley1720]

Keith Whitley was one of the best talents in music in the early to mid 80's full of talent and gone to soon . But always remembered. Thanks for sharing.

[@earnhardt3613]

A shooting star here for 34 short year's but still #1 in my book and always will be.

[@annhughes1503]

2022 I am listening to this classic song love ❤️ it thanks for sharing brings back memories ❤️❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍

[@lisaglass2199]

Beautiful song, Brings back so many memories.

[@damianrenard1997]

im not a big fan of country but I do have certain artist that I listen to and he was one of the greats sad that he gone but you're not forgotten brotha..

[@fayesizemore8862]

I love Keith Whitley voice

[@donaldewert2332]

Great that Keith will be going into Country Music Hall of Fame in 2022.

[@miaraangelina8104]

ONE OF THE BEST....... Rip Keith , your voice is very relaxing. Year 2020 and I’m still loving it ❤️🙏🥰🙏😊🙏

[@wesshipp2418]

I would've never pursued a career in music if it hadn't had been for you and your music, sir. Thank you for sharing it with the World. 🖤

[@thatsthat8421]

Always come back to listen to Keith. A special gift he had

[@kevinmcneilly5313]

I loved this song the first time I heard it and always will, wish he was still with us , Vince finished Go Rest High On The Mountain after Keith died he had started writing the song for his relative idk how much time went by before Vince finished it but he finished it for Keith as I have played that song at my all my brother's memorials , makes me cry just like this Keith miss your perfect voice so much emotion he's missed by all country fans

[@maritamcnichol8849]

Vince wrote "Go Rest High on the Mountain" for Keith. He had trouble finishing it, but after his brother died, he did. He played with Keith since they were teens, along with Ricky Scaggs.

[@nandowden2445]

Wonderful song and a great singer. So sorry he left this earth so soon.

[@Bigguy2207]

Mr. Whitley, you did Kentucky proud.

[@jolene999902002]

God bless his soul. We are all human, some of us have addictions, it can be SO hard.

[@wildwoman8310]

Thankful we had him for as long as we did. Such a sad ending to his life story. I wonder if he really knew how many people really loved him. And still do!

[@wildwoman8310]

I agree. KY fans will always remember this beautiful voice that was silenced way too soon!! RIP KEITH WHITLEY

[@paulrogers2815]

And still does

[@guitarman3396]

Almost as much as chicken did!

[@MAMsMom97]

I think it's just when we consider what all is out there, and how the quality of what's out there is falling, it makes Keith sound all the better. Keith is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

[@italianbarbie5264]

A beautiful voice, love this song. So sad he left us too soon.

[@pacfit70]

i love all of this guys music!keith whitley was an awsome songwriter indeed and he will be missed by all that knew him.

[@cdjohnson220]

Without a doubt, he was an awesome singer and song writer.

[@roygunter3244]

This song was written by one of the greatest songwriters, Bob McDill.

[@gaylynreeves6435]

Simply the best voice EVER. No one has or ever will come close. I wish he could have beat his addiction and stayed with us longer. One can only imagine the beautiful music we could have been privileged to hear. I miss Kieth so much! RIP

[@ahoiberg]

Gaylyn Reeves No question. I can't believe that people think that his son's voice is even close to his. It would be great if so, but it ain't so. I miss his voice as well, my friend.

[@hoss73ford]

+Andrew Hoiberg so hard to believe the voice would be silenced within a year. Life sucks.

[@8angst8]

You're kidding, right? Better than, say, George Jones? You don't know country. This soft-rock guy ain't Country.

[@marccohen4571]

@@8angst8 He is great. But you are correct he is not as good as George Jones.

[@piscesempress1978]

@@8angst8 They are BOTH good.. Different but good.

[@jerroddean1002]

My mom loved his music so the past sixteen years I've grown up listening to his music. I plan on surprising her with this at my school open mic night

[@carolea1629]

4 years later. Sure she cried her heart out?

[@jameszerukjr]

Oh, dear...I remember the day he died...I as in Hartford, Connecticut...all the stations broke in with the news. He was on top then..A-list Country. Sure, he was just a singer, but he moved the country world. Thank you for posting this.

[@gfiman]

Keith Whitley was definitely a great artist. I'm still a huge fan of his music and this song, "Don't Close Your Eyes" is one of my favorites. Keith had so many great songs and this song was one of his best songs and I listened to him and watched his videos a lot when I was a kid.

[@jaclynjames7493]

I temporally forgot about this artist...I don't know how I could of, he is so awesome.

[@judywardhatley5939]

Keith was the best bluegrass and country singer in country music. His music will live on forever. I still get chills each time I hear Keith sing. I know Lorrie and Keith were truly in love.

