Two Iconic Keith Whitley Songs Earn Platinum Certification
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Two Of Keith Whitley’s Beloved Songs Just Earned Rare Platinum Certification…Decades After Their Release
Keith Whitley served as the voice behind some of country music’s most iconic songs. One of those songs is “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” which Whitley released in as a single in 1988.
“Don’t Close Your Eyes” reached the #1 spot on the Hot Country Songs chart. It also topped Billboard‘s year-end Hot Country Songs chart for 1988.
Whitley died just one year later, on May 9, 1989. He was only 34 years old.
What Is Platinum Certification & How Does A Song Earn It?
Now, over 35 years after “Don’t Close Your Eyes” was released, the song has achieved a rare feat. On September 13, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awarded it a Platinum certification.
As the RIAA details on its website:
“Originally conceived to honor artists and track sound recording sales, Gold & Platinum Awards have come to stand as a benchmark of success for any artist—whether they’ve just released their first song or Greatest Hits album.“
For a song to be certified Platinum, it must sell one million units.
The factors that determine Platinum status have changed a lot over the years, especially with the rise of streaming. On January 2, 2016, the RIAA declared that 150 streams of a song would equal the sale of one unit.
Because of these high thresholds, it’s not common for songs to reach Platinum status…especially older ones. But Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes” just did!
Additionally, the song’s namesake album was certified Platinum by the RIAA on the same day. Like songs, albums must sell one million units to achieve Platinum certification.
The album was the final one of Whitley’s released in his lifetime.
Do Any Of Keith Whitley’s Other Songs Have Platinum Certification?
Another one of Whitley’s songs was certified Platinum on September 13, “When You Say Nothing At All.” Whitley released the song in 1988, and it reached #1 on the Hot Country Songs chart.
“When You Say Nothing At All” was one of the tracks on the Don’t Close Your Eyes album, which surely contributed to its Platinum certification. To top it off, “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” (also from the Don’t Close Your Eyes album) was certified Gold for the sale of 500,000 units.
What a day for Whitley’s music…and some long overdue certifications!
