History of Toby Keith in Timeline
Toby Keith Covel, known professionally as Toby Keith, was a multi-talented American artist who made a significant impact on the country music scene. He was not only a singer and songwriter but also a record producer, actor, and businessman. His multifaceted career showcased his diverse talents and entrepreneurial spirit.
July 8, 1961: Toby Keith's Birth
Toby Keith Covel was born on July 8, 1961.
1963: Cover of "Be True to Your School"
Toby Keith covered The Beach Boys' 1963 hit "Be True to Your School" on their album "Stars and Stripes Vol. 1".
1979: Toby Keith Attends Villanova University
From 1979 to 1980, Toby Keith attended Villanova University with aspirations of becoming a petroleum engineer.
1980: Toby Keith Attends Villanova University
From 1979 to 1980, Toby Keith attended Villanova University with aspirations of becoming a petroleum engineer.
1982: Oil Industry Decline and Music Focus
After facing unemployment due to the decline of the oil industry in 1982, Toby Keith shifted his focus back to music and formed the Easy Money Band.
March 24, 1984: Toby Keith Marries Tricia Lucus
Toby Keith married Tricia Lucus on March 24, 1984. He became a father to three children, including Krystal Keith.
1987: "Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine on You" Writing
Toby Keith wrote the song "Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine on You" in 1987, which later became a single on his album "Blue Moon".
1993: Debut Single Release
Toby Keith released his first chart-topping single, "Should've Been a Cowboy", in 1993.
1993: Debut Album Release
Toby Keith's debut album, "Toby Keith", was released in 1993 and was certified platinum.
September 1994: "Boomtown" Album Release
Toby Keith's second album, "Boomtown", was released in September 1994 and was also certified platinum.
1995: First Christmas Album Release
Toby Keith released his first Christmas album, "Christmas to Christmas", in 1995.
April 1996: "Blue Moon" Album Release
Toby Keith's third album, "Blue Moon", was released in April 1996 and received a platinum certification.
1996: Cover of Sting's "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying"
Toby Keith covered Sting's 1996 single "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying", featuring Sting on vocals and bass guitar, on his album "Dream Walkin'".
March 1997: Third Number One Hit
Toby Keith's song "Me Too" from the album "Blue Moon" became his third number one hit in March 1997.
1997: "Dream Walkin'" Album Release and Collaboration with James Stroud
Toby Keith released his fourth studio album, "Dream Walkin'", in 1997. It was his first album produced by James Stroud, who continued to co-produce Keith's albums until 2005.
October 1998: Greatest Hits Album and Label Departure
Toby Keith released his "Greatest Hits Volume One" album in October 1998. After facing disagreements with Mercury executives regarding his new music, Keith decided to leave the label.
1999: Breakthrough Album Release
In 1999, Toby Keith released his breakthrough album "How Do You Like Me Now?!", which featured the title track that became the number one country song of 2000.
1999: Move to DreamWorks Records
Toby Keith moved to DreamWorks Records' Nashville division in 1999.
2000: "How Do You Like Me Now?!" Success
Toby Keith's song "How Do You Like Me Now?!" achieved major success in 2000, becoming his first top 40 pop hit and the top country song of the year.
2000: Number One Song
Toby Keith's song "How Do You Like Me Now?!" reached number one on the country charts in 2000.
March 24, 2001: Toby Keith's Father Killed in Car Accident
On March 24, 2001, Toby Keith's father, H.K. Covel, died in a car accident. This tragic event, along with the September 11 attacks, inspired Keith to write "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue."
August 2001: Release of "Pull My Chain"
In August 2001, Toby Keith released his album "Pull My Chain", featuring hit singles like "I'm Just Talkin' About Tonight", "I Wanna Talk About Me", and "My List".
September 11, 2001: Inspiration for "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue"
Toby Keith wrote "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American)" in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks.
2001: Academy of Country Music Awards
Toby Keith won the Academy of Country Music's Top Male Vocalist and Album of the Year awards in 2001.
June 19, 2002: Appearance in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
Toby Keith appeared at the first Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (then NWA-TNA) weekly pay-per-view on June 19, 2002, getting involved in a storyline with wrestler Jeff Jarrett.
July 20, 2002: "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue" Reaches Number One
On July 20, 2002, Toby Keith's song "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue", written in response to his father's death and the September 11 attacks, reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
2002: "My List" Wins Single of the Year
Toby Keith's song "My List" from the album "Pull My Chain" was named Single of the Year by the Country Music Association in 2002.
2002: Release of "Unleashed"
In 2002, Toby Keith released the album "Unleashed", which featured the hit singles "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue", "Who's Your Daddy?", "Rock You Baby", and "Beer for My Horses".
