Country singer who had five straight #1 hit singles in the 1980s, including "Don't Close Your Eyes" and "It Aint Nothin'." He released nineteen hit singles over the course of his life.
At eight years of age he could play guitar and by nine, he was singing on Charleston, West Virginia radio stations.
His career was ultimately eclipsed by his alcoholism, and he died at home from alcohol poisoning.
His wife Lorrie Morgan was a rising country singer when Whitley died.
Alison Krauss recorded a popular cover of his hit, "When You Say Nothin' at All."
