Tim McGraw - Don't Close Your Eyes (Keith Whitley Cover)

For Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s BIG NIGHT (At the Museum), Tim McGraw performs his favorite Keith Whitley song—"Don’t Close Your Eyes,” penned by Bob McDill— on the C.W. Parsons guitar that Keith Whitley bought in his home state of Kentucky for a dollar and a handshake.

McGraw idolizes Whitley, who died at age 34 after recording major country hits and bringing back into vogue the vocal styles of forerunners including Lefty Frizzell and Merle Haggard. Whitley’s early death remains an emotional topic for McGraw, who has come to the Museum in the past, after hours, to privately experience Whitley’s exhibit, “Still Rings True: The Enduring Voice of Keith Whitley.”


#TimMcGraw #KeithWhitley #CountryMusic

[misskj]

Keith Whitley had a once in a lifetime voice.

[GregBourne-ch]

Breaks my heart, loveless one way relastionships. I would not wish them on my worst enemy.

[HardRockMiner]

When Tim said " I have no business even holding Keith Whitley's guitar, " in this broadcast, it broke me up inside.

[christophersherrell]

What makes Keith's version of this song so unique and amazing is you can actually hear the pain when he sings it. If you watch Keith sing it live at the Grand Ole Opry (one of his last), his voice cracks while singing that last verse. Country music lost Keith too soon, way to soon.

[dainalay]

It's all about teaching the younger generation about the old school music

[angelamaezgurich]

Hey Tim McGraw, I just wanted to let you know that Keith Whitley is smiling down on you because you saying that song so beautiful as he would’ve sang it… thanks for honoring Keith Whitley. My plan is song for all of us… he was a great loss to countrymusic and died way too young… and I’m so happy that he’s at peace now though but thanks for the song, you sang it so much like he did that it brought tears to my eyes. It was amazing. ❤️❤️

[Fearlessdove]

It's nice to see nothing pre-recorded or computer generated. Just his voice. Plain....and....simple.

[gunsfunfreedomkeeper]

Not really a TM fan but this was a respectable way to honor a great. Nice work Mr. McGraw. Respect.

[Dustin_Curley]

Literally everyone has done this song. Some good. Some bad. Tim nailed it. Great job.

[warrenburlingame]

Usually I don't like covers especially Keith Whitley songs. Tim you did a great job. This was my late wife's favorite song. It's the last song we ever danced to

[Jennifer-uegq]

There is only one Keith! Thank you for your tribute

[erickajohnson]

From the very first cord of the song I got chills. This is my ultimate favorite song and Tim did it justice. Keith Whitley would be proud 😊

[amylieber]

Tim Mcgraw has been my absolute favorite singer since the early 90's! He sings this song beautifully!❤

[binkyfaith]

It was Keith Whitley voice which carried this song. I miss his beautiful voice 🙏🏿😢

[kimmaynard]

He hit it right on the money! When Keith Whitley first come out with it, it gave me Goosebumps all over and hearing Tim McGraw sing it Goosebumps all over again !! nobody else I don't think could hit it just like that

[kathrynsmith]

Tim was on his move to nashville May 9th 1989, the very day the Country Music Family lost Keith.... His voice and legacy is being forever remembered by everyone, especially Lorrie and JesseKeith.... Tim did an amazing job, Don't Close Your Eyes still makes me cry 31 years later.... Rest With The Best Keith, you are loved and missed❤

[engineemt]

I just want to thank you for not chopping this song up.
Keith Whitley, to me, was country music at its finest.
To have an artist of your caliber come out and Sing this classic in its real true raw form is a fine tribute to a country music legend .
Thank
You

[connymitchell]

You are fabulous Mr.McGraw, you bring feelings to me that I have never felt, keep going ❤❤❤❤

[christymiller]

Wow Tim really did a awesome job on this one!

[michaelcremeans]

A very good song not many people can touch a legend like Keith Whitley but Tim is Keith Whitley would be proud