European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - August 23, 1989, Darmstadt, Hesse Keith Whitley his fans still think of him by Joe Edwards associated press Lowers Are placed on his a looters come in constantly from Uron Brj Tho world promising country music anger Keith Whitley died of an accidental alcohol overdose in Way but to lives on in Tho memories of his fans and the a a Jay of his music an Alburn recorded jus a month Bolero to died. / Woncki do you hunk of me. Was Rolo ased in july by Imti music Ria records the lust single release from the album carries the same name now made ironic by his death he was 33 when he was lot ind dead at his suburban Nashville Homo on May 9 Afler it the album was Cut he fell it was his Best work said Joe Matanle. Senior vice president and general manager of Ria records in Nashville others agree that Tho handsome bearded Whitley was becoming a major Force in country music until his personal demons lolled his considerable Talent. He was beginning a super career said Jack Mcfadden his manager he was rolling. To had three no 1 records and had ust finished a great album he was drawing Large crowds and having standing room Only crowds in most of the clubs he played Thero were standing ovations every show he was a Groat entertainer. And a great his hit record at the time of his death pm to stranger to the rain continues to be Ono of Tho most played music videos on country music television country music s version of mtg and vh1. He was a rare artist said Garth fundis his record producer. When he Sang songs about things close to him. It was always soulful and from the heart very Lew singers can equal what he did in the music he recorded since Whitley s death fans have reacted by sending hundreds of tellers and Floral tributes. Mcfadden visited the grave site a few weeks after the burial and was touched by the outpouring there were Large crowds and Flowers everywhere. People have come from Texas Michigan. Indiana Iowa the Carolinas All Over he said. We re still getting mail stacks of mail. There has been mail and phone Calls from England and even Africa Whitley. A native of Sandy Hook ky., Sang wrenching tunes about pain and Joy such As Don t close your byes and when you say nothing at All. He is a posthumous candidate As country music s male vocalist of the year. After Whitley died a fund in his name was created at Vanderbill medical Center s Institute for treatment of country Singer Keith Whitley who recently died of alcohol abuse lives on in the legacy Olms music. Addiction Mcfadden said More than $4,000 was contributed to the fund in the first few weeks following the death it s coming in every Day to said Thoy told me at Vandertill that they have received Calls from people outside Nashville like Hollywood celebrities this has Alle cled them " Mcfadden said he was aware thai the Sandy haired Whitley had a drinking problem but the Singer hid in Well and few knew about it Whitley had said publicly that he battled alcoholism in his younger years according to the Coroner his blood alcohol Content was equivalent to 20 one ounce shots of 100-proof whiskey. He was Well beyond the lethal level 0 30 he was controlling it Lor Tho most part Mcfaddon said. Every once in a while he d slip. He d had the problem for Many years Starling in his Leens. He did quit for six months then started nipping and quit again i noticed an attitude change in the last three or four months. He was normally a giving warm Loving person but he got a Little ragged nervous and some members of Whilley s band have taken jobs with other country singers such As Clint Black though Mcfaddon said a couple of Tho Guyo Are so overcome they just Don t feel Tike working for a while " his 140 concert appearances which were scheduled As far ahead As next january have been cancelled or assumed by others. Whitley s wife grand Ole opry Star lome Morgan has resumed her career which is on the upswing her record dear me was a top 10 country hit in july. She s grabbed hold of herself and taken charge and is working and taking care of her Mcfadden said. The couple known affectionately at or. And mrs. Country music had two children a 2-Yenr-old son and an 8-year id daughter. She Mcfadden said when she s not Busy she has a rough time the two recorded duets together but those have not been released. Wednesday August 23, 1989 top of the charts top pop singles i. Right Hebe waiting Richard Man 5. Cold hearted Paula Abdul 3, Hanoi touch naw Kkt on Tow Block 4, dont Wanna lose you curia Ealahan 6. On our own Bobby brawn 6. Secret rendezvous Kary Whua 7. Once bitten twice shy Graat Wmk 8. The end of the innocence Don Han Lay g. Friends4ody Waban with Erik b � Rakim 10, Anoel eyes Iba Jah Hatalay band Tolp s 1. Batman soundtrack portno2. Repeat offender Rechanl Man 3. Hangin Tough new Kufe on Tom Stock 4. Forever your girl Paula Abdul 5. Full Moon fever Tom pm i Favant 7. The Haw and the cooked Flea Young Cimbala 8. Skid Row skid Bow be cruel Bobby Brown. . Country singles 1. Are you Ever Gonna love me Hoty Dunn 2. I m still crazy Vanto adm. 3.1 wonder do you think of me Kawl a way4. Any Way the wind blows sout Tiem pad 6. This 6. Nothing i can do about it now win Nehon 7. Love has no right sly Joa Royal 6. Above and beyond Rod Rwy crowd 9. Honky Tonk heart Highway 101 10. Otoe me his last Chance Lini cart Rajm top Buck singles t. Its no crime Bab Taoa 2. Something in the Way Staphan Mil 3. tha Lalay Brov 4. My fantasy Teddy Why Guy. 5. It int it want it Ain t never Gonna be a Ella frankly 1 Antnay Houston 8. Remember the first time Elf Coatto 7. Sarah. Sarah Jonathan Boac 8. Two wrongs David Pawn 8.letgosharon by a ,. 10, taste of your . The stars and stripes Page 17
