- published: 25 Feb 2008
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Jackie Keith Whitley (July 1, 1954 — May 9, 1989), known professionally as Keith Whitley, was an American country music singer. Whitley's brief career in mainstream country music lasted from 1984 until his death in 1989, but he continues to influence an entire generation of singers and songwriters. He charted 19 singles on the Billboard country charts, including five consecutive Number Ones: "Don't Close Your Eyes", "When You Say Nothing at All", "I'm No Stranger to the Rain", "I Wonder Do You Think of Me" and "It Ain't Nothin'" (the last two posthumously).
Whitley was born to Faye (editor of The Elliott County News) and Elmer Whitley (an electrician) in Ashland, Kentucky, but grew up 46 miles away in Sandy Hook, and attended Sandy Hook High School. He had two brothers, Randy and Dwight, and a sister, Mary. The Whitley family has lived in the Elliot County area since the 1840s.
As a teenager in Sandy Hook, Whitley and his friends would pass the time drinking bootleg bourbon and racing their cars down mountain roads at dangerous speeds. Whitley was once in a car whose driver attempted to round a curve at 120 mph. The car wrecked, killing his friend and almost breaking Whitley's neck. In another incident, he drove his car off a 120 foot cliff into a frozen river, escaping with only a broken collar bone.
When they'll the bar I'll be there on the stool
And forget all my cares in a hurry
And it's my belief that I'll find relief
In a bottle of Tennessee courage
Her memory keeps waitin' in the light every night
Alone with the last of my always
But I'll never crawl I can hold love from wall
With the help of some Tennessee courage
Now my good friend Jack Daniels stands tall on the shelf
And he'll go to war with my troubles
And he'll never desert this old friend when I'm hurt
And needin' some Tennessee courage
[ steel ]
It's straight ninety proof can all turn to truth
The hair on your chest in a hurry
I know I'll survive praise help from the wife
With the help of some Tennessee courage
Now my good friend Jack Daniels...
No he'll never desert this old friend when I'm hurt
And needin' some Tennessee courage