Craig Morgan Breaks Down Mid-Song While Honoring Toby Keith With “American Soldier”
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Craig Morgan became so emotional while singing Toby Keith‘s “American Soldier” during a recent performance that he asked the crowd to help him out.
“American Soldier” is a song that resonates with Morgan for more than one reason. For starters, he’s a soldier himself.
Before he was famous, Morgan served in the U.S. Army. He reenlisted in 2023, when he was sworn in to the Army Reserve at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
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Another reason why “American Soldier” means so much to Morgan is because Toby Keith, who co-wrote and originally recorded the song, was one of his close friends. Keith, who was known as one of country music’s most patriotic artists, passed away in 2024 following a battle with stomach cancer.
With those factors in mind, it’s no wonder why Morgan got choked up while singing “American Soldier” at one of his concerts. Footage from the tribute shows Morgan breaking down mid-song, barely able to get out the lyrics: “I just work straight through the holidays, and sometimes all night long.”
Morgan was so overwhelmed with emotion that he called on the audience for help. “Sing it with me now, ’cause I’m havin’ a problem,” he said.
Morgan eventually regained his composure and finished the song on a powerful note. Watch his tribute to Toby Keith in the video below.
Toby Keith’s Family Gave Craig Morgan Their Blessing To Record “American Soldier”
Beyond singing “American Soldier” live, Craig Morgan also recorded the track. It’s featured on his latest album, My Country, which was released on November 6.
As Morgan shared, My Country contains “11 songs celebrating the country I love, the music that raised me, and the men and women who serve it.”
Toby Keith’s family gave Morgan their blessing to record “American Soldier” for My Country. In a statement shared on the BBR Music Group website, Morgan said:
“And I’m privileged too to have the blessing of my friend Toby Keith’s family to record and release my own version of his iconic song, ‘American Soldier,’ on the project too. I can’t wait for everyone to listen!”
You can listen to Craig Morgan’s recorded version of “American Soldier” in the clip below. He would have made Toby Keith proud with this one.
