One of my favorite songs of all time.
Many believe that if Keith Whitley were still alive today, he would’ve given George Strait a run for his money as the current titleholder of the “King of country music.” Unfortunately, Keith passed away in May of 1989 from alcohol poisoning, but not before giving country fans some of the most timeless hits over the course of his brief, 5-year career.
Along with “When You Say Nothing At All,” which was also recorded by Alison Krauss in 1995, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” might be the biggest out of the five No. 1’s he cranked out in the 80’s.
The song was written by Bob McDill and released in March of ’88 as the third single from his second studio album of the same name. It would go on to reach #1 on the US Hot Country Songs chart just five months later and is currently certified platinum by the RIAA.
While Chris Young’s cover of Don’t Close Your Eyes from the Opry may be my favorite, Luke Combs delivered a short, yet flawless cover of the tune himself back before becoming the household name in country music he is today.
Honoring one of the greatest to ever do it with a performance of arguably one of the best country songs of all time is no easy task, yet Combs does it justice. Check it out below, and wait until the end if you need a good laugh.