Keith Whitley: ‘I’m No Stranger to the Rain’

The late singer and songwriter made a lasting impact by reviving the classic country music tradition.

A detail from compilation cover of Keith Whitely's "Sad Songs & Waltzes," 2000. Public Domain

Though singer-songwriter Keith Whitley’s solo career in country music spanned only two major label album releases over five years, the mark he left on the genre is still visible today.

He passed away unexpectedly in 1989 at the age of 34, but the body of work he left behind transcends the short time he spent in Nashville. Fans embraced his unmistakably classic country sound, especially present in hits such as “Don’t Close Your Eyes” and the tender ballad “When You Say Nothing At All.”