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Toby Keith was one of the most successful and influential country music artists ever. He had sold over 40 million albums worldwide, won four American Music Awards, and been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was also known for his patriotic and outspoken songs, such as “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)” and “Beer for My Horses”.
In this blog post, I will explore some of the themes and messages that Toby Keith conveyed through his music, and how they reflected his personal views and experiences. I will also analyze how his style and sound had evolved over the years, and what made him stand out from other country singers.
About – Toby Keith
Toby Keith was born in Clinton, Oklahoma, in 1961. He grew up listening to his grandmother’s records of country legends like Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash. He learned to play guitar at an early age and started performing in local bars and clubs when he was a teenager. He worked as a derrick hand in the oil fields and played in a band called Easy Money on the side.
Career – Toby Keith
In 1984, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a music career. He struggled to find a record deal for several years until he met producer Harold Shedd, who signed him to Mercury Records in 1992. His debut single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”, was a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It was followed by other successful singles, such as “A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action” and “Wish I Didn’t Know Now”.
Toby Keith’s early songs were mostly upbeat and catchy, with a traditional country sound. He sang about love, heartbreak, and having fun. He also showed his sense of humor and wit, with songs like “You Ain’t Much Fun” and “Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine on You”. He established himself as a talented songwriter and performer, who could appeal to a wide audience.
However, Toby Keith’s career took a different turn after the September 11 attacks in 2001. He wrote a song called “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)”, which expressed his anger and frustration at the terrorists who attacked America. He also voiced his support for the US military and President George W. Bush. The song was controversial, as some people found it too aggressive and jingoistic. It was banned by some radio stations, and criticized by some fellow artists, such as the Dixie Chicks.
Toby Keith did not back down from his stance and continued to release songs that reflected his patriotic and conservative views. He also became more outspoken in his interviews and concerts, often clashing with the media and other celebrities. He defended his right to express his opinions and argued that he was representing the voice of many Americans who felt the same way.
Some of his songs that followed this trend were “Beer for My Horses”, a duet with Willie Nelson that advocated vigilante justice; “American Soldier”, a tribute to the troops fighting overseas; “I Love This Bar”, a celebration of the common people; and “As Good As I Once Was”, a defiant anthem of aging gracefully.
Toby Keith’s songs also became more diverse and experimental in terms of musical style. He incorporated elements of rock, pop, rap, blues, and soul into his country sound. He collaborated with artists from different genres, such as Sting, Sammy Hagar, Krystal Keith (his daughter), Colt Ford, and Jimmy Buffett. He also launched his record label, Show Dog Nashville, in 2005, which gave him more creative freedom and control over his music.
Toby Keith’s last album, Peso in My Pocket, was released in 2021. It featured songs that reflected his current state of mind and outlook on life. He sang about finding peace and happiness in simple things, such as fishing, traveling, and spending time with his family. He also addressed some of the challenges and changes that he had faced in recent years, such as losing his father, dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and turning 60 years old.
Death – Toby Keith
Sadly, Toby Keith passed away on February 5th, 2024 at the age of 62 after battling stomach cancer. He had announced his diagnosis in June 2022 and had undergone chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. He continued to record and perform through his illness, appearing live over three nights in Las Vegas in December 2021. His last video posted on Instagram hours before he died showed him talking about returning to music.
Worlds Word For Toby Keith
Many country music stars paid tribute to Toby Keith after hearing the news of his death, sharing their memories of the legend and the impact his music had on their lives. Some of the artists who reacted on social media were –
Jason Aldean, who called it “a sad day” for country music and its fans, wrote on X, “Toby was a huge presence in our business and someone we all looked up to and respected. You and your music will be forever remembered, big man.”
Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, who said Keith was “one of the first to believe in us Flatts boys” and took them on the road with him. He also called him “a lifelong friend” and said he would miss him.
Bobby Bones interviewed Keith on his radio show recently. He dedicated an hour of his show to talk about Keith, his memories, listener stories, artist stories, and more.
CMT said Keith was “deeply saddened” to learn of the loss of the country legend. It praised him as “a true trailblazer” who was “big, brash, and never bowed down or slowed down for anyone.”
John Rich called Keith “a true Patriot, a first-class singer/songwriter, and a bigger-than-life kind of guy.” He also said he would be greatly missed.
Zach Bryan reminisced about listening to Keith’s music in his father’s car. He said it was “a really hard thing to hear” and wished him peace.
William Michael Morgan said Keith was “one of my heroes” and thanked him for his music and inspiration.
James Otto, who said he was “heartbroken” by the news and called Keith “a legend.”
Toby Keith’s music was more than just entertainment. It was a reflection of his personality, values, and beliefs. It was also a reflection of the culture and history of America. Whether you agreed or disagreed with him, you could not deny that he had made an impact on the country music scene and beyond.