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Blake Shelton Set To Co-Produce Documentary On The Life And Legacy Of Country Icon Keith Whitley
A rare peak into the life of the late, great Keith Whitley.
Today, it was announced that country star Blake Shelton is teaming up with Lucky Horseshoe Entertainment and Anomaly Content & Entertainment (ACE) to produce a documentary on the life and influence Whitley.
He tragically passed away after only releasing one EP and two full-length albums during his lifetime, but those projects and his posthumous releases have made Keith Whitley a country music legend who released what’s largely seen as some of the best country music of all time.
He had an enormous impact on the genre with his neo-traditional sound in the same style as newcomers (at the time) like Strait and Randy Travis. And his sound has continued to influence generations of country artists since his passing, with many of today’s biggest stars citing Whitley as one of their biggest inspirations.
Slayed to start filming in January of 2025, Shelton will produce alongside Lee Metzger of Lucky Horseshoe Productions, with ACE Partner Evan Hayes (Free Solo) and ACE Partner and CEO Justin Barocas serving as Executive Producer.
Zach Heinzerling, an Academy Award-nominated director renowned for his work on acclaimed projects like “Cutie and the Boxer” and “McCartney 3,2,1,” will direct the film.
Shelton shared the announcement on Instagram, saying he's "honored" to help bring the film to life, with archival footage from the Country Music Hall of Fame, as well as Whitley's wife, Lorrie Morgan:
"Keith Whitley released only three albums during his life, but his music has influenced generations of country music artists. I’m proud and honored we get to bring his incredible story to film.
The documentary will feature extensive archival footage from the Country Music Hall of Fame and personal collections from Lorrie Morgan, providing a rich tapestry of Whitley's life and career. It will also explore the small town of Sandy Hook, Kentucky, where Keith grew up, and include reflections from Lorrie as she navigates her own career while honoring his memory."
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDZ2CyLucSV/
Director Zach Heinzerling says the project is the project is "long overdue":
"Thanks to Blake, we finally have the chance to uncover the truth behind the legend that is Keith Whitley: a layered and heartbreaking story of talent, hardship, and love that is long overdue."
Shelton added that he is "proud" to be part of the important project spotlighting one of the greats:
"Keith Whitley released only three albums during his life, but his music has influenced generations of country music artists and fans. Gwen and I love to watch music documentaries, and I looked for his doc one night and couldn’t believe that there wasn’t one. I’m proud and honored we get to bring his incredible story to film."
Producer Evan Hayes says he's looking forward to spotlighting an artists that, unfortunately, many newer country fans don't really know, who has had a significant impact on every part of the genre, even still today. He specifically noted Morgan Wallen's song "Keith Whitley":
"What drew me to this project was the idea of tapping into a pop culture story that lies slightly beneath the surface. Here is this guy who is so important in the country music world - he inspired the modern 'Star Is Born,' Morgan Wallen wrote a song about him and his music - and a lot of people don’t know his name.
To be able to explore this character and this love story that had permeated pop culture country music in such an impactful way and to introduce it to mainstream audiences is exciting."
While we don't have an exact title, release date or trailer yet (it sounds like they haven't really even started filming), it's exciting to know that this is in the works, and it sounds like there are some great people involved.
As each of them stated, Whitley is incredibly influential and important figure in country music, who was lost way too soon, and I can't wait to see the finished product because Whitley's story deserves to be told and fans should know the history and details of his life.
"Don't Close Your Eyes"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqWCLRhd2FQ
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