Before his death, Whitley made a name for himself in country music with songs including “Don’t Close Your Eyes” and “When You Say Nothing at All.” His first song to climb into the Top 20 was “Miami, My Amy” in 1986.
“Don’t Close Your Eyes” was Whitley’s very first No. 1 hit and was quickly followed by several others. “When You Say Nothing at All,” “I’m No Stranger to the Rain,” “I Wonder Do You Think of Me” and “It Ain’t Nothin'” were all No. 1 hits soon after his first.
Whitley’s musical legacy continued well past his lifespan. His final studio album was released just a few short months after his death. I Wonder Do You Think of Me scored two No. 1 hits with the title track and “It Ain’t Nothin’.” Stars including Alan Jackson, Tracy Lawrence and Alison Krauss got together for a tribute album to Whitley in 1994, which saw Krauss scoring her first chart hit with “When You Say Nothing at All.” Morgan also helped to restore Whitley’s album Wherever You Are Tonight in 1995.