Toby Keith was one of the top stars in country music, selling over 40 million albums and best known for such singles as “How Do You Like Me Now?!” and “As Good as I Once Was.”
- Died: February 5, 2024 (Who else died on February 5?)
- Details of death: Died in Oklahoma of stomach cancer at the age of 62.
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Toby Keith’s legacy
The Oklahoma-born Keith was working in the oil industry at age 20 when he formed the Easy Money Band with some of his work colleagues. Keith and his bandmates played local bars in the ‘80s, and after the oil industry in Oklahoma went into decline, he played semi-pro football. He busked in Nashville in the early 1990s and finally got his break when his demo tape landed in the hands of Mercury Records executive Harold Shedd. His first single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” was released in 1993 and went to No. 1, shooting Keith into stardom.
His self-titled debut resulted in a string of hits, including “He Ain’t Worth Missing” and “Wish I Didn’t Know Now.” His follow-up record, “Boomtown,” was equally successful and included the No. 1 hit “Who’s That Man,” among other top 20 singles. He closed out the 1990s with two more albums, each yielding more big chart hits. His 1999 single, “How Do You Like Me Now?!” became one of his biggest songs, spending five weeks on top of the country charts. A short time later in 2001, “Pull My Chain” resulted in three consecutive No. 1 singles.
In 2002, Keith released “Unleashed,” featuring his smash hit duet with Willie Nelson, “Beer for My Horses.” A country chart topper, it crossed over to mainstream success as well. “Unleashed” and its follow-up, “Shock Y’all,” saw Keith making patriotism and the American flag a big part of his image. Songs like “Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American)” and “American Soldier,” both No. 1 songs, emphasized this focus. This remained a central part of his public image for the rest of his career, and it did not come without controversy. Keith feuded with the Dixie Chicks, a group that had received blowback from the country community over their criticism of President George W. Bush. He was again criticized for playing at the pre-inaugural ceremonies for President Donald Trump.
All told, Keith released over two dozen albums, including Christmas and greatest hits records, and had 20 songs go to No. 1 on the country charts. He has sold over 40 million records worldwide. Outside of music, he operated several restaurants, had a line of clothing, and engaged in other business ventures. In 2022, Keith announced he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer and was undergoing treatment. He leaves behind his wife, Tricia Lucus, and three children.
On his cancer diagnosis:
“Cancer is a roller coaster, so it’s like, you just sit here and wait on it to go away, and it may not ever go away. If it goes into remission, it will still be in the back of your mind.”—from a 2024 interview for News9 Oklahoma
Tributes to Toby Keith
Full obituary: The New York Times
