History of Toby Keith in Timeline
Toby Keith, born Toby Keith Covel, was a prominent American country music artist known for his singing, songwriting, and record production. He also ventured into acting and business. He was a significant figure in the country music scene, known for hits that often reflected patriotic themes and a distinctly American perspective. His career spanned several decades, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.
July 8, 1961: Toby Keith's Birth
On July 8, 1961, Toby Keith Covel was born. He later became a successful American country music singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and businessman.
1963: Original Release of "Be True to Your School"
In 1963, the Beach Boys originally released "Be True to Your School", a song which Toby Keith later covered on Stars and Stripes Vol. 1.
1982: Unemployment and Football Tryouts
In 1982, Toby Keith faced unemployment due to the decline of the oil industry in Oklahoma, leading him to try out for the Oklahoma Outlaws and later play for the Oklahoma City Drillers while continuing to perform music.
March 24, 1984: Toby Keith Marries Tricia Lucus
On March 24, 1984, Toby Keith married Tricia Lucus.
1987: Keith Writes "Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine on You"
In 1987, Toby Keith wrote the song "Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine on You", which later peaked at number 2 when he released it in 1996.
1993: Release of "Should've Been a Cowboy"
In 1993, Toby Keith released his debut single, "Should've Been a Cowboy", which topped the charts, marking a significant milestone in his early career.
1993: "Should've Been a Cowboy" reaches Number One
In 1993, Toby Keith's debut single, "Should've Been a Cowboy", reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, marking the beginning of his successful music career.
September 1994: Release of Boomtown
In September 1994, Toby Keith released his second album, Boomtown, under Polydor Records Nashville, adding to his discography of successful albums.
1995: Release of Christmas to Christmas
In 1995, Toby Keith released his first Christmas album, Christmas to Christmas, via Mercury, showcasing his versatility by composing original songs for the album.
April 1996: Release of Blue Moon album
In April 1996, Toby Keith released his third album, Blue Moon, under A&M Records, adding to his discography of successful albums.
1996: Release of Sting's Single "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying"
In 1996, Sting originally released the single "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying", which Toby Keith later covered in 1997.
March 1997: "Me Too" becomes a Number One Hit
In March 1997, Toby Keith's song "Me Too" reached number one, marking his third number one hit.
1997: Return to Mercury Records and release of Dream Walkin'
In 1997, Toby Keith returned to Mercury Records and released his fourth studio album, Dream Walkin', marking a new phase in his music career.
October 1998: Release of Greatest Hits Volume One
In October 1998, Toby Keith released his Greatest Hits Volume One album, which included twelve of his prior singles and two new songs.
1999: Move to DreamWorks Records
In 1999, Toby Keith moved to DreamWorks Records' Nashville division, marking a new chapter in his recording career.
1999: Release of "How Do You Like Me Now?!" album
In 1999, Toby Keith released the album "How Do You Like Me Now?!", featuring the breakthrough single of the same name, marking a turning point in his career.
2000: "How Do You Like Me Now?!" Success
In 2000, "How Do You Like Me Now?!" became the top country song and a pop hit, solidifying Toby Keith's success.
2000: "How Do You Like Me Now?!" Top Country Song
In 2000, Toby Keith's single "How Do You Like Me Now?!" was recognized as the number one country song, solidifying his place in the country music scene.
March 24, 2001: Death of father, H.K. Covel
On March 24, 2001, Toby Keith's father, H.K. Covel, passed away in a car accident, an event that deeply impacted him.
August 2001: Release of Pull My Chain
In August 2001, Toby Keith released the album Pull My Chain, which featured three number one singles.
September 11, 2001: September 11 Attacks
Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Toby Keith wrote "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" in response.
2001: ACM Awards
In 2001, Toby Keith won the Academy of Country Music's Top Male Vocalist and Album of the Year awards, recognizing his achievements in the country music industry.
June 19, 2002: Appearance at Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
On June 19, 2002, Toby Keith made an appearance at the first Total Nonstop Action Wrestling weekly pay-per-view, where his performance was interrupted. He later participated in the Gauntlet for the Gold match.
July 20, 2002: "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue" peaked at number one
On July 20, 2002, Toby Keith's song "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue" peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, becoming a significant hit.
2002: Release of Unleashed
In 2002, Toby Keith released the album Unleashed, which included the singles "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" and "Beer for My Horses".
