Keith Whitley’s music has a way of cutting straight to the soul. His voice carried an unmatched depth of emotion, and even decades after his passing, his songs remain some of the most cherished in country music. “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” one of his biggest hits, is a song that means something—it’s classic, timeless, and easy to cover without falling short of the original.
But a young Luke Combs took on the challenge, and let’s say—he nailed it.
Luke Combs Channels Keith Whitley
Long before he sold out stadiums and racked up back-to-back CMA Entertainer of the Year awards, Luke Combs was just a guy with a guitar, a powerhouse voice, and a deep love for traditional country.
In an old video making the rounds again, a pre-fame Luke Combs is seen covering Whitley’s 1988 classic “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” It’s a simple, no-frills performance—just Combs, an acoustic guitar, and his signature raspy vocals delivering one of country’s most heartbreaking ballads.
What makes this cover stand out isn’t just the impressive vocal control or the way Combs makes the song his own—it’s Combs’s respect for Whitley’s legacy. You can hear it in how he approaches the song, keeping it raw and authentic without over-singing or trying to modernize it.
For those who don’t know, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” was Whitley’s first No. 1 hit, written by Bob McDill and released in 1988. It topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and has since been certified platinum. The song’s mix of heartbreak and longing made Whitley one of the most beloved voices in country music, even though his life and career were tragically cut short when he passed away in 1989.
For You
Covering a song like this isn’t just about hitting the right notes—it’s about capturing the emotion, and Luke Combs does that in a way few others can.
A Voice Built for the Classics
Luke Combs is one of today’s most respected country artists because of his deep appreciation for the legends who came before him. His music reflects the influence of guys like Whitley, Strait, and Travis Tritt, and that foundation in traditional country sets him apart in an era when pop-country dominates the airwaves.
While other artists have covered “Don’t Close Your Eyes” over the years—Chris Young’s Opry performance is another standout—Combs’ version feels effortless and natural, like he could’ve been singing this song in a smoky bar somewhere long before the world knew his name.
And suppose you stick around until the end of the video. In that case, you’ll catch a glimpse of Combs’ humor, proving that even when delivering a heartfelt country classic, he doesn’t take himself too seriously.
Luke Combs continues to bring real, storytelling-driven country music to mainstream audiences, which reminds us why fans connected with him in the first place. He’s not just another guy with a guitar—he’s a keeper of the country music tradition and proves it every time he picks up a song like this one.
Check out the video for yourself and see why Combs’ take on this Keith Whitley classic is worth the listen.