2002: Performances for U.S. Military
Starting in 2002, Toby Keith made numerous trips to the Middle East to perform for U.S. military personnel, driven by the respect instilled by his father, a former soldier. This ongoing commitment showcases his support for veterans and active-duty troops.
2002: Toby Keith Dropped from ABC Fourth of July Concert
In 2002, Toby Keith was removed from ABC's Fourth of July concert lineup after host Peter Jennings reportedly objected to Keith's song "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue". The network stated its preference to avoid starting the show with an angry song.
2002: Toby Keith and Dixie Chicks Feud Over "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue"
A public feud erupted between Toby Keith and the Dixie Chicks in 2002, stemming from the song "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue" and the Dixie Chicks' criticism of President George W. Bush.
March 2003: Dixie Chicks Criticize President Bush
In March 2003, The Dixie Chicks made comments critical of President George W. Bush during a concert in London, fueling a public feud with Toby Keith.
May 21, 2003: Natalie Maines Wears "FUTK" Shirt at ACM Awards
At the Academy of Country Music Awards on May 21, 2003, Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks wore a T-shirt displaying the letters "FUTK", widely interpreted as a jab at Toby Keith. Maines later confirmed the acronym stood for "Fuck You Toby Keith".
July 2003: Guest Appearance on Scotty Emerick's Single
Toby Keith made a guest appearance on Scotty Emerick's debut single "I Can't Take You Anywhere" in July 2003.
August 2003: Toby Keith Declares End to Dixie Chicks Feud
In August 2003, Toby Keith's representatives announced his decision to stop feuding with Natalie Maines, citing the need to focus on more important matters, particularly the terminal illness of a former bandmate's daughter. He maintained, however, that his use of a doctored photo of Maines with Saddam Hussein was intended to express his stance on free speech.
November 2003: Release of "Shock'n Y'all"
Toby Keith released his eighth studio album, "Shock'n Y'all", in November 2003, featuring hit singles like "I Love This Bar", "American Soldier", and "Whiskey Girl".
2003: Release of 'Beer for My Horses' Song
In 2003, Toby Keith and Willie Nelson recorded the hit song 'Beer for My Horses', which later inspired a movie released in 2008.
2003: "Beer for My Horses" Release
Toby Keith released the duet "Beer for My Horses" with Willie Nelson in 2003, which became one of his longest-lasting number one hits.
October 2004: Maines Confirms "FUTK" Target on Bill Maher's Show
In October 2004, Natalie Maines admitted on "Real Time with Bill Maher" that her "FUTK" T-shirt was indeed directed at Toby Keith.
2004: Political Endorsements and Performances
In 2004, Toby Keith, identifying as a 'conservative Democrat', endorsed the re-election of President George W. Bush and performed at a rally in Dallas, Texas, on the night before the election. He also supported Democrat Dan Boren's successful run in Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district and maintained a friendship with former Democratic New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.
2004: Release of "Greatest Hits 2"
In late 2004, Toby Keith released "Greatest Hits 2", which included the new songs "Stays in Mexico", "Go with Her", and a duet with his daughter, Krystal Keith, on "Mockingbird".
2004: Toby Keith Co-founds Ally's House Cancer Charity
In 2004, Toby Keith helped establish Ally's House, a charity named in honor of Allison Webb, the late daughter of one of Keith's former bandmates. Webb tragically passed away from Wilms' tumor a month before her third birthday.
August 31, 2005: Founding of Show Dog Nashville
On August 31, 2005, Toby Keith established his own record label, Show Dog Nashville.
2005: Founding of Big Machine Records
In 2005, Toby Keith helped found Big Machine Records, a significant milestone in his career that contributed to his financial success and influence in the music industry.
2005: Opening of Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill
In 2005, Toby Keith opened Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill in multiple locations including Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Syracuse, New York; and Tulsa, Oklahoma. This marked the beginning of a franchise under Capri Restaurant Group Enterprises LLC.
2005: Filming of Broken Bridges
In the autumn of 2005, Toby Keith filmed 'Broken Bridges', a contemporary story set in small-town Tennessee where he played Bo Price, a washed-up country musician.
2005: Show Dog Nashville Founding
Toby Keith founded the record label Show Dog Nashville in 2005, which later became Show Dog-Universal Music.
2005: Release of "Honkytonk University"
Toby Keith released his final DreamWorks album, "Honkytonk University", in early 2005, which featured the singles "Honkytonk U", "As Good as I Once Was", and "Big Blue Note".
2005: "As Good as I Once Was" Release
Toby Keith released the single "As Good as I Once Was" in 2005, which became one of his longest-lasting number one hits.
2005: End of Collaboration with James Stroud
Toby Keith's collaboration with producer James Stroud ended in 2005.
September 8, 2006: Release of Broken Bridges
On September 8, 2006, Toby Keith's film 'Broken Bridges' was released. He starred as Bo Price, a washed-up country musician, in this film set in small-town Tennessee.
