Our Top 10 Keith Whitley Songs list will look at a popular country singer who died way too soon. Some of his hits include “Miami, My Amy,” “When You Say Nothing at All,” “I’m No Stranger to the Rain,” “I’m Over You,” “I Wonder Do You Think of Me,” as well as other hit songs. He was known for singing traditional and neo country music. His musical style is like George Strait and Randy Travis. He sold over 2.5 million albums. His albums were certified gold or platinum. He released five studio albums, 10 compilation albums and one EP. Fifteen of Keith Whitley’s songs reached the Top 40 on the country charts. Five of his songs reached number one on the country charts. The songs are “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’.”
Keith Whitley was born Jackie Keith Whitley July 1, 1954 – May 9, 1989. He was a child prodigy. He started performing at the age of four. He won a talent contest when he was six. His father bought him a guitar. His mother taught him how to play it. He began his musical career in 1970 when he performed in Ralph Stanley’s band. He became the lead singer for the band in 1974. He also played with J.D. Crowe & the New South in the mid-70s. During this time, he established himself as the lead singer in bluegrass music. He moved to Nashville in 1983 to pursue a country music career. He released the EP Hard Act to Follow in September 1984. It features the singles “Turn Me to Love” and “A Hard Act to Follow.” He released L.A. to Miami in October 1985. The album peaked at number 26 on the country charts. It features the singles “I’ve Got the Heart for You,” “Miami, My Amy,” “Ten Feet Away,” “Homecoming ’63” and “Hard Livin’.”
Keith Whitley recorded another album but wasn’t happy with the songs on it. He decided not to release the album. He wanted more creativity on his albums. Don’t Close Your Eyes was released in May 1988. The album peaked at number 121 on Billboard 200 and number eight on the country charts. The album features the singles “Would These Arms Be in Your Way,” “Some Old Side Road,” “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” “When You Say Nothing at All” and “I’m No Stranger to the Rain.” The album sold over 500,000 copies. This would be Keith Whitley’s last album released while he was alive.
Keith Whitley was battling personal demons. He passed away from alcohol poisoning on May 9, 1989. He was on the verge of becoming a major star when he passed away too soon. His third album I Wonder Do You Think of Me came out three months after he passed away. The album peaked at number 115 on Billboard 200 and number two on the country charts. The album features the singles “I Wonder Do You Think of Me,” “It Ain’t Nothin’,” and “I’m Over You.” The album sold over 500,000 copies. Kentucky Boulevard was released in September 1991. The album peaked at number 45 on the country charts. This is a compilation album.
It is a collection of four previously released songs and unreleased songs. It also features snippets of different points in his career. The album features the singles “Brotherly Love” and “Somebody’s Doin’ Me Right.” Wherever You Are Tonight was released in October 1995. The album features demos of songs Keith Whitley recorded in the past. The music was changed on the songs. The album features the singles “Wherever You Are Tonight” and “Light at the End of the Tunnel.” There were other compilation and greatest hits albums released throughout the years.
Keith Whitley was a talented artist who was taken away much too soon. He left behind an incredible legacy with his music. He may be gone but he won’t be forgotten. Our Top 10 Keith Whitley Songs list will give us a chance to honor his memory.
# 10 – Ten Feet Away
The 10th song on our Top 10 Keith Whitley Song’s list is “Ten Feet Away” from the L.A. to Miami album. “Ten Feet Away” was released in June 1986. The flirty song is about falling in love at first sight. He tells a stirring story about how he felt when he first met the love of his life. He was singing and then she walked into the room. She was alone when she walked in and saw him. They stared into each other’s eyes while he sang. There was an immediate attraction between them.
He continued to sing and she was captivated by him. She never took her eyes off him while he was performing. They fell for each other while they stared at each other. He was in love with her and imagined her being in his arms. He couldn’t believe that he had fallen in love with her from ten feet away. He tried his best to impress her. She didn’t take her eyes off him. She was falling for him the same way he was for her. He knew it was going to be a good night because he found the woman of his dreams.
This is the type of song that could make your heart melt. Most people hope to fall in love as quickly as the characters do in the song. Keith Whitley tells a romantic story about two star crossed lovers. The lyrics will give you hope that you will find someone the way it happened in the song. The song is like a plot from a romantic novel. The music is beautiful. It’s the perfect accompaniment with the lyrics.
