Photo: Getty Images
Tim McGraw shared a video of rising Nashville, Tennessee-based artist Timothy Wayne covering a classic Keith Whitley ballad.
McGraw joined in after Wayne kicked off a rendition of Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” one of the most unforgettable hits from the late singer-songwriter’s career. Whitley, who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October 2022, released “Don’t Close Your Eyes” in the late 1980s. It served as the title track of his 12-track sophomore studio album, following his debut in 1985. Whitley died in 1989. He was 34.
McGraw spotlighted Wayne, noting that “he may be my nephew… but he’s the real deal!! Just listen to him sing the hell outta this song,” McGraw wrote in his caption as he shared the video on Instagram. Wayne will join his superstar uncle to open the final run of shows on his headlining “Standing Room Only Tour,” which also includes hummingbird songstress Carly Pearce.
Wayne released his debut song, “God Made A Country Boy,” last month. He said at that time that he’s “been working towards this moment,” and now that it’s arrived, “it doesn’t feel real. Thank you all for the support, and you better get to work learning all the words because I can’t wait to sing this one with you all on the road this summer.”
Remaining “Standing Room Only Tour” Dates:
June 20 — Philadelphia, PA
June 21 — Baltimore, MD
June 22 — Raleigh, NC
June 27 — Phoenix, AZ
June 28 — Los Angeles, CA
June 29 — Sacramento, CA