2002: Dropped from ABC's Fourth of July concert
In 2002, Toby Keith was dropped from ABC's Fourth of July concert after host Peter Jennings objected to the song "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue".
2002: Feud with The Chicks begins
In 2002, Toby Keith's feud with The Chicks began over his song "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue" and their subsequent comments about President George W. Bush.
2002: "My List" named Single of the Year
In 2002, the Country Music Association named Toby Keith's "My List" as Single of the Year, recognizing its success and impact.
2002: Began performing for U.S. military in the Middle East
Starting in 2002, Toby Keith made numerous trips to the Middle East to perform for U.S. military personnel, expressing his respect and gratitude for their service.
March 2003: Dixie Chicks' comments about George W. Bush
In March 2003, The Dixie Chicks made controversial comments about President George W. Bush during a concert in London, sparking a feud with Toby Keith.
May 21, 2003: Natalie Maines wears "FUTK" T-shirt
On May 21, 2003, Natalie Maines wore a T-shirt with the letters "FUTK" on the front at the Academy of Country Music Awards, widely interpreted as a shot at Toby Keith.
July 2003: Guest Appearance on Scotty Emerick's Debut Single
In July 2003, Toby Keith made a guest appearance on Scotty Emerick's debut single "I Can't Take You Anywhere", which was previously recorded by Keith on Pull My Chain.
August 2003: Keith's Representation Declares End to Feud
In August 2003, Toby Keith's representation publicly declared an end to the feud with Natalie Maines, citing more important matters like a bandmate's daughter's illness.
November 2003: Release of Shock'n Y'all
In November 2003, Toby Keith released his eighth studio album, Shock'n Y'all, which included the hit singles "I Love This Bar", "American Soldier", and "Whiskey Girl".
2003: Release of "Beer for My Horses"
In 2003, Toby Keith released "Beer for My Horses", a duet with Willie Nelson, which became one of his longest-lasting number one hits.
2003: Hit Single "Beer for My Horses" release
In 2003, Toby Keith's hit single "Beer for My Horses" recorded with Willie Nelson was released.
October 2004: Maines admits "FUTK" was aimed at Keith
In October 2004, Natalie Maines admitted that the "FUTK" on her T-shirt was indeed a shot at Toby Keith, ending speculation about its meaning.
2004: Endorsed George W. Bush's re-election
In 2004, Toby Keith endorsed the re-election of President George W. Bush and identified as a conservative Democrat, also supporting Democrat Dan Boren.
2004: Toby Keith Helps Found Ally's House
In 2004, Toby Keith helped found Ally's House, a cancer charity in memory of Allison Webb, the daughter of one of his former bandmates.
2004: Release of Greatest Hits 2
In 2004, Toby Keith released Greatest Hits 2, featuring new songs and a duet with his daughter, Krystal Keith.
August 31, 2005: Founding of Show Dog Nashville
On August 31, 2005, Toby Keith founded his own record label, Show Dog Nashville.
2005: End of Stroud Collaboration
In 2005, Toby Keith ended his collaboration with James Stroud as co-producer, marking a change in his production style.
2005: Founding of Show Dog Nashville
In 2005, Toby Keith established his own record label, Show Dog Nashville, expanding his influence in the music industry.
2005: Co-founded Big Machine Records
In 2005, Toby Keith helped found Big Machine Records, adding to his entrepreneurial ventures in the music industry.
2005: Opened Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill
In 2005, Toby Keith opened Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill in multiple locations, starting with Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Syracuse, New York, and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
2005: Release of "As Good as I Once Was"
In 2005, Toby Keith released "As Good as I Once Was", which also became one of his longest-lasting number one hits.
2005: Release of Honkytonk University
In early 2005, Toby Keith released Honkytonk University, his final album with DreamWorks Records.
2005: Filming of Broken Bridges
In the Autumn of 2005, Toby Keith filmed Broken Bridges, a feature film from Paramount/CMT Films, where he played the role of Bo Price.
September 8, 2006: Release of Broken Bridges
On September 8, 2006, the film Broken Bridges, starring Toby Keith, was released. In the film, Keith played Bo Price, a washed-up country musician.
2006: Toby Keith Establishes Foundation
In 2006, Toby Keith established the Toby Keith Foundation to provide housing for pediatric cancer patients and their families.