[@Dmann816]

What a awesome ,deep song!! Ive grown up in all parts of Kansas City- often in unfavorable circumstances. Ive grown up with violence all around me and remember these kinda songs when I was just a little kid(before I moved here from a small town when I was 8). Country music is a sure blessing...

[@OladipoFarinde-kk5jg]

I agree with you TOTALLY! The song was made for KEITH and only him. RIP Keith. ❤

[@lizardking3035]

What an amazing voice. RIP Keith.

[@donniesullivan2285]

I watched this show When it was aired. Thirty years later and I still get chills when I listen to it. This was one of my favorite karaoke songs to sing back in my wild days. I got lucky many nights singing this.

[@54susieq]

so very true. this was mine and my husband's song. he died from a heart attack in 2003. i still miss him so very much! keith whitley was so great. i miss his songs. but i still have them on tapes and cd.s. we love you, keith..

[@bobbygibson3234]

He would have been one of the greatest country singers of all time if he was still with us! Nobody could sing like he did!

[@carolynsinnerthoughts5275]

Is it just me or did anyone else hear the catch in his voice at the end of the song? Was there more meaning in this song, at that performance , for Keith than anyone knew? My heart hurts........he must have had lots of demons. He always seemed so sad, kinda just going through the motions.

[@billevsmo]

Carolyn's Innerthoughts heard it too. It could have been talking about a real relationship

[@Jorel032777]

He definitely barely held it there at the end. Hard to watch this now knowing how it all ended. Sounds like the pain he was carrying inside covering it up with booze almost slipped out.

[@annieaston2726]

@@Jorel032777 keith looked pretty out of it here if you watch him on some songs when had a few he is tearful keith. Messed up. He was binge drinker take it from me you new which was the real deal they hard work i believe keith had lot more going on than just drink drugs i tbink he had mental health problems but a great singer never less L

[@sosocoldsoul]

damn tragic...but his art still lives.

[@forteindy]

He was the most prolific song writer of country music in the 80's... Anybody who is somebody today in country music will tell you"I grew up listening to his music" Keith,Earl,Randy,Clint are the best ever... Period.

[@suzannebaldracchi7618]

Keith Whitley was the best in singing all his songs, especially “Don’t Close Your Eyes”

[@MAMsMom97]

The death of Keith Whitley, for me, is on my list (along with the Space Shuttle Challenger exploding, 9/11, Jonestown, and the deaths of Freddie Mercury & Princess Diana) of events in my life that I remember exactly where I was when I heard about it. Everything you said about his being on the A-list and how he moved the country world is so true. He moved the entire world with that voice. There will never be another.

[@dottiebonner4565]

Yes! Have always loved this song! He was taken from us way too soon. What a voice!!

[@jonathanvoutsas2193]

This is the best country singer ever...the most under appreciated because of his untimely death. Anybody who hears his voice will understand. Such a shame we couldn't hear it for years to come.

[@trhughes09]

This is a song for all the lost loves, that we will never see again,never talk to again, never hold again. Those loves that are now in heaven and are still as perfect today as they were 25 years ago. And can still hurt as much today at the lost and it did the first minute you realized you would never see them again.

[@jamescomeaux8207]

my favorite kieth whitley song of all times !!

[@watsonm67]

My favorite!! I love you Keith and thank you for your music!!

[@gregbaker8891]

So long ago but so fresh the pain in that voice. Lyrics run close to the soul of a man hurting to replace a love she struggles with.

[@MsWillis42]

For the short time you were with us you left your mark in country music, new and up and coming artist would do well to listen to you.

[@MrShiffles]

Damn alcohol...this talented guy had alot going for him, but still fell into the grips of the beast..RIP Keith..we share the same first name, and the same demons :(

[@teresaduesing4931]

Absolutely love hearing this song, miss Keith and all he could have been beyond his years.

[@eric72265]

How can any idiot give this video a dislike click. This guy was as good as they come. We miss you Keith, I know your entertaining those in Heaven. God Bless!

[@margaretstaneff]

I will always feel keith left this world too soon....god bless you and all you had with lorie morgan. Such a thing of beauty that death and time will never erase...r.i.p. dear tortured loved one. May you have found peace...thanks for all the great music...:")

[@bevyfancy]

Keith was such a great soft singer!! he is gone, but his singing lives on!! one of the greatest singer!!

[@bobbiegranados5208]

Loved this song then, still loving it! 2019

[@teresawhitaker2746]

Loved all of Keith Whitley songs but this is the best

[@rubencisneros770]

Dang Keith, you left us way too early my brother. Your songs touch the heart and soul of this west Texas cowboy like no other.

[@54susieq]

this was mine and my husband's favorite song by keith whitley. we were married on valentine's day 1992, but were together for over 13 years before his death on march 6, 2003.we got together on nov. 24, 1989.love this song so much!!!