Toby Keith Dies

Toby Keith, born on July 8, 1961, in Clinton, Oklahoma, was an American country music singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. Raised in a musical family, Keith developed a passion for music at an early age. He attended Moore High School in Moore, Oklahoma, where he played football and performed in the school band. After graduating in 1979, he worked various jobs, including in the oil industry, before pursuing a career in music.

Keith’s musical journey began in the early 1990s when he gained attention with his debut single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” which topped the country charts and became the most-played country song of the decade. His self-titled debut album, released in 1993, marked the beginning of a successful musical career.

The Mercury Record album produced three more Top 5 hits on the country charts with “He Ain’t Worth Missing” (at #5), “A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action” (originally the B-side of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”) and “Wish I Didn’t Know Now” (both at #2). The album’s success led to Keith touring with then-labelmates Shania Twain and John Brannen.

Keith then signed with Polydor Records Nashville and released his second album, Boomtown, in September 1994. The album contained the number one single “Who’s That Man”. By late-1995, he released his first Christmas album, Christmas to Christmas, via Mercury. Composed entirely of original songs, the album produced one chart entry in “Santa I’m Right Here”,

which reached as high as number 50 based on Christmas airplay. His next country #1 was “Me Too” on his Blue Moon in 1996. In 1999 his “How Do You Like Me Now?!” #1 single was was certified 2x platinum. The number ones just kept on coming including “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This” (2000), “I’m Just Talkin’ About Tonight” (2001), “I Wanna Talk About Me” (2001),

“My List” (2002), “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” (2002), “Who’s Your Daddy?” (2002), “Beer for My Horses” (with Willie Nelson) (2003), “I Love This Bar” (2003), “American Soldier” (2003), “Whiskey Girl” (2003), “As Good as I Once Was” (2005), “Love Me If You Can” (2007), “She Never Cried in Front of Me” (2008),

“God Love Her” (2008), “American Ride” (2009), and “Made in America” (2011). Toby came out with 21 Studio albums, 7 Compilation albums, 54 Music Videos, and 69 Singles with 20 of those being number ones. In addition to his musical career, Toby Keith has ventured into business with successful enterprises.

He launched his own record label, Show Dog Nashville, and the restaurant chain “Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill,” which has multiple locations across the United States. His entrepreneurial spirit extends to other areas, including a line of mezcal called “Wild Shot,” as well as a clothing line.

He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the country music industry. He has won multiple Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, and American Music Awards. In 2005, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognizing his talent as a songwriter.

In June 2022, Keith announced that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer at the end of the prior year, having undergone chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery for the past six months. Keith died in his sleep in Oklahoma on Monday, February 5, 2024, at the age of 62. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Tricia Lucus, and their daughters Shelley and Krystal, and son Stelen.