It makes me feel better, each time I listen to this.Gram in the car and now Mr. Whitley on youtube. And of course, JD Crowe whose pulloffs I'm still trying to emulate 40 years later. Everyone is born, everyone lives, and everyone dies. It's no big deal. Some people however, leave worthwhile stuff behind them. This is worthwhile stuff.
Actually, I think it’s more appropriate to say he is one of the best male voices in all music. Keith was an extremely talented guy. His live music showcased his voice far better than recordings. If only we could have heard a duet between the great Keith Whitley and Whitney Houston. Two voices that are beyond compare.
Tony Rice and Keith Whitley are the the 2 best to ever do it. I love their voices for 2 different reasons. Tony’s was so dry and pure and always spot on and solid as a rock. But Keith’s voice was so soulful, full of emotion. It wouldn’t matter if he was singing the alphabet it’s just so melodic and emotional.
@@heletheadDid Gram ever do a studio recording of it? I thought McGuinn sung it on Sweetheart Of The Rodeo. Though Gram did sing it on a live recording that was on the Grevious Angel album.
Keith was an awesome talent and star long before he was heard by the masses. There is not a so called country singer out there today that can even come close to him. Thanks for sharing this rare and special video.
Bob Coltrain Kennedy I agree Bob Coltrain Kennedy he was in a league of his own no others then and now could come close to the talent this man had . RIP Keith Whitley you are missed and never forgotten!
Keith has one of the best voices in bluegrass and a love for the music that was endless. This particular group of men never did it better or with more heart and soul. Anyone who ever heard or saw them together will always miss them.
Well for being 2nd cuzins with Keith Whitley it adds joy to my heart hearing his music. I pass it on every chance i get . I play lead electric gutiar and his music is always our first set. Im also blood related to Ricky Skaggs.
Ol' Bobby Sloane on fiddle got cut off on this video. But that is Bobby. I would recognize that bow holding anywhere. RIP Bobby. You were so cool that nobody even even knew it. And JD. Greatest banjo player of his generation. Life took me to Kentucky. And gave me the gift of this music.
Stunning voice and awesome harmony. In about 1979 I was playing with a band at Gettysburg bluegrass festival when it was at the old venue.. I was around the back stage, Keith was with JD then. He broke a string on his guitar . He turned to me I guess because I was the first one there that he saw, and said” hey man, can you reach in my case and get me a D string??” He pointed to his case. I opened it up and there were strings everywhere. Some were in wrappers, and some were not. I found one that was in a D string wrapper , but it was used. I handed it to him. he said “thanks, good it’s a used one.” as I recall he was very appreciative and acted just like a regular guy. down to earth good-natured. Just a naturally great singer and musician. Gone but sure not forgotten.
I was stationed in the Army in Kentucky when I first heard Keith Whitley. He instantly became my favorite country singer and still is to this day. I’m not saying he is the best country singer of all time but he is my favorite country singer of all time. His voice stands out amount all others.
I love it when these videos appear - seemingly out of nowhere. This is a super recording! Love all these guys! (esp. Kieth Whitley and J.D. "the man" Crowe)
i thought keith was at his bluegrass best with JD and tns. keith sang bluegrass long before he was a country music sensation. if i remember right, he and ricky scaggs were friends and sang together with ralph stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys when they were about 15 yrs old. amoung others, he sang with Carl Jackson, J.D. Crowe, Jimmy Gaudreau, & Earl Thomas Conley. he was a heavy drinker from a very very early age and it finally took his life. sad, very sad. he is still missed and will be for many years to come. thanks for this post.
Gram and Keith must be looking down and wondering what the fuss is all about ?Both able to capture that heartbreaking sound in their own unique ways that this so good
well i wish i could see him again he so down to earthy guy seems like i nerver met him personally i saw a show when i was 13 or 14 at a county fair and it was special just being there was enough for me he wasnt even famous yet still in bluegrass with jd im 41 years old now i miss him sooo wonder what all we missed he was just gettin started heaven only knows
Kevin Ray I could listen all day and night if my wife would let me! lol Thanks for looking here.. I love Keith Whitley and found a treasure when I found this.. Billy Cole.. (I'm highlighting Keith here & google will tell you the rest of the story if Kevin L. doesn't beat us to the punch.. Uh oh, too late! Thanks Kevin L. for the homework..)
