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Toby Keith Covel (July 8, 1961 – February 5, 2024) was a multi-talented American country singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur, whose career shaped modern country music for over three decades
Born in Clinton, Oklahoma, and raised in Moore, he spent his early years working in oil fields and performing nights with his band, the Easy Money Band. His authentic working-class roots and performance experience captured the attention of Mercury Records executive Harold Shedd, who discovered Keith through a demo tape and quickly signed him
In 1993, Toby Keith released his debut single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” which soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The success of both the song and his self-titled debut album—ultimately certified platinum—catapulted him into the national spotlight. Building on that momentum, his subsequent albums—Boomtown (1994), Blue Moon (1996), and Dream Walkin’ (1997)—achieved gold or platinum certification.
By 1999, he released the breakthrough album How Do You Like Me Now?!, featuring its titular hit that held the top spot on country charts for five weeks—cementing his superstardom. Toby later embraced bold expressions of American pride, especially after 9/11, through fiery hits like “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” in 2002—a commercially massive and controversial anthem.
He continued to deliver No. 1 hits throughout the 2000s, including “American Soldier,” “I Love This Bar,” “Beer for My Horses,” and “As Good as I Once Was,” all of which became staples of the genre
Beyond performing, Keith was an entrepreneurial force: he founded his own label, Show Dog Nashville (later Show Dog-Universal), launched the I Love This Bar & Grill restaurant chain, and engaged deeply in philanthropy—through his Toby Keith Foundation and OK Kids Korral—supporting children with critical illnesses.
Toby Keith passed away in February 2024 following a battle with stomach cancer . By then, his legacy included 40+ million albums sold, 20 No. 1 country hits, multiple awards—including Songwriters Hall of Fame (2015) and Country Music Hall of Fame (2024) inductions—as well as recognition such as the National Medal of Arts and BMI Icon award