Keith Whitley

Country Music Singer-Songwriter

From Ashland, Kentucky. 1970, at age 16, began his professional musical career when he and his friend Ricky Skaggs worked with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. That same year, Keith and Ricky recorded a duet album. 1973, worked with Jimmy Gaudreau in a short-lived band called “The Country Store.” 1975, returned to Ralph Stanley's Clinch Mountain Boys as lead singer and guitarist. 1981, worked with J.D. Crowe and the New South. Embarked on solo career in 1985; hit the charts with his RCA single, “Miami, My Amy” in 1986. Died on May 9, 1989 in Goodlettsville of alcohol poisoning. He was 34 years old.