## A Voice Sent from Heaven
In the late 1980s, Keith Whitley was on the verge of becoming the biggest star in Country music. With a pure, flawless traditional voice and massive hits like ‘Don’t Close Your Eyes’ and ‘When You Say Nothing at All,’ Whitley had the respect of his peers and the adoration of fans. He was happily married to fellow country star Lorrie Morgan and had a young son.
## The Hidden Demons
Despite having everything to live for, Whitley struggled with a severe, hidden demon: alcoholism. It was a secret he tried desperately to manage, but the addiction had a vice-like grip on him. Lorrie Morgan often tried to hide his car keys and tie their legs together in bed just to keep him from drinking in the middle of the night.
## Gone Too Soon
On May 9, 1989, Lorrie left home to fulfill a promotional commitment, assuming Keith would be fine. Tragically, Keith drank heavily in secret. Later that day, his brother-in-law found him unresponsive on his bed. At just 33 years old, Keith Whitley died of alcohol poisoning, leaving the Country music world devastated and wondering what masterpieces were left unsung.