The Keith Whitley Commemorative ‘Double Shot Of Country’ Tour Kicks Off

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Oct. 19, 2015 - PRLog -- Sandy Hook, KY—It was just announced that “The Double Shot of Country” Tour is set to debut in the Lone Star State on October 24, 2015. This tour represents much more than the exceptional music created and performed by the late, great Country music legend Keith Whitley. It was created on the hopes and prayers of fulfilling a dream to honor the Country icon and keep his memory and music in the forefront of both audiences and the industry alike.

Keith Whitley's family--Dwight, his brother, and Flo, Dwight's wife--had a vision and a dream of continuing Mr. Whitley’s legacy by creating the “Friends of Keith Whitley”. The organization will focus on promoting the genres of Bluegrass and Country music while providing funding for scholarships for selected individuals--whether it be in the fields of songwriting, production, musicianship, studio technicians--and all else involved in the arts promoting and creating Country and Bluegrass music. The organization will also work to erect signs and monuments honoring the memory of Keith Whitley in his beloved hometown of Sandy Hook, Kentucky.

Recently, Dwight and Flo Whitley were presented with two certificates of appreciation at the Ohio Statehouse from Ohio Governor John Kasich and Lt. Governor Mary Taylor, in recognition of the many contributions made to the music industry by the entire Whitley Family, specifically: Dwight, Flo, Jackie Keith, John Keith, Michael Keith and Jessie Keith. To mark this prestigious occasion, a United States flag was flown over the Ohio Capitol building.

Last month the entire Whitley Family was honored by the State of Ohio at a private reception in Hillsboro, Ohio, at the residence of Johnny Deans, Classified Country Entertainment. Mr. Deans is a longtime friend of the Whitley Family, as well as manager and promoter of Country legend Gary Adams, and has assumed PR and promotion duties for the tour with this lively event premiering at the historic Reo Palm Isle (est. 1935) in Longview, Texas. This venue has hosted numerous legendary names in entertainment over the years--including Buck Owens, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, to name a few, and now adds the Keith Whitley Commemorative “Double Shot of Country” Tour to that notable lineup. Club Owner Mike Kittner has been instrumental in providing the venue at no cost to the tour and lending a hand to support this worthy cause and ensure its success!

This kick-off event will feature Michael Keith Whitley (Nephew of Keith Whitley), Don Woods, Jr.; Quitman, TX, Darrin Morris Band; Gilmer, TX, Wade Buzzard; Chicago, IL and Ashley Wineland; Phoenix, AZ, These talented artists have offered to provide their performances without thought of compensation; enthusiastically throwing their support behind such a worthwhile event.

Keith Whitley made a mark on Country and Blue Grass music that still reverberates today, and the loss of this genre giant is still felt throughout the entire music industry. He walked onto his first stage at the age the age of 4 and has contributed to, or composed, 19 songs on the Billboard Country charts--with 6 of them becoming number one hits within a 3 year time period.

For more information, media, sponsorsip inquiries and interviews, contact the following:
Dwight/Flo Whitley: Classified Country - Johnny Deans at 614-582-4000 or 937-205-4895; Fax: 937-840-0481/Email: classco@cinci.rr .com