Listen to Jesse Keith Whitley and His Son Jackie’s Stunning Duet of “Don’t Close Your Eyes”

“Don’t Close Your Eyes” is a country ballad that was written by Bob McDill and first recorded by Keith Whitley in 1988. The song was a huge commercial success for Whitley, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, and earning him the Country Music Association Award for Male Vocalist of the Year in 1989.

The song’s lyrics depict a man trying to convince his lover not to leave him, and to keep their relationship alive. He urges her not to give up on him, and to resist the temptation to be with someone else. The chorus contains the iconic line, “Don’t close your eyes, let it be me,” which has become one of the most recognizable and beloved lines in country music.

Tragically, Keith Whitley passed away in 1989, just a year after the song’s release. His untimely death at the age of 34 cut short a promising career, but his impact on country music has endured. “Don’t Close Your Eyes” remains one of his most beloved and enduring songs, and has been covered by numerous artists in the years since its release.

One particularly noteworthy cover of the song was recorded by Whitley’s son, Jesse Keith Whitley, in 2019. Jesse Keith Whitley’s hauntingly beautiful rendition of the song, which features a duet with his late father’s vocals, has been praised by fans and critics alike for its emotional depth and raw authenticity.

Overall, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” is a timeless classic of country music, and a testament to Keith Whitley’s enduring talent and legacy.

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