Keith Whitley

Sept. 9, 1989, was a bittersweet day for friends and family of the late Whitley.

Need a romantic ballad to put you in the mood? Looking for just the right hit to crank up the heat? From sultry slow-burns to five-alarm infernos, there's a sexy country song for every situation.

Whitley's rich musical legacy makes us wonder what kind of impact he would have made on country music had he lived longer ...

He identified timeless stories that made him cry, inspired others pick up a pen or guitar and guaranteed a spot in that Nashville pantheon alongside many of his childhood favorites.

Whitley died at the age of 33 from alcohol poisoning.

On April 8, 1989, "I'm No Stranger to the Rain" became Whitley's last No. 1 hit before his death from alcoholism.

April showers bring May flowers ... and some really good country songs about rain.

Just like big hair and Spandex, country music was alive and well in the '80s, celebrating true love, simple pleasures and American pride.

Jordan Matthew Young got Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson to turn ... but he also attracted the attention of Nick Jonas!

Kenzie Wheeler's country style managed to achieve a four-chair turn ... Which team did he end up on?