A beautiful lead singer that could do bluegrass or country music. An extraordinary talent. Sorry the bottle was one of his diwnfalls. A shame. Be grateful we all got these recordings. He could have been right there with all the guitar singing front men. Like Rice for one. The music world should miss him.
I know this was the 70's...BUT I think wearing shorts makes them look trashy! I love Keith Whitley's voice! I'm happy he made it before he passed away!!!
Keith was unreal. Thanks so much for this early video. He just got better and better. I wish he could have made the full ride because he would have been on the top.
I wish someone who knows who would take this and enhance the audio, round it out or whatever. It's an amazing performance, feels like we can only hear a fraction of it. Guess we're lucky to have it at all, no one was carrying their iPhones around back then, lol.
As 15 year old this guy kicked my butt what a beautiful blending he was unique I know Lefty was an influencer but this man paid his dues played with Ricky made his bones there bluegrass but to be able to convey the loneliness of my old friend and blind and Afraid of the Dark and if you really listen to his voice god-given I miss the old traditional medicine of what was then called country music and the absolute bubble gum sell your soul Garth so sad that style can't be heard much anymore I wish country would go back to its roots I know Waylon said That Ain't Country but really we didn't have to sell out to sugar pop did we look at Randy came along what did George say we knew you were carrying something from that Carolina he was wondering what Randy was all about he knew he was good almost as good as George knew he was I do understand the draw of alcohol how much fun it is to get stoned and listen to these guys Merle Lefty little bit more Merle
I don’t know who owns the original VHS or Betamax recording... but I sure hope they let an archivist have access to the master at some point because I’m sure the tape “blurbs” can be fixed...and this recording deserves it.
He is head was so full of music how can you possibly remember all those songs all the lyrics his fear was forgetting. I am an alcoholic too it's hard but your fear is forgetting the lyrics and embarrassing yourself in front of people
***** Yes it's very common for musicians to have substance problems because of stage fright or fear of making mistakes . It's a scary thing having that light pointed right on you , with everyone watching closely . That's why so many musicians , from every genre , end up with substance abuse issues . I saw a documentary about Keith Whitley's life , and it was said that he had terrible stage fright every time he performed , and the drinking 'calmed" those nerves . He was an amazing talent . Peace
Hank Williams Sr. was from another time a different era. And he was an amazing talent I that era . But Keith Whitley had so much talent that it appealed to people of all ages and walks of life.I think that even though he was with us such a short time his talent transcends time and other artists can't even come close and never will .
Keith started playing with bands when he was really young . Unfortunately most of his band mates drank and did drugs and then so did Keith . Yes he had stage fright but he handled it alright until he started playing with these bigger bands . That's when his drinking started getting out of control . His band mates had to make sure that anything with alcohol in it was destroyed ; mouthwash, cologne etc. So he moved on to other drugs. . Read about him or watch his documentary . Even though he was a drunk and a druggie he was still a great country music star ; a legend! If he'd lived he would have been the greatest past and future ,he was amazing! RIP KEITH gone but not forgotten. As to the subject of his wife , she said she knew if she went on tour what would happen and yet she went anyway! Who does that? Certainly not a loving wife she was portrayed to be .she can't be blamed entirely but if she knew why would she leave him to die . I think there's more to that part of the story but it will never be told . Personally I think Lorie loved her career more than anything. And Keith loved Lorie more than anything. He may still be alive if she would have put him first and not went on tour . He asked her not to go and she left him alone. You decide what do you think about it . Let's here it!
