Country music star Toby Keith has died, aged 62. Keith, who was battling stomach cancer, passed peacefully on Monday surrounded by his family.
Toby Keith the acclaimed country music artist known for his patriotic tunes that stirred controversy among critics while resonating with millions of fans, has passed away at the age of 62.
Renowned for hits like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” toby Keith a prolific singer-songwriter battled stomach cancer and peacefully passed away on Monday surrounded by his loved ones as stated on his official website. The statement lauded his valiant fight against the illness highlighting his grace and courage throughout the ordeal a battle he publicly disclosed after his diagnosis in 2022.
Standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches tobyKeith rose to prominence during the country music boom of the 1990s captivating audiences with his soulful compositions. Throughout his illustrious career he engaged in public disputes with fellow celebrities and journalists often resisting pressure from music industry executives to soften his authentic persona and unique style.
Renowned for his unabashed displays of patriotism in post-9/11 anthems such as “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” as well as his lively barroom hits like “I Love This Bar” and “Red Solo Cup” Toby Keith was celebrated for his distinctive traits. Possessing a commanding resonant voice coupled with a witty sense of humor Keith showcased a versatile range that effortlessly transitioned from heartfelt love ballads to spirited drinking songs captivating audiences with his dynamic musical repertoire.
Among Toby Keith’s impressive repertoire of chart-topping hits, including “How Do You Like Me Now?!”, “As Good As I Once Was,” “My List,” and “Beer for My Horses,” a notable duet with Willie Nelson were a testament to his musical prowess. Inspired by iconic working-class songwriters like Merle Haggard toby Keith amassed over 60 singles on the Hot Country chart throughout his illustrious career. Despite battling cancer Keith remained steadfast in his passion for performing taking to the stage as recently as December for a show in Las Vegas.
He also graced the People’s Choice Country Awards stage in 2023 delivering a poignant rendition of his song “Don’t Let the Old Man In.” Reflecting on his cancer journey in a recent interview with KWTV toby Keith likened the experience to a roller coaster ride acknowledging the uncertainty that accompanies the relentless battle against the disease.
Before embarking on his illustrious singing career Toby Keith gained valuable life experiences in the oil fields of Oklahoma, where he worked as a roughneck and later played semi-professional football. Reflecting on his approach to songwriting, Keith emphasized his penchant for portraying real-life experiences without overthinking them. He acknowledged that his time in the oil fields not only toughened him up but also imparted important lessons about the value of money. Recounting his early days in the oil industry Keith reminisced about the substantial earnings he made at a young age earning an impressive $50,000 annually at just 18 years old highlighting the lucrative opportunities available in the field during that time.
After the collapse of the domestic oil field industry Toby Keith faced financial challenges having not saved during the prosperous times. This setback served as a crucial lesson, prompting him to adopt a more prudent approach to money management. While he briefly pursued a football career playing as a defensive end for the Oklahoma City Drillers it was music that provided him with a consistent source of income. Performing with his band on the red dirt roadhouse circuit in Oklahoma and Texas Keith discovered the enduring stability of music in his life.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding a career in music he eventually ventured to Nashville. There, he caught the attention of Mercury Records head Harold Shedd, renowned for his work with the hit group Alabama. Shedd’s interest led to Keith’s signing with Mercury Records marking the beginning of his successful journey in the music industry including the release of his platinum debut record “Toby Keith” in 1993.
His breakout hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” garnered immense success, becoming the most played country song of the 1990s with 3 million radio plays. However despite this achievement Toby Keith felt overshadowed by the label’s focus on global superstar Shania Twain. He sensed that executives were pushing him in a direction that didn’t align with his artistic vision leading to a sense of dissatisfaction. Keith expressed his frustration stating that he felt pressured to compromise his authenticity resulting in a miserable experience. Despite releasing albums that included hits like “Who’s That Man” and a cover of Sting’s “I’m So Happy I Can’t Stop Crying,” Keith ultimately decided to part ways with the label. In 1999 he made the transition to DreamWorks Records in pursuit of a fresh start and creative freedom.
His chart-topping hit “How Do You Like Me Now?!” marked a significant turning point in Toby Keith’s career, becoming his inaugural song to break into the Top 40 charts and solidifying his presence in mainstream music. In 2001 he achieved notable recognition at the Academy of Country Music Awards, clinching both the male vocalist of the year and album of the year awards after a lengthy wait of nine years, a moment he joyfully exclaimed about from the stage. Known for his outspoken political views Keith’s stance evolved from identifying as a conservative Democrat to later asserting his independence. He performed at various events for Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump the latter honoring him with a National Medal of the Arts in 2021. However Keith’s bold opinions often expressed through his music occasionally sparked controversy.
His 2002 anthem “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” stirred debate with its assertive lyrics resulting in its removal from a patriotic ABC Fourth of July special due to its perceived aggression. A notable feud ensued between Keith and The Chicks (formerly known as the Dixie Chicks) following singer Natalie Maines’ criticism of then-President George W. Bush leading to a contentious exchange marked by public statements and onstage gestures.
Toby Keith’s tendency to hold grudges was evident during the 2003 ACM Awards when he left prematurely after feeling snubbed in earlier categories resulting in him missing the moment when he was announced as entertainer of the year leaving Vince Gill to accept the award on his behalf. However he returned the following year to secure the top prize for the second consecutive year along with top male vocalist and album of the year for “Shock ’n Y’all.”
Beyond his music Keith’s unwavering support for the military extended beyond lyrics as he embarked on 11 USO tours to entertain and uplift troops serving overseas. Additionally he contributed significantly to charitable causes including the establishment of a home in Oklahoma City for children with cancer and their families.
Following Universal Music Group’s acquisition of DreamWorks Keith embarked on a new chapter by founding his own record label Show Dog in partnership with record executive Scott Borchetta in 2005. Despite skepticism from some in the industry the label flourished representing a roster of artists including Trace Adkins, Joe Nichols, and Clay Walker. Keith’s later hits such as “Love Me If You Can” and “Red Solo Cup,” solidified his status as a country music icon culminating in his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015. He was posthumously honored with the BMI Icon award in November 2022 shortly after revealing his battle with stomach cancer underscoring his enduring impact on the music industry.
