Toby Keith Covel, known professionally as Toby Keith, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Toby Keith’s music often reflects his love for America and his support for the military. Popular songs like “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” and “American Soldier” have become anthems that capture the patriotic spirit of the nation. His ability to connect with his audience and fans through his heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies has made him a beloved figure in the country music scene. Other memorable songs are “Red Solo Cup”, “As Good As I Once Was”, and “Beer For My Horses” which give you catchy lyrics. Throughout Keith’s career, he has achieved numerous accolades and milestones. He has released multiple chart-topping albums, won various awards, and has even ventured into acting which shows how incredibly talented he is. His impact on country music is undeniable. Beyond Keith’s music, he is known for his dedication to his fans. He knows how to entertain the crowd whether he’s singing about love, heartbreak, or the joys of life. 

Keith was born on July 8th, 1961 in Clinton, Oklahoma but he was raised in Oklahoma City. He started playing music at a young age after the musicians who worked in his grandma’s supper club and he spent a lot of time around. He started his young adulthood working in the oil industry and playing defense in the USFL football league but then shortly decided it wasn’t who he was and wanted to pursue a career in the music industry. Keith’s career began in the early 1990s and started with the song “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” which was a self-titled album that went platinum in 1994. Keith actually wrote this song in reaction to the event of 9/11. His multiplatinum albums include “Unleashed” and “Shock’n Y’all” from the early 2000s. Most every year followed with lots of success. In 1999, not only did “How Do You Like Me Now” win Album of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards but Keith also got named Top Male Vocalist. In 2001, Keith’s father was sadly killed in a traffic accident and the incident also combined with the events of 9/11 sparked Keith to write “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue”. Keith was named Entertainer of the Year by the Academy of Country Music in 2002 and 2003. In November of 2003, Keith released “Shock’n Y’All” and this reached the top of the country and pop album charts. In 2005, Keith was awarded the 2005 Nominee American Music Artist of the Year. With many years and many awards after, he’s known as a true legend in the industry and his songs will always continue to resonate with fans around the world.

In the fall of 2021, Keith found out that he was diagnosed with stomach cancer and shortly revealed that to the public in June of 2022. He spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation, and surgery. Since then he opened up and said he was being treated for his stomach cancer and he was trying to get back into a comfortable stage with the hope that he could perform again.

Stomach cancer is known as gastric cancer which occurs when cancer cells develop in any part of the stomach. Stomach cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer worldwide. The risk of stomach cancer can increase due to genetics, certain medical conditions, a diet low in fruits and vegetables and high in processed foods, and mainly from tobacco use. Unfortunately on the morning of February 5th, 2024, the legend passed away at the age of 62 after fighting cancer for 18 months. He was surrounded by his beloved family as he fought with grace and courage. He definitely left his mark on country music. We should remember him as a powerhouse singer who brought a lot of energy and personality to the stage.