2006: Acting Debut in Broken Bridges
In 2006, Toby Keith made his acting debut in the film Broken Bridges, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer.
2006: Release of White Trash with Money
In 2006, Toby Keith released the album White Trash with Money, which was the first release under his label, Show Dog Nashville.
December 25, 2007: Covel Family Awarded $2.8 Million for Wrongful Death
On December 25, 2007, the Covel family was awarded $2.8 million for the wrongful death of Toby Keith's father, H.K. Covel, who died in 2001.
2007: Release of Big Dog Daddy and A Classic Christmas
In 2007, Toby Keith released the album Big Dog Daddy and a Christmas album, A Classic Christmas.
April 2008: Remarks on Barack Obama
In April 2008, Toby Keith commented on Barack Obama's potential as a leader, acknowledging both Obama and John McCain as great options.
April 2008: Proposed commercial spot with Al Gore and the Chicks
In April 2008, a commercial spot to promote Al Gore's "We Campaign", involving both Toby Keith and the Chicks, was proposed but ultimately abandoned.
May 6, 2008: Release of 35 Biggest Hits
On May 6, 2008, Toby Keith released 35 Biggest Hits, a two-disc compilation featuring most of his singles to date, as well as the new song "She's a Hottie".
August 2008: Called Obama the best Democratic candidate
In August 2008, Toby Keith called Barack Obama "the best Democratic candidate we've had since Bill Clinton", indicating his evolving political views.
October 2008: Registered as an Independent
In October 2008, Toby Keith told CMT that he had left the Democratic Party and re-registered as an independent due to his dissatisfaction with the party's direction.
October 28, 2008: Release of That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy
On October 28, 2008, Toby Keith released the album That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy, which featured the number 1 hit "She Never Cried in Front of Me".
2008: Appearance in Colbert's Christmas Special
In 2008, Toby Keith appeared in Stephen Colbert's Christmas special as a hunter, adding to his appearances on The Colbert Report.
2008: Co-starring in Beer for My Horses
In 2008, Toby Keith co-starred in the film Beer for My Horses with Rodney Carrington, inspired by his hit song, further exploring his acting career.
March 14, 2009: Participated in Comedy Central Roast
On March 14, 2009, Toby Keith participated in the Comedy Central Roast of Larry the Cable Guy, showcasing his comedic side and willingness to engage in lighthearted humor.
March 2009: Received Johnny "Mike" Spann Memorial Semper Fidelis Award
In March 2009, Toby Keith received the Johnny "Mike" Spann Memorial Semper Fidelis Award for his support of the military, reinforcing his commitment to honoring service members.
April 2009: Voiced Support for Obama
In April 2009, Toby Keith voiced support for President Obama's decisions on Afghanistan and other matters, citing the appointment of Gen. James Jones.
May 2009: Death of Wayman Tisdale
In May 2009, Wayman Tisdale, a basketball player, jazz bassist, and friend of Toby Keith, passed away, inspiring Keith to write the tribute song "Cryin' for Me (Wayman's Song)".
2009: Announcement of New Restaurant Location
In 2009, Capri Restaurant Group announced that it would open another "I Love this Bar & Grill" location in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's South Side Works shopping and entertainment district.
2009: Established TK Steelman clothing line
In 2009, Toby Keith established a line of clothing named TK Steelman, expanding his business ventures beyond music and restaurants.
October 5, 2010: Release of Bullets in the Gun
On October 5, 2010, Toby Keith released the album Bullets in the Gun, which marked a departure as it did not produce any top 10 singles.
October 25, 2011: Release of Clancy's Tavern
On October 25, 2011, Toby Keith released the album Clancy's Tavern, which included the number 1 single "Made in America".
October 27, 2011: Musical guest on The Colbert Report
On October 27, 2011, Toby Keith made an appearance as a musical guest on The Colbert Report, further solidifying his connection with Stephen Colbert and Comedy Central.
October 29, 2011: Appearance on Huckabee
On October 29, 2011, Toby Keith appeared on Fox Channel's Huckabee with former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, where he played "Bullets in the Gun" and joined Huckabee's house band.
December 2011: Named Artist of the Decade
In December 2011, Toby Keith was named "Artist of the Decade" by the American Country Awards, recognizing his contributions to country music.
2011: Introduced "Wild Shot" drink
In 2011, Toby Keith introduced a new drink named "Wild Shot", initially available in Mexico and later in America, becoming a featured drink in his restaurant chain.
