Chris Whitley

                                                                                  

Christopher Becker Whitley (August 31, 1960 – November 20, 2005) was a singer songwriter who recorded albums on various labels. Highly acclaimed by critics and fans alike, he had a strong devoted following who continued to support his work. Whitley was an intense live performer and had proven very consistent with his studio recordings. In 2001, the New York Times called him "restless ...evoking Chet Baker and Sonic Youth as much as Robert Johnson".

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Christopher Becker Whitley (August 31, 1960 – November 20, 2005) was a singer songwriter who recorded albums on various labels. Highly acclaimed by critics and fans alike, he had a strong devoted following who continued to support his work. Whitley was an intense live performer and had proven very consistent with his studio recordings. In 2001, the New York Times called him "restless ...evoking Chet Baker and Sonic Youth as much as Robert Johnson".

Although Chris Whitley never achieved mass fame, his passing resonated throughout the music community and garnered coverage and press throughout the world. Ranging from Time magazine, the New York Times, National Public Radio and a tribute mention at the 2006 Grammy Awards. His albums Living With The Law and Dirt Floor are regarded as classics, and passionate advocates abound for any of his dozen or so other releases, from the hard rock driven Din Of Ecstasy to the somewhat more experimental sound of Rocket House to the dark, jazzy minimalism of Hotel Vast Horizon and the raw sonic power of his epitaph Reiter In.

Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Don Henley, Iggy Pop and Keith Richards all count themselves admirers of Whitley's music. Dave Matthews has said, "I feel more passion for his music than I do for my own. I have a fervent, religious devotion to the magic that Chris Whitley makes". Longtime friend and producer, Daniel Lanois said, "Chris Whitley, my friend since 1988. The deep soul he was gifted with is the soul that challenged his life journey. I will forever remember his beauty."

In fall 2005, Chris Whitley cancelled his tour due to health issues. Dan Whitley, his brother, revealed on November 11, 2005 that he was "in a comfortable warm home with hospice care at his disposal". Later that week it was revealed that he was terminally ill with lung cancer. On November 20, 2005, his death (at the age of 45) was announced by Dan Whitley and Chris' daughter, Trixie Whitley.

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