When You Say Nothing At All is a country song written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz. It was first recorded by Keith Whitley in 1988 and released as the second single from his album Don’t Close Your Eyes. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since become one of Whitley’s signature songs and is considered a classic of country music.
Keith Whitley was born in Sandy Hook, Kentucky, on July 1, 1955. He began playing guitar at a young age and was influenced by country music artists such as Merle Haggard and George Jones. In 1983, he signed with RCA Records and released his debut album, A Distant Memory. The album was a commercial success and spawned the hit singles “Miami, My Amy” and “I’m No Stranger to the Rain”.
Don’t Close Your Eyes was released in 1988 and was Whitley’s most successful album to date. It was certified platinum by the RIAA and spawned the hit singles “When You Say Nothing At All”, “Don’t Close Your Eyes”, and “I Wonder Do You Think About Me”.
When You Say Nothing At All is a beautiful ballad about the power of love and communication. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a couple who can express their love for each other without saying a word. Whitley’s vocals are warm and expressive, and he delivers the song with a deep sense of conviction.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Alison Krauss & Union Station, Ronan Keating, and Brad Paisley. However, Whitley’s version remains the definitive recording. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010 and was named one of the “Songs of the Century” by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
When You Say Nothing At All is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today. It is a powerful ballad about love, communication, and the power of silence. Keith Whitley’s performance is simply unforgettable.
Here are some additional information about the song:
- The song was originally written for a movie, but it was never used.
- Whitley’s version of the song was produced by Garth Fundis.
- The song was a critical and commercial success, winning several awards, including the Song of the Year award from the Country Music Association.
- The song has been used in several movies and television shows, including Sleepless in Seattle and The Sopranos.
When You Say Nothing At All is a beautiful and moving song that has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. It is a testament to the power of music and the human spirit.
Tam Le