2012: Release of "Beers Ago"
In 2012, Toby Keith released "Beers Ago" which reached number 6 in the charts.
2012: Release of Hope on the Rocks
In late 2012, Toby Keith released his sixteenth album, Hope on the Rocks, which produced two top 20 hits.
July 15, 2013: Featured on Forbes magazine cover
On July 15, 2013, Toby Keith was featured on the cover of Forbes magazine with the caption "Country Music's $500 million man", highlighting his financial success.
2013: OK Kids Korral Built by Toby Keith Foundation
In late 2013, the Toby Keith Foundation built the OK Kids Korral, a residence for child cancer patients at OU Medical Center.
2013: Release of "Drinks After Work"
In mid-2013, Toby Keith released "Drinks After Work", the first single from his seventeenth album of the same name.
October 2014: Release of "Drunk Americans"
In October 2014, Toby Keith released "Drunk Americans", the lead single from his eighteenth studio album, 35 MPH Town.
April 2015: Release of "35 MPH Town"
In April 2015, Toby Keith released "35 MPH Town", the title track and second single from his album.
2015: Closure of Restaurant Locations
In 2015, the Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill locations in Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and in the Shops at West End in St. Louis Park, Minnesota closed.
January 19, 2017: Toby Keith Performs at Pre-Inaugural Celebration
On January 19, 2017, Toby Keith performed at the "Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration" at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., for Donald Trump's presidential inauguration. He thanked Barack Obama and Donald Trump and played patriotic songs.
September 2017: Release of "The Bus Songs" compilation album
In September 2017, Toby Keith released "The Bus Songs", a compilation album featuring new, re-recorded, and previously released songs. The album achieved significant success, topping the Billboard Comedy Albums chart for 11 weeks.
December 2018: Guest appearance on Darci Lynne: My Hometown Christmas
In December 2018, Toby Keith appeared as a guest on Darci Lynne: My Hometown Christmas, contributing to the holiday special.
2018: "Don't Let the Old Man In" featured in Clint Eastwood's film The Mule
In 2018, Toby Keith's song "Don't Let the Old Man In" was used in Clint Eastwood's film The Mule. Years later, on September 28, 2023, he would perform the song live.
2019: Toby Keith Describes OK Kids Korral as Greatest Accomplishment
In 2019, Toby Keith described the OK Kids Korral to The Oklahoman as his greatest accomplishment.
January 13, 2021: Awarded National Medal of Arts
On January 13, 2021, Toby Keith was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Donald Trump, recognizing his contributions to the arts.
2021: Toby Keith Diagnosed with Stomach Cancer
At the end of 2021, Toby Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer.
2021: Featured on Brantley Gilbert's single
In 2021, Toby Keith was featured on Brantley Gilbert's single "The Worst Country Song of All Time" alongside Hardy, marking a collaborative effort in his music career.
June 2022: Toby Keith Announces Stomach Cancer Diagnosis
In June 2022, Toby Keith announced he was diagnosed with stomach cancer at the end of 2021 and had undergone treatment.
June 2022: Cancer diagnosis announcement
In June 2022, Toby Keith announced his cancer diagnosis, leading to a break from public performances until September 28, 2023, when he performed at the People's Choice Country Awards.
December 2022: Toby Keith Describes Cancer Battle as "Debilitating"
In a December 2022 press release, Toby Keith described his battle with cancer as "pretty debilitating".
September 28, 2023: Performance at People's Choice Country Awards
On September 28, 2023, Toby Keith performed publicly for the first time since his cancer diagnosis announcement in June 2022, receiving the Country Icon Award at the People's Choice Country Awards. He performed "Don't Let the Old Man In".
December 14, 2023: Final Performance in Las Vegas
On December 14, 2023, Toby Keith held his final performance in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Park MGM. His last studio recording was on a Joe Diffie tribute album.
February 5, 2024: Toby Keith's Death
On February 5, 2024, Toby Keith Covel passed away. He was a renowned American country music singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and businessman.
February 10, 2024: University of Oklahoma Honors Toby Keith
On February 10, 2024, the University of Oklahoma honored Toby Keith at a basketball game by handing out red Solo cups, inspired by his song.
March 2024: Posthumous Induction into Country Music Hall of Fame
In March 2024, one month after his death, Toby Keith was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, having been elected shortly after his passing.
