In 1987, Keith Whitley and Earl Thomas Conley recorded a track that made them brothers in a sense. It was the song “Brotherly Love.” However, it was not included on an album until four years later, where it concurrently appeared on Whitley’s first posthumous album Kentucky Bluebird as well as Conley’s album Yours Truly.

Their version of “Brotherly Love” turned out to be a hit for both Whitley and Conley. It ranked No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and even reached the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada, where it peaked at No. 6. Additionally, the duo’s version also earned a Vocal Event of the Year nomination from the Country Music Association as well as a nomination from the Grammy Awards in the category of Best Country Collaboration with Vocals.

Indeed, Whitley may not have lived long enough to become a hit machine, but he was well on his way. Keith Whitley songs took the country charts by storm in the year leading up to and including his tragic death from alcohol poisoning.

A Love That Gets Stronger As They Grow

Written by Jimmy Alan Stewart and Tim Nichols, “Brotherly Love” found Keith Whitley and Earl Thomas Conley taking on the roles of grown brothers, looking at a bond that only brothers know and even gets stronger through the years. Even though the two might not agree on everything, their love for each other will always be enough to have each other’s back.

Whitley and Conley released a music video that’s as poignant as the song. While they did not appear in the short clip themselves, it follows actors playing brothers in the song. And with the two talented singer’s heartening performances as backing music, you might want to consider yourself warned, as this video is quite the tearjerker. 

Make sure to listen to “Brotherly Love” by Keith Whitley and Earl Thomas Conley. Truly, the country music community is a tight-knit one.