The life of many musicians is sometimes intense, successful, and incredibly short. It’s arguably the biggest pitfall of fame in the music business, and it sadly still transpires fairly often. Now, this way of life is not unique just to rock ‘n’ roll and rap music. Rather, it is a way of life that does not discriminate, as addiction, severe illness, and unexpected deaths criminally arise in every walk of life, so these things have also taken the lives of several country musicians far too early.
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Death and legacy have an oxymoronic bond that is tragic in every sense of the word. Though, that isn’t why we’re here today. Instead, we are here to commemorate three country musicians who passed away far too soon, and that being so, here are three who we still miss today.
Keith Whitley
During a time when the fads of the 80s were diminishing the commercial appeal of traditional country music, Keith Whitley was the genre’s knight in shining armor. In other words, he single-handedly helped the genre stay above water by going against the musical norms of the time and delivering music with real soul.
Sadly, Whitley was not able to do this over an extended period, as Whitley passed away at 34 years old from acute alcohol poisoning. His death came at arguably the height of his career, given that Whitely had garnered three No. 1 singles in 1988 and 1989 thanks to his second album, Don’t Close Your Eyes. And if he hadn’t passed at such a young age, he surely would have acquired many more.
Patsy Cline
Patsy Cline is undeniably one of the most influential figures in the history of country music. If Cline had never picked up a microphone, the current state of country music would likely look entirely different. Impressively, yet sadly, Cline made an insurmountable impact on country music during her six years of mainstream popularity.
At just 30 years old, Patsy Cline passed away in an aviation accident in the year of 1963. Like Whitley, Cline was arguably at the height of her career, as she had scored massive success with hits such as “Crazy”, “I Fall To Pieces”, and “She’s Got You”. If Cline had not passed away in 1963, her career and legacy would not have petered out with the times. Rather, she would have gone on to thrive as a living legend.
Justin Townes Earle
While not praised on the grand scale of the commercial country music scene, Justin Townes Earle was a gem in the Americana and folk country world. The son of the acclaimed Steve Earle, Justin Townes Earle, produced timeless folk country classics, “One More Night In Brooklyn” and “Harlem River Blues”.
Tragically, at 38 years old, Justin Townes Earle passed away in 2020 from an accidental overdose. Since his passing, Earle has not only lived on through his father but also through his own legacy. Which would have certainly been bolstered, as Earle had a refreshing sound during a decade that needed it most.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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