2006: Acting Debut
Toby Keith made his acting debut in the film "Broken Bridges" in 2006.
2006: Release of "White Trash with Money"
Toby Keith's first release on his Show Dog Nashville label was the 2006 album "White Trash with Money".
2006: Toby Keith Establishes Toby Keith Foundation
In 2006, Toby Keith founded the Toby Keith Foundation with a mission to provide housing for pediatric cancer patients and their families.
January 2007: Comments on Iraq War
In a January 2007 interview with Newsday, Toby Keith expressed his opposition to the Iraq War, advocating for a time limit on the campaign. Despite his political stance, he emphasized his unwavering patriotism and support for U.S. troops, separate from political affiliations.
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 H.K. Covel, Toby Keith's father. The operators of the charter bus company involved in the fatal accident were found liable for failing to maintain proper air brakes on the bus.
2007: Release of "Big Dog Daddy" and "A Classic Christmas"
In 2007, Toby Keith released the album "Big Dog Daddy", on which he served as sole producer, and the Christmas album "A Classic Christmas".
April 2008: Remarks on Barack Obama
In April 2008, Toby Keith praised Barack Obama for his leadership and speaking abilities despite his limited political background, while also acknowledging John McCain as a great option.
April 2008: Proposed Collaboration Between Keith and Dixie Chicks Abandoned
A commercial for Al Gore's "We Campaign" featuring both Toby Keith and the Dixie Chicks was proposed in April 2008. However, the idea was ultimately dropped due to scheduling conflicts.
May 6, 2008: Release of "35 Biggest Hits"
Toby Keith released the two-disc compilation "35 Biggest Hits" on May 6, 2008.
August 2008: Comments on Democratic Candidates
In August 2008, Toby Keith referred to Barack Obama as 'the best Democratic candidate we've had since Bill Clinton', illustrating his evolving political views.
October 2008: Change in Political Affiliation
In October 2008, Toby Keith announced he had left the Democratic Party and re-registered as an independent, citing a loss of alignment with the party's principles. He indicated a likely vote for the Republican ticket, partly due to his admiration for Sarah Palin.
October 28, 2008: Release of "That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy"
Toby Keith released the album "That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy" on October 28, 2008.
2008: "Beer for My Horses" Film Release
Toby Keith co-starred with Rodney Carrington in the film "Beer for My Horses", inspired by his song of the same name, in 2008.
2008: Release of Beer for My Horses Movie
In 2008, Toby Keith wrote and starred in the film 'Beer for My Horses', based on his 2003 hit song recorded with Willie Nelson.
2008: Appearance on Colbert's Christmas Special
In 2008, Toby Keith appeared in Stephen Colbert's Christmas special as a hunter, marking another point of connection between the musician and the comedian.
March 14, 2009: Comedy Central Roast of Larry the Cable Guy
On March 14, 2009, Toby Keith participated in the Comedy Central Roast of Larry the Cable Guy, showcasing his humorous side on national television.
March 2009: Johnny "Mike" Spann Memorial Semper Fidelis Award
In March 2009, Toby Keith received the Johnny "Mike" Spann Memorial Semper Fidelis Award from the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation. The award recognized his dedication to spending time with U.S. soldiers worldwide, an honor he considered a privilege.
April 2009: Toby Keith Voices Support for Obama Administration
In April 2009, Toby Keith expressed his support for President Obama's handling of Afghanistan and other decisions. He highlighted the appointment of General James Jones, a close friend of Keith's, as National Security Advisor and commended the deployment of troops to Afghanistan.
May 2009: Tribute to Wayman Tisdale
Toby Keith released "Cryin' for Me (Wayman's Song)" in May 2009 as a tribute to the late basketball player and jazz bassist Wayman Tisdale.
2009: Announcement of New Restaurant Location
In 2009, Capri Restaurant Group announced the opening of another 'I Love This Bar & Grill' location in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's South Side Works shopping and entertainment district.
2009: Launch of TK Steelman Clothing Line
In 2009, Toby Keith established a clothing line named TK Steelman, expanding his ventures beyond music and restaurants.
February 2010: Opening of New Restaurant Locations
In February 2010, Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill opened in the Winstar World Casino in Oklahoma. Additional locations opened in Great Lakes Crossing, Auburn Hills, Michigan, and the Shops at West End, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, though these closed in 2015.
October 5, 2010: Release of "Bullets in the Gun"
Toby Keith released the album "Bullets in the Gun" on October 5, 2010.
October 25, 2011: Release of "Clancy's Tavern"
On October 25, 2011, Toby Keith released "Clancy's Tavern", featuring the singles "Made in America", "Red Solo Cup", and "Beers Ago".
October 27, 2011: Appearance on The Colbert Report
On October 27, 2011, Toby Keith made a musical guest appearance on The Colbert Report, furthering his connection with Stephen Colbert, highlighted by his previous five-star rating from Colbert on iTunes.
