Unveiling the Tale Behind Keith Whitley’s Melodic Masterpiece: “I Wonder Do You Think Of Me”
In the heart of Nashville, a profound story unfolded, weaving the intricate threads of passion, tragedy, and music. It was a pivotal moment at 9:45 am on that fateful May 9th, 1989, when producer Garth Fundis concluded an interview that cast a spotlight on the upcoming album by the highly anticipated Keith Whitley. Little did he know that simultaneously, at Keith’s Nashville residence, a phone call was transpiring – a conversation with his mother that would remain etched in memory. Tragically, within three hours, Keith’s life was extinguished, a victim of acute alcoholic poisoning at the tender age of 34. The world stood still, grappling with the abrupt departure of a prodigious talent whose vocal prowess rivaled even the great George Jones. It was an incomprehensible end for an artist who had touched countless hearts.
In the aftermath of this devastating loss, RCA Records rallied, expediting the production of the forthcoming album. The dawn of June 9th witnessed the release of the album’s inaugural single, a creation that would soon capture hearts and minds – “I Wonder Do You Think Of Me,” penned by the gifted Sanger D. “Whitey” Shafer. Keith Whitley’s journey into this song’s embrace was a nuanced one, marked by the desire to share Lefty Frizzell’s collaboration with Shafer, “I Never Go Around Mirrors.” Lefty, an admired figure for Whitley, held a special place in his heart. He even made a poignant stop at Lefty’s gravesite, raindrops mingling with lyrics, as if seeking the maestro’s blessing. Yet, while Whitley’s rendition resonated with emotion, it failed to align with the radio’s pulse, prompting a quest for a more commercially inclined counterpart.
A hidden gem resurfaced in Whitley’s memory – a tune from years past, a creation of Whitey Shafer himself. “I Wonder Do You Think Of Me” had been recorded by Whitley years earlier, and now it seemed providential. However, destiny played a cruel hand, and Keith’s voice was stilled before he could advocate for this melodic narrative’s release. Yet, his widow, Lorrie Morgan, undertook a valiant campaign, ensuring that Keith’s unfulfilled wish found its way to listeners’ ears. The song became a poignant tribute, a testament to the artist’s enduring legacy.
The genesis of “I Wonder Do You Think Of Me” unfolded in Whitey Shafer’s life, a melody incubated by an electric piano gift from his wife. A tune played for himself, its lyrical puzzle was completed years later. In a twist of fate, this melody found its way to Keith Whitley. Captivated by its essence, he lent his voice to its verses, a recording echoing his passion.
As the song ventured into the world, circumstances were anything but ordinary. Whitley’s sudden departure on May 9th, 1989, painted the canvas with sorrow. Yet, his music soared, defying the confines of grief. With haste, the record journeyed to eager radios and awaiting shelves. Its ascent was unrelenting, and on September 9, 1989, it crowned the pinnacle of Billboard’s country singles chart. A posthumous triumph, a testament to Keith’s enduring impact. A month later, another of his creations, “I’m No Stranger To The Rain,” claimed the “Single of the Year” accolade, a poignant accolade accepted by Lorrie Morgan in his honor. Even beyond the veil, Keith’s presence resonated – “It Ain’t Nothin’,” a melody of his, commanded charts in early 1990. The melodies persisted, crafting a musical narrative that stretched into the tapestry of 1992, with hits like “I’m Over You,” the heartfelt duet “‘Til A Tear Becomes A Rose” with Lorrie, and the soulful collaboration “Brotherly Love” with Earl Thomas Conley. And as the musical chapters unfolded, there was a final significant note – “Somebody’s Doin’ Me Right,” a melody that lingered like a poignant whisper.
In the end, Keith Whitley’s journey was not confined by the constraints of mortality; it soared through his music, forever intertwined with melodies that caressed souls. A story that began with a phone call, an untimely departure, and a song that resonated through the ages – the story of “I Wonder Do You Think Of Me.”
Artist: Keith Whitley
Album: I Wonder Do You Think of Me
Lyrics
If you drive around
Back in our old hometown
I wonder, do you think of me?
When you drive by a school
Do you remember two fools?
I wonder, do you think of me?
And remember the park
Where you struck the spark
To a fire that’s still burnin’
Oh, in my heart
That old graduation day
You just drifted away
I wonder, do you think of me?
And remember those games
Those cold football games
I was your hero
Though I seldom played
Back then could you see
What our future would be?
I wonder, do you think of me?
And the classes we missed
Caused by a kiss
I can tell you that I’ve never
Felt like that since
I don’t know, if you would
But I’d go back, if I could
I wonder, do you think of me?
I still love you
Do you think of me?
