Garth Brooks’ Emotional Keith Whitley Tribute Said Everything

Garth Brooks has been advocating for Keith Whitley's membership into the Country Music Hall of Fame for years, so it was fitting that he did the honors during the Medallion Ceremony on Sunday night (Oct. 16) in Nashville. #garthbrooks #keithwhitley #countrymusichalloffame After a moving acoustic performance of "Don't Close Your Eyes," Brooks spoke to Whitley's family and the country music industry gathered to celebrate him, Jerry Lee Lewis and record label executive Joe Galante. "For all country music fans, this night is long overdue," Brooks began, needing a moment to push back his emotions. His five-minute induction speech focused on an early belief that Whitley was "too country" for country radio. Brooks compared that to calling something "too good," and that earned a knowing chuckle from the audience. Neither he nor the Hall ignored the '80s hitmaker's battle with alcohol or how he ultimately died. If you're new, Subscribe! → http://bit.ly/subscribe-taste-of-country Download the app → http://tasteofcountry.com/app/ Go here → http://tasteofcountry.com/ Like us →   / thetasteofcountry   Follow us →   / tasteofcountry   Get our newsletter → http://tasteofcountry.com/newsletter/ #CountryMusic #Nashville