Keith Whitley Gaining Support For Hall Of Fame

INPUT { behavior: url(http://countryhound.com/FCKeditor/editor/css/behaviors/hiddenfield.htc) ; }INPUT,TEXTAREA,SELECT,.FCK__Anchor,.FCK__PageBreak { behavior: url(http://countryhound.com/FCKeditor/editor/css/behaviors/disablehandles.htc) ; }TABLE { behavior: url(http://countryhound.com/FCKeditor/editor/css/behaviors/showtableborders.htc) ; } Country Music groundbreaker Keith Whitley left his mark on the industry, but for one fan, his memory and influence have started a present-day movement to raise up Whitley's name.Bonnie Hill of Kentucky believes that the late star should be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. She has started an internet petition that has collected more than 2,000 signatures, including those of Ralph Stanley, J.D. Crowe and Alan Frizzell.Whitley is best-known for his 80s hits "Don't Close Your Eyes" and "Miami, My Amy." Many Country Music artists have named Whitley as an influence, and a 1994 tribute album to Whitley featured performances from Ricky Skaggs, Alan Jackson, Lorrie Morgan and Tracy Lawrence.The popular cover of "When You Say Nothing At All," by Alison Kraus and Union Station, rose to number three on the Billboard charts.Despite all the fervor, Hill's efforts may not be enough to sway the 300 industry professionals that nominate and vote on Hall of Fame inductees, without influence from fans.Hill told Newsday.com that she plans to make a pitch to the Hall of Fame director later this year.