The guitars are the standout instruments in the song. Keith Whitley’s tone is flawless in this song. His phrasing is on point. It’s easy to understand every heartfelt lyric he sings. He holds little notes while he sings in the song. He sings in time with the beat changes. The only complaint we would have about this song is that it isn’t long enough. You are hooked on the song and it stops suddenly. If the song had a smoother finish, the song would be flawless.
# 9 – ‘Til a Tear Becomes a Rose ft. Lorrie Morgan
The ninth song on our Top 10 Keith Whitley Songs list is “’Til a Tear Becomes a Rose” from the Greatest Hits album. “’Til a Tear Becomes a Rose” was released in July 1990. The tearjerking song is a message about moving on when your partner is gone. The song opens with him talking about seeing the love of his life in pain. He knows that she is heartbroken and he wants to be there for her. He promises to hold her until her tears become a rose. She talks about seeing her man in pain. She knows the things she tells him won’t hurt him. She wants her love to heal the pain that he has endured. She assures him she will be there for him if he needs her. He wants her to lay beside him and put her fears to rest. He feels that when you are dreaming you won’t be in pain. Their love will bind them together.
This is a touching song about being there for someone you love. The song is more meaningful since Keith Whitley is no longer here. It’s as if the song was foreshadowing his death. He could have easily been singing this to her. Her words could have also been to him since he was dealing with personal demons. Hearing her say that her words couldn’t offer him relief will tug at your heartstrings. The song has a traditional country beat. It has an old school sound to it. The song sounds as if it was recorded earlier than the 80s. Keith Whitley and Lorrie Morgan have vocal chemistry with each other. Their voices are made for each other. You can hear the love they have for each other while they are singing together. They allow room for each other to shine. They both sound soulful on this track. This is a beautiful duet that is worth checking out.
# 8 – Brotherly Love ft. Earl Thomas Conley
The eighth song on our Top 10 Keith Whitley Songs list is “Brotherly Love” from Keith Whitley’s Kentucky Bluebird album and Earl Thomas Conley’s Yours Truly album. “Brotherly Love” was released in August 1991. The song is about brothers who will always have each other’s backs. They are adults talking about being there for each other. They may not always be on the same page about things, but when they need each other, they are going to be there. They talk about sharing the same last name and eye color. They used to fight when they were kids. They fought over a bike and baseball. Despite the fights they had, they always looked out for each other. They talk about the bond that brothers have. It’s a connection that can’t be broken. It is a love that is strong enough that time and distance can’t come between them. They disagree with each other, but they will always be close.
This sentimental song will resonate with you if you are close to your siblings or friends who are close enough to you to be your sibling. If you have a brother or sister, the words with hit you hard. You may find yourself agreeing with everything they are saying. It may make you think of the relationship you have with your sibling. Even though the song is called “brotherly love” you can still have the same bond with your sister. It can also be about any family member you are close to.
The lyrics will touch your heart. They didn’t sugarcoat the brothers’ relationship and make it seem as if there were nothing but good times. It made the lyrics more authentic. They let the listeners know that they would have each other’s backs despite not always agreeing with each other. It is always good to know your brother/sister will have your back no matter what. The music is soft and tender, which goes with the theme. The infectious guitar beat keeps the song from being melancholy. Keith Whitley and Earl Thomas Conley voices go well together. They sound as if they could be brothers. The music caters to both voices equally.
# 7 – Miami, My Amy
The seventh song on our list is “Miami, My Amy” from the L.A. to Miami album. “Miami, My Amy” was released in November 1985. The song is about a long-distance relationship. The man is from Los Angeles while the woman is from Miami. He went to visit Miami and met a woman named Amy. They hit it off until he went home. Once he went home, he couldn’t stop thinking about Amy. She gives him a call and tells him that she loves him. She wants him to come back to Miami to be with her. He hasn’t unpacked yet, but he is willing to go be with her. He decides to get on a flight and go back to Miami to be with her. He is excited to get back to Miami because he knows she will be waiting for him at the gate.
