It’s been almost 35 years since we lost one of the greatest country singers of all time.
Back in 1989, Keith Whitley passed away from alcohol poisoning at the young age of 34. Even though it’s been over three decades, Lorrie Morgan is still paying tribute to her late husband, most notably with a cover of his iconic hit, “Don’t Close Your Eyes.”
Don’t Close Your Eyes was written by Bob McDill (also responsible for ‘Song of the South‘ by Alabama and many, many more), and was released in March of ’88 as third single from his sophomore 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.
Uploaded to her Instagram account, Lorrie called the song one of her “favorites” from Keith, and asked fans to comment what theirs is. One of the most liked responses was “Tell Lorrie I love her is my favorite song ever!!!”
Don’t Close Your Eyes is viewed by many as one of the greatest country songs of all time and is still covered by artists today. One of my personal favorite renditions is from Chris Young when he performed it for the first time at the Grand Ole Opry while playing one of Keith’s old guitars.
Check out Lorrie’s cover here: