Artist Jackie Keith Whitley for Nomination as a 20...

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Author: Jeff Swope

Started: March 13, 2008, 3:21:24 pm

Target: Country Music Hall of Fame Nominating Committee; Panel of Electors, and its Committee Chairman (ex officio)

Category: Entertainment & Media

Supporters:

Goal:

100,000

Goal Progress:

Status

Active

Each name on the following document represents a digital signature
of one (1) person who agrees with the requests mentioned herein,
which will collectively serve as an active petition to nominate and
successfully elect the late artist Jackie Keith Whitley (known as
simply 'Keith Whitley' professionally) into the Country Music Hall of
Fame for his continuing influence on the institution of Country
Music as an artist, songwriter, producer and musician.

The undersigned, represented by consumers and fans, Whitley's family
and colleagues, feels that Keith Whitley's career justifiably meets
the current criterium posted for nomination and election and
therefore presents this petition to you for professional
consideration for the 2009 induction year.

Below is the open election criteria, taken from the CMA website, and basic reasons why we (the undersigned) believe that Keith qualifies for election, and therefore should be considered.

"Candidates for the Hall of Fame will be appraised by Electors in
accordance with the criteria below:

Basic Standard - A candidate basically is to be judged on the degree
of his/her contribution to the advancement of Country Music and on
the indelibility of his/her impact."

Keith's career in country music was short lived, but at the time of his death was growing
astoundingly. Even posthumously, his fame and influence continued to
grow, as his continued singles and albums were just as successful,
and in some cases more successful than those of his released in life.

"Individual Candidacy - Only individuals may be elected to the Hall
of Fame. Companies, publications, radio stations and other groups--
many of which significantly foster Country Music --are not eligible
for Hall of Fame recognition."

The subject in question is Jackie Keith Whitley (db. 1 July 1954, d.
9 May 1989): presentable for suggestion for the Hall of Fame
nomination as a songwriter, recording artist, performer, and
producer.

"Scope of Activity - Flexible authority is vested in the Electors
in identifying the scope of a candidate's activity in Country Music.
The individual may have excelled in a narrow, specific sphere . . .
such as songwriting, publishing, musician, recording artist, etc. or
may have been active in several areas. In any event, a candidate
must have achieved definitive leadership in his/her own field of
Country Music activity. However, it is definitely not mandatory to
honor the leaders in every activity related to Country Music. A
candidate truly must compete with all candidates in all fields, as
well as with all candidates in his/her own field."

Keith set the precedent in the recording industry for artistic
control as an artist, taking over what he felt was a doomed project and
virtually scrapping it, ultimately releasing one of the most successful
albums of 1988 and 1989, 'Don't Close Your Eyes' (Sony/BMG 724557),
which featured 3 consecutive #1 hits. His vocal control and musical charisma
influenced (and continues to influence) not only his peers, but a
limitless amount of singers and songwriters of his generation and
following.

"Span of Influence - The time factor of a candidate's impact on
Country Music is completely flexible. It may cover an uninterrupted
span of many years or it may cover two or more distinct and
separated time cycles. Conceivably, even a candidate may earn Hall
of Fame recognition by one transient act, momentary in time,
providing the impact on Country Music is deemed significant enough.
Longevity of involvement with Country Music, therefore, will not in
itself warrant recognition in the Hall of Fame."

Keith's active career in the country music genre began in the late
1970's, with the release of his efforts as the lead vocalist and
rhythm guitar player for bluegrass legend J.D. Crowe and his band
The New South. The album 'Somewhere Between' has been credited as
the album which garnered not only praise and attention to Keith's
versatility and understanding of country music, but praise for J.D.
Crowe for his recognition of upcoming talent and musical
flexibility. It should be noted that other noteworthy artists have
also come from J.D. Crowe & The New South: Diamond Rio's Gene
Johnson, Alison Krauss & Union Station's Jerry Douglas, and
bluegrass pioneer Ricky Skaggs, who coincidentally began his musical
career alongside Whitley himself (with Ralph Stanley) at the ripe age
of 15.

Such being said, it is then safe to say that Keith's influence began
in the bluegrass genre at the age of 15, and later turned to
country; Professionally in 1977, and exclusively in 1984, with the
RCA release of the 6-track LP "Hard Act to Follow".

Skaggs, then current CMA Entertainer of the Year, provided liner notes on the LP-
which praised Whitley as an eclectic artist with much potential and
influence, even in his late 20's in 1984.

"Influence on Others - A most significant criterion in evaluating a
candidate will be his/her inspirational effect on others . . . the
degree to which he/she multiplies his influence through others to
create impact on Country Music far beyond his/her own direct
individual contribution."

Apart from Keith's influence in life, his blossoming career at the
time of his death in 1989 saw rise to many future country hitmakers
such as Tim McGraw, who was once quoted as saying that he 'decided
to move to Nashville to sing after hearing [Keith's song] 'Miami, My
Amy' on the radio during a backyard basketball game.' Other artists
who have attributed his music to their interest in country music are
not limited to those like already Hall-Of-Famer Vince Gill, Josh
Turner, Tracy Lawrence, Garth Brooks, Mark Chesnutt, Daryle
Singletary, Dierks Bentley, Kevin Denney, Joe Diffie, Ken Mellons
and so many more.

"Quantity vs. Quality - A candidate's ability to expand the
popularity of Country Music is a quantitative virtue. The
professionalism of his/her activity is a "qualitative" one. Both
quantitative and qualitative criteria are to be considered equally
and separately important; conceivably, one may be present without
the other."

Keith's career with RCA Records in the 1980's was short-lived, as
was his life. From 1984 to 1989, RCA saw only 4 releases from Keith,
one of which released only months after his death. Music Row was
lined with black ribbons the week of his passing. The quality of the
work he had done shone quickly after, with many posthumous #1 hits,
and a best-selling 'Greatest Hits' album. A tribute album released
in his memory saw the 1994 breakout hit for Grammy winners Alison
Krauss & Union Station. Many artists still record tribute songs to
Keith today.

Additionally, Keith had become a heavily covered artist even in life,
seeing other artists celebrate hits with songs he had already recorded.
Randy Travis had a number one hit with "On The Other Hand"; George Strait with
"Nobody In His Right Mind". When asked in interviews, Keith didn't seem to mind
that the hits went to others: "...[it] just tells me," he said in a 1988 interview,
"that I'm picking good songs."

Devotion to Others - Furthering Country Music by selfless devotion
to the interests of others may enhance the candidacy of an
individual, but it is not essential to winning. The activities of a
candidate may be completely self devoted and still be considered
significant enough to warrant recognition.

Keith was known among his friends as one of the most generous people
one would meet. Each Labor Day, schedule permitting, Keith would
perform a free 'Homecoming' concert in his hometown of Sandy Hook,
KY along with his then-wife, Lorrie Morgan. Afterwords, he would
stay and sign every autograph possible, making sure to meet and
greet everyone who came. His effort went beyond that; charity
auctions and events were a favorite spot for Keith, as he made time
for any that he could attend.

"Professional Conduct and Image - A candidate is expected to have
practiced the highest caliber of professional conduct in order to
enhance the public image of both himself/herself and Country Music."

Keith's image as an artist was flawless on stage, as his respect for
the industry and attention to musical detail and potency was relayed
in interviews and performances constantly.

"Personal Morals and Behavior - The selection process is not a
judgment of personal morals and behavior, providing the latter do
not negatively affect the professional conduct of the candidate and
the public image of Country Music."

Keith's personal behavior was not frequently relevant to his
professional conduct or the public image of country music; no more
than that of Hall of Fame members Hank Williams or George Jones. His
drinking problems were often dealt with in secret, if dealth with at
all, and handled candidly.

Thank you for your consideration and discussion on this topic. We
feel that Keith Whitley's legacy deserves to be immortalized in the
Country Music Hall of Fame's sacred halls along with his
heroes, friends, and predecessors.