Blake Shelton Teams With Anomaly Content & Entertainment For Keith Whitley Documentary

A new documentary on the life and influence of country legend Keith Whitley from Lucky Horseshoe Entertainment and Anomaly Content & Entertainment is set to begin filming in January.

Produced by Blake Shelton and Lee Metzger of Lucky Horseshoe Productions, along with ACE Partner Evan Hayes (Free Solo) and ACE Partner and CEO Justin Barocas serving as Executive Producer, the film aims to unveil the personal and professional journey of one of country’s most influential figures. Zach Heinzerling, an Academy Award-nominated director known for his work on projects like Cutie and the Boxer and McCartney 3,2,1 is set to direct the film.

Whitley passed away at 34, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists like Shelton, Morgan Wallen, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Ronnie Dunn, Alison Krauss, Lainey Wilson and Reba McEntire, who was a backup vocalist on Whitley’s debut album. He was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2023. The new film will delve into Whitley’s life, his struggles with addiction, his love for fellow country singer Lorrie Morgan and the impact of his music on the industry.

The documentary will feature extensive archival footage from the Country Music Hall of Fame and personal collections from Morgan, providing a rich tapestry of Whitley’s life and career. It will also explore the small town of Sandy Hook, Kentucky, where Keith grew up, and include reflections from Morgan as well.

“Keith Whitley released only three albums during his life, but his music has influenced generations of country music artists and fans,” says Shelton. “Gwen and I love to watch music documentaries, and I looked for his doc one night and couldn’t believe that there wasn’t one. I’m proud and honored we get to bring his incredible story to film.”

“Thanks to Blake, we finally have the chance to uncover the truth behind the legend that is Keith Whitley: a layered and heartbreaking story of talent, hardship, and love that is long overdue,” shares Heinzerling.

“It’s an honor to bring Keith’s story to a wide audience,” adds Metzger. “He’s the kind of singer everyone knows the songs when they hear them but doesn’t know the story of the singer who performed them.”

Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.

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