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 till his death in 1989, but he continues to influence an entire generation of singers and songwriters. He charted nineteen 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).
There is a Keith Whitley Tribute Band known as "Kentucky Bluebird". The group includes former Whitley sideman, Randy Hayes. Most recently, the group hosted and performed at The 1st Annual Keith Whitley Tribute Concert in Keiths' hometown of Sandy Hook, Kentucky on June 25, 2009.
From Wikipedia