Tim McGraw Delivers Emotional Keith Whitley Cover

The country star's new collaboration with Lori McKenna and Bob Minner showcases his powerful vocals.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 1:31am

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Tim McGraw has released a cover of Keith Whitley's "Kentucky Bluebird" featuring Lori McKenna and Bob Minner. McGraw, a longtime fan of Whitley, delivers a raw and emotional performance on the track, which comes from Whitley's posthumous 1991 album of the same name. The collaboration highlights McGraw's impressive vocal abilities, even after recent health setbacks.

Why it matters

Tim McGraw's cover of "Kentucky Bluebird" not only pays tribute to the influential country artist Keith Whitley, but also showcases McGraw's continued vocal prowess despite his recent health challenges. The collaboration with acclaimed songwriter Lori McKenna and longtime guitarist Bob Minner adds to the track's poignancy.

The details

McGraw's cover of "Kentucky Bluebird" is a collaboration with songwriter Lori McKenna and guitarist Bob Minner, who has played with McGraw for over 30 years. McGraw, a self-proclaimed big fan of the late Keith Whitley, says he moved to Nashville the same day Whitley died in 1989. Minner had played the song with McGraw many times before shows, and when he asked McGraw to record it, the country star was happy to oblige. McKenna's harmonies on the track are described as the "cherry on top" by Minner.

  • Tim McGraw released the cover of "Kentucky Bluebird" on February 27, 2026.
  • Keith Whitley, the original artist, passed away on May 9, 1989.

The players

Tim McGraw

A popular country music artist who has been a longtime fan of the late Keith Whitley and is known for his powerful vocals.

Lori McKenna

A acclaimed country music songwriter who has written hits for Tim McGraw, including "Humble and Kind", and is also a talented singer in her own right.

Bob Minner

A bluegrass musician who has played acoustic guitar for Tim McGraw's band for over 30 years.

Keith Whitley

A highly influential country music artist who passed away in 1989, and whose music has been a major influence on Tim McGraw.

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What they’re saying

“Keith Whitley was a big influence on me. I moved to Nashville the day he died.”

— Tim McGraw

“Tim delivers ['Kentucky Bluebird'] with such honesty and raw emotion, and having the amazing Lori McKenna sing harmony was the cherry on top.”

— Bob Minner, Bluegrass Musician

What’s next

Despite recent health setbacks, Tim McGraw is planning to hit the road on his Pawn Shop Guitar Tour, which will run from July to September 2026. Fans can expect him to perform the emotional Keith Whitley cover during the tour.

The takeaway

Tim McGraw's powerful cover of Keith Whitley's "Kentucky Bluebird", featuring the talents of Lori McKenna and Bob Minner, not only pays tribute to a country music legend, but also showcases McGraw's continued vocal prowess and passion for the genre, even after facing health challenges.