We lost a GIANT when Keith left us. Hank Williams, Sr. comes to mind. Keith, by far, had the music all figured out.............I just wished he had never gotten into "County" music, Lorrie Morgan, and all that Nashville junk.
@@sandyellis3004 It you say the Lord Jesus "needed" Keith Whitley to go back to him, you might as well say that he "needed" him to drink himself to death.
It makes me feel better, each time I listen to this.Gram in the car and now Mr. Whitley on youtube. And of course, JD Crowe whose pulloffs I'm still trying to emulate 40 years later. Everyone is born, everyone lives, and everyone dies. It's no big deal. Some people however, leave worthwhile stuff behind them.
This is worthwhile stuff.
Damn man, if any comment in the history of the internet deserves a like it is yours. I would love to have a cold beer with you.
This my friends is Kentucky soul music and dear to my heart.
Amen
keith whitley is a legend, one of the best bluegrass and country music artist/vocalist of all time.
Amen
That's a fact.
bazthehandyman the that live
Actually, I think it’s more appropriate to say he is one of the best male voices in all music. Keith was an extremely talented guy. His live music showcased his voice far better than recordings.
If only we could have heard a duet between the great Keith Whitley and Whitney Houston. Two voices that are beyond compare.
@@MrSDFD18 or Kieth and Carter Stanley.
I think Keith really must have liked Gram--he has Parson's (and Hillman) song "Sin City" on JD Crowe album and it's also awesome
Just like Hank, Gram and Kieth overdosed themselves into music heaven too soon. God Bless Them for what they gave us!
Keith is the best of the best bar NONE, and right on, nobody today could even hope to come close to the magic in his voice!!!
Bar Tony.
I agree!!!
Tony Rice and Keith Whitley are the the 2 best to ever do it. I love their voices for 2 different reasons. Tony’s was so dry and pure and always spot on and solid as a rock. But Keith’s voice was so soulful, full of emotion. It wouldn’t matter if he was singing the alphabet it’s just so melodic and emotional.
I think Gram sings it better.
@@heletheadDid Gram ever do a studio recording of it? I thought McGuinn sung it on Sweetheart Of The Rodeo. Though Gram did sing it on a live recording that was on the Grevious Angel album.
Keith Whitleys Voice is one of a kind!
Smoothest voice just like Vern Gosdin.
The BEST version of Hickory Wind
It's not a contest.
@@johnnynbkhe just stating an opinion
Keith was an awesome talent and star long before he was heard by the masses. There is not a so called country singer out there today that can even come close to him. Thanks for sharing this rare and special video.
Bob Coltrain Kennedy 3-
Bob Coltrain Kennedy I agree Bob Coltrain Kennedy he was in a league of his own no others then and now could come close to the talent this man had . RIP Keith Whitley you are missed and never forgotten!
If Keith had lived he would have been a mega -star! There's no other artists out there that could even come close.
I had to comment, so true words. Rip Mr. Country Music
Very true, the best voice of his time hands down and possible any time!
Keith has one of the best voices in bluegrass and a love for the music that was endless. This particular group of men never did it better or with more heart and soul. Anyone who ever heard or saw them together will always miss them.
linda, did you go to school at canton? ken t.
Well for being 2nd cuzins with Keith Whitley it adds joy to my heart hearing his music. I pass it on every chance i get . I play lead electric gutiar and his music is always our first set.
Im also blood related to Ricky Skaggs.
Exactly
Keith was the best singer to ever live. I'm sure he is the lead singer in The Angel Band.
@@claytonferguson1104 where do you fall on Faye’s side of the family?
She was the sweetest soul. I miss her each day.
I agree Clayton. What a legacy in your family. Country music royalty in my opinion.
Ol' Bobby Sloane on fiddle got cut off on this video. But that is Bobby. I would recognize that bow holding anywhere. RIP Bobby. You were so cool that nobody even even knew it. And JD. Greatest banjo player of his generation. Life took me to Kentucky. And gave me the gift of this music.
Great arrangement of the always influential Gram Parsons with Emmylou Harris...love this song.
