Jesse Keith Whitley and Lorrie Morgan
On Dec. 2, the Cleveland Firefighters and Chattanooga Firefighters locals will host the International Association of Firefighters concert at the Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga.
Jesse Keith Whitley, Morgan’s son and son of deceased country music superstar Keith Whitley, will share the stage to benefit the local departments in helping those whose homes have been destroyed or damaged by fire, according to Jonathan Carroll of Cleveland Fire Department.
Carroll said at least 10 families have been aided this year by proceeds raised with past concerts featuring John Anderson, Aaron Tippen and others.
Cleveland firefighters also provide smoke alarms to those who need them, according to Carroll.
“We do a number of projects in the community each year. We are proud the community appreciates what we do and this is one way we are able to do something in return,” Carroll said.
Whitley, 23, will join his mother in memory of his father. Keith Whitley died when his son was 2.
Jesse’s inaugural album, “Kentucky Thunder,” made its debut earlier this year.
The lead song is about three generations of the Whitley clan — Jesse, Keith and his grandfather, who was an alleged bootlegger in Kentucky, according to album reviews.
Jesse’s famous mom, Lorrie Morgan has been in the music business all of her life. Her father George Morgan was one of the Grand Old Opry’s originals.
Lorrie Morgan made her first appearance on the famous stage when she was only 13.
She was married to Keith Whitley only three years when he died. Jesse was born in 1987.
The couple also performed a number of duets, which will possibly be performed during the IAFF concert.
Lorrie Morgan’s rich country music background include hits such as “Watch Me,” “Secret Love,” “A Moment in Time,” and “Something in Red.”
A little known fact is that “Lorrie” is short for “Loretta.”
Morgan’s full name is Loretta Lynn Morgan.
Proceeds from the concert will go to the Chattanooga Local 820 and Cleveland Local 3748.
For ticket information, contact 339-3861 or the Chattanooga Local at 553-9670.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium located at 399 McCallie Avenue in Chattanooga.
