Toby Keith, the renowned country musician known for crafting pro-American anthems that stirred both critics and millions of fans, has passed away at the age of 62.
The singer-songwriter, famous for hits like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” succumbed to stomach cancer, peacefully passing away on Monday surrounded by his family, as announced on his website. “He fought his fight with grace and courage,” the statement read, reflecting on his battle with the illness that he had disclosed in 2022.
Standing tall at 6-foot-4, Keith rose to prominence during the country music boom of the 1990s, capturing the hearts of fans with his heartfelt songs. Throughout his career, he engaged in public disputes with fellow celebrities and journalists, often resisting pressure from record executives to soften his raw and rugged image.
Renowned for his overt patriotism, Toby Keith left an indelible mark with post-9/11 anthems like “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” alongside lively barroom hits such as “I Love This Bar” and the catchy “Red Solo Cup.” With a commanding, booming voice, a wit infused with tongue-in-cheek humor, and a versatile range that effortlessly transitioned between love ballads and spirited drinking tunes, Keith solidified his position in the country music scene.
Among his impressive list of achievements were 20 No. 1 Billboard hits, including classics like “How Do You Like Me Now?!” and “As Good As I Once Was,” as well as memorable collaborations such as “Beer for My Horses,” featuring the iconic Willie Nelson. Influenced by fellow working-class songwriters like Merle Haggard, Keith amassed over 60 singles on the Hot Country chart throughout his illustrious career.
Despite undergoing cancer treatments, Keith remained dedicated to his craft, continuing to perform, with his most recent show being in Las Vegas in December. Notably, he graced the stage at the People’s Choice Country Awards in 2023, captivating audiences with his rendition of “Don’t Let the Old Man In.”
Reflecting on his battle with cancer during an interview with KWTV aired last month, Keith candidly described the experience as a roller coaster of uncertainty. It might never go away,” he remarked, displaying his resilience in the face of adversity.
Keith’s journey to musical stardom began with humble origins, as he worked as a roughneck in Oklahoma’s oil fields and dabbled in semi-pro football before finding his calling as a singer.
In a 2001 interview with The Associated Press, Keith emphasized his straightforward approach to songwriting, stating, “I write about life, and I sing about life, and I don’t overanalyze things,” reflecting his down-to-earth perspective.
His time in the oil fields not only toughened him but also instilled in him a sense of financial responsibility. Recounting his experiences, Keith recalled the allure of the lucrative oil industry in his youth, but also the hardships that followed when the industry faltered. Learning from this setback, he became more prudent with his finances.
Transitioning from football to music, Keith found steady income performing with his band in the vibrant red dirt roadhouse circuit of Oklahoma and Texas. Despite the uncertainties, music remained a constant in his life. He admitted the challenges of pursuing a career in music without established connections but remained determined.
Eventually, his talent caught the attention of Harold Shedd, head of Mercury Records and renowned producer for Alabama. Under Shedd’s guidance, Keith signed with Mercury and released his platinum debut album, simply titled “Toby Keith,” in 1993.
Toby Keith’s breakthrough hit, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” dominated the airwaves with a staggering 3 million radio plays, securing its place as the most played country song of the 1990s.
Despite his early success, Keith found himself at odds with his record label, feeling overshadowed by the global star power of artists like Shania Twain and pressured to conform to a more pop-oriented direction. This led him to make a bold move to DreamWorks Records in 1999.
It was during this period that Keith achieved further acclaim with his multi-week chart-topper “How Do You Like Me Now?!”, marking his crossover success onto the Top 40 charts. In 2001, he received top honors at the Academy of Country Music Awards, a moment he cherished after nearly a decade in the industry.
Known for wearing his political beliefs proudly, Keith’s outspoken nature often stirred controversy. His patriotic anthem “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” caused a stir, leading to its removal from a Fourth of July special for its perceived aggression.
Keith’s feud with The Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks) added fuel to the fire, sparked by differing political views and escalating into a public spat that played out on stage and in the media.
Despite the controversies, Keith remained committed to supporting the military, embarking on numerous USO tours and contributing to charitable causes, including building homes for families affected by cancer.
Transitioning to entrepreneurship, Keith founded his own record label, Show Dog, in partnership with Scott Borchetta in 2005, showcasing his determination to carve his own path in the industry.
His later hits, including “Love Me If You Can” and “Red Solo Cup,” further solidified his status as a country music icon, culminating in his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.
Even in the face of personal challenges, such as his battle with stomach cancer, Keith remained resilient, honored for his contributions by organizations like BMI with the BMI Icon award in November 2022.
| Name | Toby Keith Covel |
| Born | Black |
| Occupation | Singer songwriter actor record producer |
| Net Worth | $400 million |
| Died | February 5, 2024 (aged 62) Oklahoma, U.S. |