Music artist Toby Keith has passed away at the age of 62. Toby Keith cause of death is stomach cancer. He peacefully departed on Monday, surrounded by family. A statement on his website noted Toby Keith death.
Toby Keith Career
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Keith rose to fame during the country boom of the 1990s. Throughout his career, he didn’t shy away from conflicts with other celebrities and journalists.
He gained recognition for his unabashed patriotism in post-9/11 tracks. Toby Keith songs included lively hits like “I Love This Bar” and the iconic “Red Solo Cup.”
He boasted an impressive 20 No. 1 Billboard hits, including chart-toppers like “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “My List,” and the collaborative “Beer for My Horses” with Willie Nelson.
Before his singing career took off, he worked as a roughneck in Oklahoma’s oil fields and played semi-pro football. Reflecting on his songwriting, he shared in a 2001 interview with The Associated Press, “I write about life, and I sing about life, and I don’t overanalyze things,” following the success of his track “I’m Just Talking About Tonight.”
He gained valuable life lessons in the oil fields, where he not only toughened up but also grasped the importance of financial savvy.
While he spent some time as a defensive end for the Oklahoma City Drillers, he found more consistent income playing music in his band in Oklahoma and Texas.
His journey led him to Nashville where Harold Shedd noticed him. Under Shedd’s guidance, he joined Mercury, releasing his platinum debut album in 1993.
His breakthrough song, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” became the most played country song of the 1990s.
Despite this success, the label’s emphasis on global star Shania Twain led to Keith feeling overshadowed. Unwilling to compromise his artistic identity, he expressed his dissatisfaction.
In 1999, he made a pivotal move to DreamWorks Records. It proved to be a turning point, with his chart-topping “How Do You Like Me Now?!” crossing over to the Top 40 charts.
The year 2001 brought him recognition at the Academy of Country Music Awards, where he won male vocalist of the year.
He was known for wearing his political views openly, particularly after the 2001 terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. He has even performed at events for Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, receiving a National Medal of the Arts from the latter in 2021. His songs and outspoken opinions stirred controversy.
In 2002, his song “Courtesy of the Red” stirred controversy. Singer-songwriter Steve Earle criticized him, accusing him of “pandering to people’s worst instincts.”
A notable feud ensued between Keith and The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks) after singer Natalie Maines expressed shame for then-President George W. Bush. The disagreement escalated with Maines calling his song “ignorant.” He responded by using a manipulated photo of Maines with Saddam Hussein at his concerts, provoking angry reactions from fans. In retaliation, Maines wore a shirt with the letters “FUTK” at the 2003 ACM Awards, widely interpreted as a provocative message directed at him.
He, known for his grudge-holding tendencies, made a dramatic exit from the 2003 ACM Awards. Unfortunately, he missed the moment when he was named entertainer of the year, and Vince Gill accepted the award on his behalf. Undeterred, he returned the following year, securing top honors for the second consecutive time, including top male vocalist and album of the year.
His unwavering support for the military extended beyond his songs, as he embarked on 11 USO tours to entertain troops overseas. He also played a significant role in charity work.
He started his own record label, Show Dog, in 2005.
Toby Keith Wife
Toby Keith married Tricia Lucua in 1984. The couple celebrated their 39th anniversary last year. They adopted their first daughter in 1980, second in 1985 and son in 1997.