The country music community is mourning the death of beloved singer-songwriter Toby Keith. Early in the morning on February 6th Toby Keith’s family shared the news across social media that the country music icon passed away last night (Feb 5) after a years-long battle with stomach cancer.
Toby left an immeasurable mark on country music, releasing 19 studio albums, 2 Christmas albums, and 5 compilation albums, totaling worldwide sales of over 40 million albums. He had 61 singles land on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including 20 number-one hits and 22 additional top 10 hits.
Over the last three decades, Toby Keith has shared music that resonates with listeners across all generations and walks of life.
10. “Made In America”
“Made In America” is one of many patriotic anthems which Toby Keith became known for. The song celebrates the values of hard work, family, and American ingenuity. Released in 2011, “Made In America” will be remembered as Toby’s final No. 1 song on a major chart in his lifetime.
9. “I Wanna Talk About Me”
The lively single “I Wanna Talk About Me” was released by Toby Keith in 2001. The song’s witty lyrics and catchy melody made it a quick fan favorite. “I Wanna Talk About Me” takes a playful stance on the communication challenges that often exist between men and women, yet still offers a meaningful reminder of the necessity of compromise in a relationship.
8. “Wish I Didn’t Know Now”
Released in 1994 as a part of Toby Keith’s self-titled debut album, “Wish I Didn’t Know Now” wrestles with the complexity of love and loss. The song’s haunting melody is change of pace compared to many of Toby’s bold and high-energy songs. The poignant ballad showcases Toby’s talent for storytelling which has been recognizable throughout his career.
7. “Beer For My Horses”
Tied as Toby Keith’s longest running No. 1 single, “Beer For My Horses” was released in 2002 as a duet with country music legend Willie Nelson. The song celebrates justice and community and encourages listeners to stand up for what is right. “Beer for My Horses” also made Willie Nelson the oldest artist to top the country charts at age 70.
6. “American Soldier”
Following the 2001 attacks on 9/11, “American Soldier” was written during a time of national reflection and gratitude. Released in 2003, the song is a heartfelt tribute to those who have served and continue to serve their country. Toby Keith once said of the song, “This is my support for the American fighting men and women.“
5. “As Good As I Once Was”
“As Good As I Once Was” was released in 2005 as a part of Keith’s album Honkytonk University. The song tells a story of resilience and nostalgia, reminding listeners that there is plenty of life left to live. “As Good As I Once Was” is tied with “Beer For My Horses” for the title of Toby’s longest running No. 1 hit, spending six weeks on top of the charts.
4. “How Do You Like Me Now?!”
Released in 1999 as the title track of Toby Keith’s album, “How Do You Like Me Now?” became an instant classic, resonating with anyone who has ever felt underestimated or overlooked. The song spent five weeks on the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and was also the first number-one single for the now defunct DreamWorks Nashville label.
3. “Don’t Let The Old Man In”
Originally written and released in 2018 for the movie The Mule, “Don’t Let The Old Man In” grabbed the attention of fans when Toby performed it at the People’s Choice Country Awards. It was his first televised performance since his cancer diagnosis. The song was inspired by a casual conversation with Clint Eastwood, but became the inspirational soundtrack for Toby’s return to the stage.
2. “Courtesy of The Red, White, and Blue”
Nicknamed “The Angry American,” “Courtesy of The Red, White, and Blue” hit speakers in the spring of 2002. Inspired by the loss of his father in early 2001 as well as the terrorist attacks on 9/11, Toby Keith wrote the patriotic anthem to capture the emotions that many Americans were feeling at the time. The song has remained a symbol of patriotism and pride in country.
1. “Should’ve Been A Cowboy”
Toby Keith’s debut single “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” was released in 1993 and immediately solidified his place in country music. The song became the most played country song of the 1990s and remains arguably Toby’s most fan-favorited song to this day.
Toby Keith was the founder of the Toby Keith Foundation. The foundation helps support the OK Kids Korral, which serves as a home-away-from-home for families with children undergoing cancer treatments. If you’d like to make a donation in Toby’s memory, you can visit the Toby Keith Foundation’s official website here.
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