Few recording artists in any genre have experienced success quite like Toby Keith.
The late platinum-selling recording artist had a decades-long career and served as a symbol of American patriotism.
In addition to being a country music superstar, Keith was a businessman and family man.
Some may remember Keith as a singer, but he was a songwriter, too.
He began writing songs as a teenager, and the skill would go on to earn him millions.
As Keith himself noted, though, it took him a few tries to get the hang of songwriting.
“It was called if ‘You’re Handing Out a Heartache.’
It wasn’t bad it was structured right but it wasn’t very good either.
After graduating from high school, Keith began working in the oil field in Oklahoma.
“All through this whole thing the only constant thing we had was music.
I had no contacts,” Keith told the Associated Press in the late 1990s (viaThe Spokesman-Review).
This act changed his life, as the label signed the musician.
“It was mainly the quality of what he was writing.
Since the beginning of his career, Keith had been releasing music under Mercury Records.
“, a new executive took over at Mercury, and he wasn’t fond of the album.
Willing to bet on himself, Keith encouraged the executive to drop him from the label.
After being dropped, he purchased his album’s IP and sold it to DreamWorks.
The album was released under DreamWorks, and it went double platinum.
Thus, “Courtesy of the Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)” was born.
The anthem was popular, and it has remained a staple in many Independence Day playlists since.
This was just the beginning of Keith writing and recording patriotic tunes, though.
Some of his other popular hits later written include “American Soldier” and “Made in America.”
In 2021, Keith spoke withFox Nationabout the song that created his patriotic public persona.
“I knew it would be polarizing.
Toby Keith didn’t often veer from music, but he did dabble in acting at times.
“When I did the movies, it affected my [song]writing.
In 2011, the singer started Wild Shot, a line of mezcal.
In Keith’s eyes, many parts of his career coalesced in his restaurant venture.
“I can put them on that 30-city tour.
I don’t have to look for a place to play.
It’s cost-effective as crap.
They’re in Toby’s house.
They’re drinking Toby’s liquor.
That’s Toby’s act.
And then we’re moving to the next town,” Keith toldForbesin 2013.
Lucus was in the audience.
“I was 19 and he was 20.
But Lucus supported her husband’s dreams.
As Keith told theChicago Tribunein 2016, “I was a Democrat my whole life.
They kind of disowned me when I started supporting the troops, then I went and registered Independent.
I’ve never been a registered Republican.
It just keeps people off balance.
They don’t know what to think.”
Keith was also unafraid to share his stances on specific political policies.
“I’ll always pull for the commander in chief, whoever it is.
Keith never did share who he voted for, though.
“I don’t think it’s their business,” he asserted.
And it ended up paying off big time for Keith.
“I own a piece of the label she’s on.
Swift was vocal about her admiration for Keith when she was still new in her career.
“You’re in the room with him and you’re able to feel it.
Keith’s idea for the OK Kids Korral came from personal experience.
The daughter of Keith’s former road manager developed a tumor at just 2 years old.
“They didn’t charge her a penny.
That led me to realize that’s what we needed in Oklahoma City.
Kids with cancer and their families come here for free.
Since its inception, Keith’s foundation has raised millions to support families with children diagnosed with cancer.
Needless to say, they were devastated to learn in 2022 that Keith had been diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Keith kept his health struggles a secret for half a year before making a public announcement.
So far, so good.
I need time to breathe, recover and relax.”
The singer was flooded with messages of support from fans and the country music community.
“I am looking forward to spending this time with my family.
But I will see the fans sooner than later.
I can’t wait,” he ended his post.
After announcing his diagnosis, Keith was open about how he felt.
“It’s a little bit of a roller coaster.
You get good days and, you know, you’re up and down, up and gown.
It’s always zero to 60 and 60 to zero but I feel good today,” Keith toldE!
At the time, Keith was still actively undergoing treatment to fight the cancer.
Even amid an intense battle with stomach cancer, Keith still held concerts.
Hisfinal showwas in December 2023 at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas.
The beloved performer sang his biggest hits in a sold-out, three-night show in Sin City.
“It’s nice to recognize my 30-year career.
It’s pretty mind-boggling,” Keith toldE!
Newson the red carpet ahead of the ceremony.
In February 2024, less than two months after performing in Las Vegas, Keith died from stomach cancer.
His death was announced via hisInstagramaccount the next day.
“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family.
He fought his fight with grace and courage,” the post read.
