Blake Shelton Co-Producing Film Exploring The Life And Legacy Of Country Music Icon Keith Whitley

Blake Shelton is co-producing a documentary about the life and influence of Country Music Hall Of Famer Keith Whitley. 

Lucky Horseshoe Entertainment and Anomaly Content & Entertainment (ACE) announced the production of what’s being called a “groundbreaking documentary film” about Whitley early Tuesday. The film will document the country music icon’s personal and professional journey of the beloved artist who faced a heartbreaking untimely death at the age of 34. 

The documentary will incorporate archival footage from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Lorrie Morgan’s personal collection, offering an in-depth look at Keith Whitley’s life and legacy. It will also explore his roots in Sandy Hook, Kentucky, and feature reflections from Morgan as she balances her career while honoring Whitley’s lasting influence.

Shelton will produce with Lee Metzger of Lucky Horseshoe Productions, along with ACE Partner Evan Hayes (Free Solo) and ACE Partner and CEO Justin Barocas serving as Executive Producer. Academy Award-nominated director Zach Heinzerling, known for acclaimed works like Cutie and the Boxer and McCartney 3,2,1, is slated to direct. 

As a longtime admirer of Keith Whitley and his work, Shelton is thrilled to have a role in producing the film. 

“Keith Whitley released only three albums during his life, but his music has influenced generations of country music artists and fans,” he shared. “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.”

Shelton later added, “I’m proud and honored we get to bring his incredible story to film.” 

“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,” Heinzerling stated. 

“It’s an honor to bring Keith’s story to a wide audience,” added Lee Metzger. “He’s the kind of singer everyone knows the songs when they hear them but doesn’t know the story of the singer who performed them.”

Whitley, who is best known for songs such as “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” “Miami, My Amy,” and “I’m No Stranger To The Rain,” had a tragically brief career, spanning just over four years from his debut on the Billboard Country singles charts to his untimely passing on May 9, 1989. Despite his short time in the spotlight, his music continues to inspire and influence fans and artists for generations. Shelton, Morgan Wallen, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Ronnie Dunn, Alison Krauss, Lainey Wilson and Reba McEntire, who was a backup vocalist on Whitley’s debut album, are just some of the artists who continue to be inspired by his lasting legacy. 

Award-winning producer Evan Hayes said, “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.”

The documentary on Keith Whitley will start filming in January 2025.