This song tells a captivating story about a couple who can’t stay away from each other even when they don’t live in the same state. If you are hesitant about having a long-distance relationship, this song will reassure you that it is possible to have a long-distance relationship. The music has a slow beat. It has a mix of country and pop music. The music doesn’t have the traditional country beat. Keith Whitley sings the song with emotion. He sings the song in a way that will make you want to listen to his story. He has excellent range. He can sing low one minute and in falsetto the next. He utilizes his versatile voice throughout the song. If you are not a fan of country music, this song may make you a fan. The song isn’t just for country fans. It is for fans of all music.
# 6 – I’m Over You
“I’m Over You” is from the I Wonder Do You Think of Me album. “I’m Over You” was released in January 1990. This is a song about a man who ends a relationship with his lover. He tries to convince himself that he is over her even though he is showing signs that he’s not. He has himself convinced that he is happier than he’s ever been. She doesn’t believe him. She has been hearing that he isn’t over her.
He denies it and lets her think that he is over her. She heard that he has been drinking more than he should be. She said he was drowning away his sadness with alcohol. He lets her know that things aren’t always as they seem. He told her not to believe everything she hears. He puts up a wall and tries to be cold to her. He wants to prove that he is over her.
The most challenging part of a breakup is putting the pieces back together and moving on with your life. It is hard to accept that the person you love is gone. He tries to live in denial because he can’t accept the fact that she is gone. Keith Whitley told a story that a lot of us know personally. We all try to act as if we are okay with a breakup when we’re not. This is the perfect song for people who want to get over someone but can’t do it.
This is the type of song you would listen to with the lights out so you can be in your feelings. The music has a traditional country feel. The song was recorded decades ago, but it still works today. Keith Whitley sings this song as if he wrote it. You could easily forget that he didn’t write it. He took the lyrics and embraced them as if he was telling his own story instead of reciting someone else’s.
# 5 – I’m No Stranger to the Rain
The next song on our Top 10 Keith Whitley Songs list is “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” from the Don’t Close Your Eyes album. “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” was released in January 1989. The poignant song is about overcoming obstacles. The song is about trying to survive despite everything standing in the way. He talks about battling with the devil. He never gave into the devil which was why the devil gave up on him. He could tell when something bad was coming. He could find a way to protect himself. He has been sacrificed by brothers and crucified by lovers. Despite being betrayed he was able to survive. When he feels down, he tries to keep his head up. If he doesn’t, he will drown. It gets hard for him to believe he will make it, but he tries not to give up.
This is a song that most of us can understand. Most of us deal with problems and obstacles in our lives. In fact, this is a song that could have been written for all of us. It will open your eyes to the things that try to bring you down. It will also open your eyes to how you were able to survive. He uses imagery to describe the pain he feels. It was a clever way to talk about depression without coming out and saying it. Keith Whitley didn’t write the song, but he was able to relate to it. If you are familiar with his life, you will know why he felt like he could have written it himself. The music has slick guitar beats and smooth piano chords. The guitar solo is amazing and not to be missed. Keith Whitley’s haunting voice sounds incredible. He sings the song as if he wrote it. He sounds like Merle Haggard in this track.
# 4 – It Ain’t Nothin’
“It Ain’t Nothin’” is from the I Wonder Do You Think of Me album. “It Ain’t Nothin’” was released in October 1989. This song is about a man who feels broken. He is worn out because of work and his life. His lover tells him that everything will be okay. She lets him know that her love for him will make everything feel better. She tells him love can heal everything. He gets the strength to take on his day. He can get through anything as long as she is by his side. He goes into detail about what happens during his day. He feels low when he is on his way home. His blues disappear when he sees her. He talks about love being the answer to your problems. Love can heal anything big or small.
The message in this song is sweet and tender. It talks about how powerful love can be. Love can make you feel better if you have a rough day. It is a love song, but it is a different take on it. It is the type of love that can heal what is bothering you. Keith Whitley is referring to a lover, but this type of love can come from anyone. The music has a traditional country sound. It has an old school country sound. The arrangement is tastefully done. The music is exquisite. It will allow you to dance with the person you love. Keith Whitley sounds like a combination of George Strait and Alan Jackson in this track. He has vocal changes throughout the song. He sings in his upper and lower registers throughout the song. The chorus is catchy and will stay your in head. The chorus reads like poetry.