J.D had that banjo in tune that day, of course Keith was always in tune!
Stunning voice and awesome harmony. In about 1979 I was playing with a band at Gettysburg bluegrass festival when it was at the old venue.. I was around the back stage, Keith was with JD then. He broke a string on his guitar . He turned to me I guess because I was the first one there that he saw, and said” hey man, can you reach in my case and get me a D string??” He pointed to his case. I opened it up and there were strings everywhere. Some were in wrappers, and some were not. I found one that was in a D string wrapper , but it was used. I handed it to him. he said “thanks, good it’s a used one.” as I recall he was very appreciative and acted just like a regular guy. down to earth good-natured. Just a naturally great singer and musician. Gone but sure not forgotten.
KW died way too soon but thankfully lives on forever in recordings.
I was thinking the same thing what an awesome performance and what a loss those two guys (Gram and Keith) were.
I was stationed in the Army in Kentucky when I first heard Keith Whitley. He instantly became my favorite country singer and still is to this day. I’m not saying he is the best country singer of all time but he is my favorite country singer of all time. His voice stands out amount all others.
I love it when these videos appear - seemingly out of nowhere. This is a super recording! Love all these guys! (esp. Kieth Whitley and J.D. "the man" Crowe)
EPIC! Keith doing Gram Parsons. I mean, come on!!!!! Thank you so much for posting this!!!!
I posted this and I still listen to it a couple times a week at least.. #KeithLife
Billy Cole,........Thanks so much for posting all these great videos love Keith, JD, and the music of this era,....thank you so much !
Tyvm for post...best version of hickory wind I've heard hands done.
Billy Cole thank you for posting. He does a wonderful job. Makes your feel like your at home in the mountains
We appreciate you for posting it.
What year was this recording? Thanks for sharing!
Wow this is gorgeous
Gram parsons wrote and sung by the great Keith whitley
I've got a new favorite.... That's hard to beat right there. Doesn't get any better!
The best was with us for such a brief time but left me a lifetime of memories. God Bless Keith.
Love it, and JD before he had grey hair. Keith Whitleys voice was pure gold.
One of the best voices in bluegrass & country! Such as sad day when he passed!
i thought keith was at his bluegrass best with JD and tns. keith sang bluegrass long before he was a country music sensation. if i remember right, he and ricky scaggs were friends and sang together with ralph stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys when they were about 15 yrs old. amoung others, he sang with Carl Jackson, J.D. Crowe, Jimmy Gaudreau, & Earl Thomas Conley. he was a heavy drinker from a very very early age and it finally took his life. sad, very sad. he is still missed and will be for many years to come. thanks for this post.
Gram and Keith must be looking down and wondering what the fuss is all about ?Both able to capture that heartbreaking sound in their own unique ways that this so good
Get chills every time I listen to this, LOVE my KEITH~
J D Crowe one of the best banjo pickers and Keith great singers. Both are from. Kentucky.
well i wish i could see him again he so down to earthy guy seems like i nerver met him personally i saw a show when i was 13 or 14 at a county fair and it was special just being there was enough for me he wasnt even famous yet still in bluegrass with jd im 41 years old now i miss him sooo
wonder what all we missed he was just gettin started heaven only knows
Thanks there's not much you can say just got to listen best thing I've ever came across on youtube
Kevin Ray I could listen all day and night if my wife would let me! lol Thanks for looking here.. I love Keith Whitley and found a treasure when I found this.. Billy Cole.. (I'm highlighting Keith here & google will tell you the rest of the story if Kevin L. doesn't beat us to the punch.. Uh oh, too late! Thanks Kevin L. for the homework..)
Im named after Keith. My mom was really close to Keith when she was little.
I’ve heard countless people sing this song but no one sings it like Keith!
One of the best country and Bluegrass singer ever rest in peace Keith whitley
A beautiful lead singer that could do bluegrass or country music. An extraordinary talent. Sorry the bottle was one of his diwnfalls. A shame. Be grateful we all got these recordings. He could have been right there with all the guitar singing front men. Like Rice for one. The music world should miss him.
