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Toby Keith

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Toby Keith
Photo: Senior Airman Steven R. Doty / Wikimedia Commons (public domain)

Toby Keith was a country singer and songwriter from Clinton, Oklahoma, who wrote "Should've Been a Cowboy," his first No. 1 country hit. He sang "Beer for My Horses" with Willie Nelson in 2002, and "American Soldier" topped the country chart in 2004. He passed away on February 5, 2024.

Born
July 8, 1961
Hometown
Clinton, Oklahoma
Country Music Hall of Fame
Inducted 2024

Latest Stories

Toby Keith Goes 5× Platinum With “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” After His Passing

Toby Keith's iconic patriotic anthem "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" reaches five times Platinum, proving his legacy and American fire still hit just as hard after his passing.

Remember When Toby Keith Took “I Wanna Talk About Me” to No. 1 and It Was Meant for Blake Shelton

Toby Keith took "I Wanna Talk About Me" to No. 1 in 2001 even though it was originally meant for Blake Shelton.

Toby Keith’s Daughter Took the NFL Stage to Honor Him at the Steelers vs. Bengals Game

Krystal Keith honored her late father, Toby Keith, with a powerful tribute at the Steelers vs. Bengals game, performing his iconic songs during the NFL's Salute to Service event.

Ella Langley Drops Long Awaited Cover Of Toby Keith’s Classic “Wish I Didn’t Know Now”

Ella Langley honors Toby Keith with a powerful new release of his 1994 classic, "Wish I Didn't Know Now," giving fans the long-awaited cover they demanded.

Toby Keith’s Son Defends Jimmy Kimmel After Suspension Over Charlie Kirk Remarks

Toby Keith's son Stelen slammed Jimmy Kimmel's suspension as a business move, saying the late-night host has mocked worse while honoring Charlie Kirk's life.

Blake Shelton Once Rejected a Song That Ended Up Becoming a Smash Hit for Toby Keith

Blake Shelton revealed he passed on "I Wanna Talk About Me," the song Toby Keith turned into a No. 1 hit, proving sometimes the right song just finds the right cowboy.

Toby Keith’s Baby Granddaughter Looks Like Him and the Resemblance Is Impossible to Miss

Toby Keith's son Stelen welcomed daughter Millie Brooks, and fans can't miss the uncanny resemblance to her late grandfather. A family legacy lives on.

Toby Keith’s Daughter Krystal Honors Her Father With “Don’t Let the Old Man In” at Tribute Show

Krystal Keith delivered an emotional performance of "Don't Let the Old Man In" at the Toby Keith: American Icon tribute in Nashville, honoring her late father's legacy with raw love and strength.

Toby Keith’s Son Stelen Keith Covel Is Now a Father as He and His Wife Welcome Their First Baby

Toby Keith's son, Stelen Covel, and his wife, Haley, welcomed their first child, daughter Millie Brooks Covel, marking a new chapter in the late legend's family legacy.

13 Controversial Country Songs That Offended Some but Spoke to Millions

These 13 country songs stirred up headlines and heated debates, but they also told the truth, sparked change, and stuck with us like the best songs always do.

The Untold Truth Behind Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)”

Toby Keith's "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" was born from personal loss and national tragedy, capturing raw patriotism that still sparks debate today.

35 Patriotic Country Songs to Turn Your Backyard Into the Ultimate 4th of July Party

Crank up these 35 patriotic country songs and turn your backyard into the ultimate Fourth of July party, beer in hand and fireworks blazing.

Toby Keith’s Son and Daughter-in-Law Share Glimpse Into Baby Shower With Photos Full of Love and Smiles

Toby Keith’s son Stelen and his wife Haley are expecting a baby girl and just threw a country as hell shower filled with pink cowgirl vibes and family legacy.

Riley Green and Randy Houser Honor Toby Keith With His Classics at Sand In My Boots Fest

At Sand In My Boots Fest, Riley Green and Randy Houser honored Toby Keith with a fiery duet of "Should've Been a Cowboy" and "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue," and reminded country music what real tribute sounds like.

7 Cringey Country Songs That Took Over the Radio Whether We Liked It or Not

These country songs made traditional fans cringe and critics howl, but they still dominated the charts. From Applebee's jingles to bro-country anthems, here's why.

Blake Shelton’s Label Rejected “I Wanna Talk About Me” and Toby Keith Turned It Into a Monster Hit

Blake Shelton recorded "I Wanna Talk About Me" before his label rejected it. Toby Keith picked it up, made it a hit, and never let Blake forget it.

The Night Alan Jackson Laughed as The Chicks Got Booed During Toby Keith’s Big Win

At the 2003 ACM Awards, The Chicks were booed, Alan Jackson laughed, and Toby Keith won big in one of the most unforgettable nights in country music history.

Toby Keith’s Family Showed Up at the Kentucky Derby to Support His Horse, Render Judgment

Toby Keith's horse, Render Judgment, finally made it to the Kentucky Derby, and his family showed up in full force to honor the country legend's lifelong dream.

Toby Keith’s Horse Finished 17th in the Kentucky Derby but Still Turned Heads

Toby Keith's horse, Render Judgment, placed 17th in the Kentucky Derby but made one hell of an impression with a gritty performance that honored the country's legend's legacy.

Toby Keith’s Stunning Tribute to Hank Williams Jr. With “A Country Boy Can Survive”

Toby Keith's powerful rendition of Hank Williams Jr.'s iconic song "A Country Boy Can Survive" at a 2007 tribute concert left Hank Jr. smiling with pride.

How Toby Keith Turned “Red Solo Cup” from a Joke into a Smash Hit

Toby Keith called 'Red Solo Cup' the 'stupidest song' he'd ever heard, but its humor and charm made it a triple-platinum smash hit and a cultural phenomenon.

The Surprising Inspiration Behind Toby Keith’s Hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”

Toby Keith's hit Should've Been a Cowboy was written in a hotel bathroom and became the foundation of his career, turning him into a country music legend.

Tricia Lucus Kept Toby Keith’s World Together While Staying Unseen

Tricia Lucus, wife of Toby Keith, stood firm behind the scenes, shaping the foundation of the country star's legendary success for nearly 40 years.

Toby Keith’s Final Recording Session Unveiled During Tribute Show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena

Toby Keith’s final recording session made a surprising appearance at his tribute show, Toby Keith: American Icon, held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

Toby Keith Fantasizes Aloud in “How Do You Like Me Now?!”

Toby Keith wrote "How Do You Like Me Now?!" with renowned country music songwriter Chuck Cannon – and it's something many would surely relate to. 

Self-Expression Takes Center Stage In “I Wanna Talk About Me” By Toby Keith

On August 20, 2001, Toby Keith released “I Wanna Talk About Me,” a song about a frustrated man struggling to talk to his self-centered significant other.

Country Music Icon Toby Keith Dies At 62 After Bout With Stomach Cancer

After an eighteen-month battle with stomach cancer, Toby Keith has died. The “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer was 62.

Toby Keith Songs Spanning His Illustrious Career In Country Music

Here’s a playlist of Toby Keith songs that would fit just about every emotion – love, happiness, heartache, and even a little bit of rage.

Toby Keith Gives Cancer Update And Is Hoping To Return To The Road

Toby Keith recently issued an update on his health and current condition after a full year and a month since he first revealed to fans that he has been battling stomach cancer.

10 Country Songs About Second Chances In Love Just When You Thought The Flame’s Gone

Let’s face it, love will always be such a complicated thing. But whatever situation you are in, there will surely be country songs about second chances in love you will relate to.

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