# 3 – I Wonder Do You Think of Me
Coming in at number three on our list is “I Wonder Do You Think of Me” from the album of the same day. “I Wonder Do You Think of Me” was released in June 1989. This song is about a man who is still in love with his high school sweetheart. He wonders if she ever thinks about him. He wonders if she has ever been back to their hometown. If she does, he wonders if she thinks about him. He wonders if she thinks about him when she is driving by a school.
He thinks about when they were together in the park. It is the place where he fell in love with her. He still has feelings for her to this day. When they graduated, they drifted apart. He continues to go down memory lane and talks about what they did in school. He reminds her he was her hero even though he didn’t play any football games. He remembered how they missed classes because they were kissing each other. He never felt that type of feeling ever since they broke up.
This is a song that will make you reminisce about an old love. There are times when we find ourselves wondering about the love that got away. This song describes that feeling effortlessly. This ballad has a country sound mixed with a touch of adult contemporary. The song has crossover appeal. The melody sounds something like Billy Vera & the Beaters’ “At This Moment.” The guitar and piano are the stars of the music. Keith Whitley’s vocals are deep and rich in this track. You can understand everything he is saying in the song. He sounds like Randy Travis and Alan Jackson rolled into one. It is a beautiful song with simple and poignant lyrics. It may have you thinking about your former high school flame.
# 2 – When You Say Nothing at All
“When You Say Nothing at All” is from the Don’t Close Your Eyes album. “When You Say Nothing at All” was released in 1988. It is a loving song about the power of non-verbal communication. A couple is so connected to each other they don’t need to talk in order to communicate. All they have to do is look and touch each other and that will say it all. He talks about how she speaks to his heart. She doesn’t have to say anything and she can light up the dark. He can understand what she is saying even if she doesn’t say a word. The narrator talks about a woman smiling and he knows she needs him. When he looks into her eyes, he knows that she won’t leave him. When he holds her hand, he knows she will catch him if he falls. He hears people talking around him, but when she holds him, the noise is drowned out. No one can explain what is happening between their hearts.
This romantic song shows how someone can truly be connected to a person. They don’t have to talk, but they know how they feel about each other. This is the type of relationship most people would dream of having. It is more powerful to show a person how you feel instead of telling them. If you have a relationship like this, this song will hit close to home for you. If you don’t have a relationship like this, it will make you a believer in love. These beautiful lyrics can make a great wedding song. The lyrics are poetic because once you are in love, they speak to you. When you are in love, you will understand what he is saying. The music is soft and elegant. It is the perfect music to slow dance to when you are with the one you love. Keith Whitley’s voice is pure country. His voice is outstanding in this song.
# 1 – Don’t Close Your Eyes
The number one song on our Top 10 Keith Whitley Songs list is “Don’t Close Your Eyes” from the album of the same name. This song tells the story about a man who is with a woman who is in love with someone else. She still has feelings for her old boyfriend. The narrator knows that she is thinking of her ex when she holds him. The narrator wants her to let go of the memories of her ex. He asks her not to close her eyes when he holds her. He hopes that he’s the one she is thinking of at night and not her ex. He begs for her not to pretend to be with her ex in her fantasies. He wants her to forget about yesterday just one time. He believes she would find more love if she stopped thinking about the past. He questions whether he is a fool for staying with her. He is in her arms when he knows her ex is on her mind. He prays that she will see the light and move on from her ex.
This song is different from the others on our list. Keith Whitley isn’t singing about falling in love. He is singing about losing his love to a memory. The lyrics are sad but meaningful. If you have felt like you weren’t number one in your lover’s heart, you will understand the lyrics to this song. Most people don’t talk about their lover thinking about an ex. Keith Whitley sang a dramatic song about a situation none of us would want to be in with our partner. No one wants their lover to think of their ex while they are with them. The lyrics to this song will pull at your heartstrings. If you have been in this situation, it will bring a tear to your eye. This song is an unfortunate reality if you can relate to it. Keith Whitley sings this song with all the passion needed to convey the message of the song. This song is a reminder of what his fans are missing. His soulful vocals were a gift from God. He sings from the depths of his heart and soul. He will truly be missed.
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