Two Legends Of Blue Grass-- Keith Whitley & JD Crowe
Real music, awesome
Keith, another great talent, gone too soon.
Natural born talent,never be bested,such heart.
I have never seen this, man I wish Keith was still here with us more than just his songs.
Trouble is really just life for some could not of had it any-other way...this was a fairytale era in country music,An Keith Lived it..God Bless
what a shame only 25,000 people have heard this... i guess were the lucky ones
i can honestly say you haven't heard keith whitley until your hear this song
One of the great country singers but with us for such a brief time.
Keith does an awesome job on this Gram Parsons song. But of course he could sing the phone book and it would be a hit.
His son Jessie Keith looks like him at this age its amazing......wow love this video
Gram and Keith, great performers...now both part of the wind :( RIP
One the greatest singer ever lost him too soon
I know this was the 70's...BUT I think wearing shorts makes them look trashy! I love Keith Whitley's voice! I'm happy he made it before he passed away!!!
Keith was Definitely 1 of the Greatest, never ever have i heard a song from him i didn't enjoy, Definitely gone to soon , A True Legend
Top song from a brilliant song writer being sung by a brilliant singer! Both left us far too soon. RIP Gram and Keith.
Beautiful
In South Carolina now. Could hardly wait to put this song on.
Keith Whitley, belongs in the same sentence with. Cash, Haggard, Jennings, Jones, an Williams. Period
JD rocks hard on banjo, even on slow three-quarter stuff.
Outstanding!
Wow this is so good. Always been a massive Keith Whitley fan. He's the best there has ever been.
THE REAL THANG!!!
never heard this....but dayum!!!!!! truly 1 of the best ever.
Keith,God bless him,made this one his own.
and God bless Gram Parsons for the song.
This is Perfect
I can't stop playing this. What a voice - and cute to boot. I bet every woman he met fell in love with him.
Keith Whitley měl od mládí neobyčejný talent a velké kouzlo osobnosti ❤
Best instrument ever made was Keith Whitley's voice.
Perfect comment!
There's a bunch of versions of this fabulous song.....and this is as good as any!
Great great stuff.
Wow! What exquisite harmonies! And what a song! Thanks to who ever captured and whoever posted this superb moment.
Keith was unreal. Thanks so much for this early video. He just got better and better. I wish he could have made the full ride because he would have been on the top.
amazing!
I wish someone who knows who would take this and enhance the audio, round it out or whatever. It's an amazing performance, feels like we can only hear a fraction of it. Guess we're lucky to have it at all, no one was carrying their iPhones around back then, lol.
OGSpaceCadet it's a good mix?
Solid gold!
Right up there with Carter both left us way too early.
So awesome!!!!!!
Truly one of the best.
The best..
Kentucky Soul Music?!
Now that's a good one.
When Gram wrote this song,
they would've chased him right the hell outta Kentucky.
I'm impressed he's singing a Gram Parson's tune :)
In Keith Richard's autobiography, he has the utmost respect for Gram Parsons. Said he learned a lot from him.
Keith lived just around the corner from us
THANKFUL ...
best song by him
Awesome.... I miss Gram parsons and I miss Keith Whitley.....
Love this. So glad you shared it. And thankful I stumbled upon it.
As 15 year old this guy kicked my butt what a beautiful blending he was unique I know Lefty was an influencer but this man paid his dues played with Ricky made his bones there bluegrass but to be able to convey the loneliness of my old friend and blind and Afraid of the Dark and if you really listen to his voice god-given I miss the old traditional medicine of what was then called country music and the absolute bubble gum sell your soul Garth so sad that style can't be heard much anymore I wish country would go back to its roots I know Waylon said That Ain't Country but really we didn't have to sell out to sugar pop did we look at Randy came along what did George say we knew you were carrying something from that Carolina he was wondering what Randy was all about he knew he was good almost as good as George knew he was I do understand the draw of alcohol how much fun it is to get stoned and listen to these guys Merle Lefty little bit more Merle
awesome
I don’t know who owns the original VHS or Betamax recording... but I sure hope they let an archivist have access to the master at some point because I’m sure the tape “blurbs” can be fixed...and this recording deserves it.
