Lorrie Morgan’s performed a touching rendition of “When You Say Nothing At All” at the Keith Whitley tribute show.
Keith Whitley fans witnessed a night to remember at the Grand Ole Opry on October 14th during the I Wonder Do You Think of Me: The Opry Remembers Keith Whitley tribute show. The evening was nothing short of magical, filled with heartfelt performances that paid homage to the legendary singer.
The lineup for this special event was as amazing as you’d expect. Garth Brooks, also a country music legend, took to the stage, and the crowd couldn’t have been more thrilled. Yet, one of the most emotional moments of the evening came when Lorrie Morgan, Keith Whitley’s widow and a country artist in her own right, stepped up to sing.
With grace and emotion, Lorrie Morgan delivered a touching rendition of “When You Say Nothing at All,” a song that holds a special place in the hearts of many country music listeners. Her performance reminded us of the love she had for her late husband and the great talent he possessed. There was a collective hush over the audience as she sang other than a few who chimed in to sing with her.
Jesse Keith Whitley, the son of Lorrie and Keith, also joined the tribute to honor Kieth Whitley even more. However, the tributes didn’t end there. Ashley McBryde and Terri Clark also took the stage, offering their own interpretations of Whitley’s timeless hits. The diversity of talent at the event showed the wide-reaching influence that Keith Whitley’s music has had on the genre.
Keith Whitley passed away when he was just 34 years old.
Keith Whitley’s life was tragically cut short on May 9, 1989, when he succumbed to alcohol poisoning at the age of 34. It was a loss that left the country music world in shock. Whitley’s potential was limitless, and his death came just weeks before he was set to become an official Grand Ole Opry member.
Opry Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers summed up the significance of the evening, acknowledging Whitley’s legacy in country music.
“Keith Whitley made an indelible mark on country music and our Opry family,” Opry Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers shared in a statement before the event. “Week after week, those who knew him still talk about him in our backstage hallways, and many of those who have come along in the 34 years since his passing cite him as a key influence on their own musical styles. It’s going to be a great night of music as we bring several of those artists together to recall one of the greatest voices to have taken the Opry stage.”
The tribute show featured not one but two performance times, allowing more fans to be part of this experience. Fans who attended the 7 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. show at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville were treated to an evening of music that celebrated Keith Whitley’s legacy.
For those who couldn’t make it to the event, a portion of the show was recorded for a special episode of Opry Live. The celebration was also broadcast live on WSM Radio and available for streaming on SiriusXM station Willie’s Roadhouse.
WATCH: Keith Whitley Debuts “Don’t Close Your Eyes” On The Opry In 1988
The I Wonder Do You Think of Me tribute show was just a reminder of the impact of Keith Whitley’s music on the country music community and the world. It’s a night that will be cherished and some of it was recorded so make sure you see the tributes for yourself.
Watch Lorrie Morgan sing “When You Say Nothing At All” in the video below!