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 performed "Bullets in the Gun" and joined the house band for a song at the end of the show.
December 2011: Artist of the Decade
Toby Keith was named "Artist of the Decade" by the American Country Awards in December 2011.
2011: Introduction of Wild Shot Drink
In 2011, Toby Keith introduced a new drink named 'Wild Shot', initially available in Mexico and later sold and served in America, featuring in his restaurant chain.
2012: Release of "Hope on the Rocks"
Toby Keith released "Hope on the Rocks" in late 2012, which featured the singles "I Like Girls That Drink Beer" and the title track.
2012: Success of "Red Solo Cup"
Toby Keith's single "Red Solo Cup" reached number 15 on the Hot 100 in 2012, becoming his best-peaking crossover hit.
July 15, 2013: Forbes Cover Feature
On July 15, 2013, Toby Keith was featured on the cover of Forbes magazine with the caption 'Country Music's $500 million man'. The article detailed his earnings and contributions to the music industry, including his successful partnership with Big Machine Records and his own label, Show Dog-Universal.
2013: Toby Keith Foundation Builds OK Kids Korral
In late 2013, the Toby Keith Foundation constructed the OK Kids Korral, a dedicated living space for children receiving cancer treatment at the OU Medical Center.
2013: Release of "Drinks After Work"
In mid-2013, Toby Keith released the album "Drinks After Work", which included the singles "Drinks After Work" and "Shut Up and Hold On".
October 2014: Release of "Drunk Americans"
Toby Keith released "Drunk Americans", the lead single from his album "35 MPH Town", in October 2014.
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 of the same name.
2015: Closure of Restaurant Locations
In 2015, the Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill locations in Great Lakes Crossing, Auburn Hills, Michigan, and the Shops at West End, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, were closed.
January 19, 2017: Toby Keith Performs at Trump Pre-Inaugural Celebration
On January 19, 2017, Toby Keith performed at the "Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration" at the Lincoln Memorial, commemorating the start of Donald Trump's presidency. He expressed gratitude to outgoing President Barack Obama and incoming President Trump before performing several patriotic songs.
September 2017: Release of "The Bus Songs"
In September 2017, Toby Keith released the compilation album "The Bus Songs", featuring new songs, re-recorded tracks, and previously released material.
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, adding to his numerous television appearances.
2018: "Don't Let the Old Man In" Featured in "The Mule"
Toby Keith's song "Don't Let the Old Man In" was featured in Clint Eastwood's 2018 film "The Mule".
2019: Toby Keith Describes OK Kids Korral as His Greatest Accomplishment
In 2019, Toby Keith shared with The Oklahoman that he considered the OK Kids Korral his most significant achievement. The annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic, held for over two decades, has generated over $15 million in support of the OK Kids Korral.
January 13, 2021: National Medal of Arts Award
On January 13, 2021, Toby Keith was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Donald Trump in a private ceremony.
2021: Collaboration on "The Worst Country Song of All Time"
Toby Keith featured on Brantley Gilbert's single "The Worst Country Song of All Time" with Hardy in 2021.
2021: Toby Keith Diagnosed with Stomach Cancer
Toby Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer at the end of 2021. He underwent six months of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
June 2022: Toby Keith Announces Stomach Cancer Diagnosis
In June 2022, Toby Keith publicly revealed his stomach cancer diagnosis, which he received at the end of 2021. He disclosed undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery for the preceding six months.
June 2022: Cancer Diagnosis Announcement
Toby Keith announced his cancer diagnosis in June 2022.
December 2022: Toby Keith Shares Update on Cancer Battle
In December 2022, Toby Keith released a statement describing his fight against cancer as "pretty debilitating."
September 28, 2023: First Public Performance Since Cancer Diagnosis
On September 28, 2023, Toby Keith performed publicly for the first time since announcing his cancer diagnosis in June 2022, receiving a standing ovation for his performance of "Don't Let the Old Man In" at the People's Choice Country Awards, where he also received the first Country Icon Award.
December 14, 2023: Final Performance in Las Vegas
Toby Keith's final performance took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Park MGM on December 14, 2023.
February 5, 2024: Toby Keith's Death
Toby Keith Covel passed away on February 5, 2024.
February 10, 2024: University of Oklahoma Honors Toby Keith During Basketball Game
On February 10, 2024, during a basketball game against rival Oklahoma State, the University of Oklahoma paid tribute to Toby Keith. Inspired by his song "Red Solo Cup", the university distributed red Solo cups with every drink purchase, prompting fans to sing the song while raising their cups, as seen in videos shared on social media.
March 2024: Posthumous Induction into Country Music Hall of Fame
In March 2024, Toby Keith was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, having been elected shortly after his passing.