Yep...Keith left Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys to become J.D.'s new lead singer around 1978...
Yessss !!!
He is head was so full of music how can you possibly remember all those songs all the lyrics his fear was forgetting. I am an alcoholic too it's hard but your fear is forgetting the lyrics and embarrassing yourself in front of people
Raymond Gaddis Very true
***** Yes it's very common for musicians to have substance problems because of stage fright or fear of making mistakes . It's a scary thing having that light pointed right on you , with everyone watching closely . That's why so many musicians , from every genre , end up with substance abuse issues .
I saw a documentary about Keith Whitley's life , and it was said that he had terrible stage fright every time he performed , and the drinking 'calmed" those nerves .
He was an amazing talent .
Peace
Sorry , I must have misunderstood . You aren't saying Hank Williams sr is "tard' boy , and already forgotten ? Also , which song do you speak of ?
Hank Williams Sr. was from another time a different era. And he was an amazing talent I that era . But Keith Whitley had so much talent that it appealed to people of all ages and walks of life.I think that even though he was with us such a short time his talent transcends time and other artists can't even come close and never will .
Keith started playing with bands when he was really young . Unfortunately most of his band mates drank and did drugs and then so did Keith . Yes he had stage fright but he handled it alright until he started playing with these bigger bands . That's when his drinking started getting out of control . His band mates had to make sure that anything with alcohol in it was destroyed ; mouthwash, cologne etc. So he moved on to other drugs.
. Read about him or watch his documentary . Even though he was a drunk and a druggie he was still a great country music star ; a legend! If he'd lived he would have been the greatest past and future ,he was amazing! RIP KEITH gone but not forgotten. As to the subject of his wife , she said she knew if she went on tour what would happen and yet she went anyway! Who does that? Certainly not a loving wife she was portrayed to be .she can't be blamed entirely but if she knew why would she leave him to die . I think there's more to that part of the story but it will never be told . Personally I think Lorie loved her career more than anything. And Keith loved Lorie more than anything. He may still be alive if she would have put him first and not went on tour . He asked her not to go and she left him alone. You decide what do you think about it . Let's here it!
Hits from the bong
We lost a GIANT when Keith left us. Hank Williams, Sr. comes to mind. Keith, by far, had the music all figured out.............I just wished he had never gotten into "County" music, Lorrie Morgan, and all that Nashville junk.
Awesome!
the VIRGINIA GENTILEMAN
Bob Buchanan who wrote the song with Gram is alive and well and still great.
Saw this version of the New South perform many times - great to see them again, thanks for posting.
The fiddle player was Bobby Sloane!
Real music
Keith Whitley the very best of the best.
Why did you leave so soon. Guess the Lord Jesus saw you needed to go back to him.
Oh yeah? Why was that?
@@commontater8630 If you don't know them why should I tell you Read your Bible
@@sandyellis3004 Oh, really. So you won't tell a poor benighted non-bible-reading sinner why the Lord Jesus would "need" someone to go back to him?
@@commontater8630 Read your Bible and pray and if you are sincere perhaps you will learn the ways of the Lord
@@sandyellis3004 It you say the Lord Jesus "needed" Keith Whitley to go back to him, you might as well say that he "needed" him to drink himself to death.
Thank You 👍👍👍❤️
That is really a testament to the coolness of youtube.
The Kentucky Bluebird .. flies ..
Thank you :]s
The original song was by Gram Parsons and The Flying Burrito Brothers. A great version, but I favor this one.
It was actually when Gram was with The Byrds from their album Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
My bad! :-)
I thought it was Joan Baez? Thanks I had no idea !