Toby Keith dies at 62 years old. We celebrate his career.

Toby Keith has passed away aged 62 years old after a battle with stomach cancer. The country musician’s X, formerly Twitter, account shared a statement today revealing Keith died last night.

‘Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time,’ the message read, giving no further details. The singer is survived by his wife, Tricia Lucas, and their three children, daughters Shelley Covel Rowland, fellow singer Krystal Keith and son, Stelen. He also had four grandchildren. 

Keith was a prominent figure in country music and his passing has left an indelible mark on the genre with his distinctive voice, relatable lyrics, and catchy melodies. With a career spanning several decades, Keith amassed a vast discography, but certain songs stand out as fan favourites and chart-toppers. We celebrate his career by looking at his top ten songs.

1. ‘Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)’: Released in 2002, this patriotic anthem became one of Keith’s signature songs, resonating with audiences across the United States. Its powerful lyrics and anthemic chorus struck a chord with listeners, earning it a permanent place in Keith’s repertoire.
2. ‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy’: As Keith’s debut single released in 1993, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” catapulted him to stardom. The song’s nostalgic lyrics about cowboy dreams and lost love struck a chord with country music fans, making it an instant classic.
3. ‘Beer for My Horses’ (feat. Willie Nelson): This collaboration with country music legend Willie Nelson became a chart-topping hit in 2003. The song’s catchy chorus and clever storytelling, combined with Nelson’s iconic voice, made it a standout track in Keith’s discography.
4. ‘How Do You Like Me Now?!’: Released in 1999, ‘How Do You Like Me Now?!’ became one of Keith’s most successful singles, topping the country charts and earning critical acclaim. Its bold lyrics and infectious melody showcased Keith’s ability to connect with audiences on a personal level.
5. ‘I Love This Bar’: With its catchy hook and upbeat vibe, ‘I Love This Bar’ became a fan favorite upon its release in 2003. The song’s celebration of small-town life and simple pleasures resonated with listeners, earning it a spot on Keith’s list of top hits.
6. ‘American Soldier’: Paying tribute to the men and women who serve in the U.S. armed forces, ‘American Soldier’ struck a chord with audiences upon its release in 2003. Keith’s heartfelt vocals and poignant lyrics earned praise from both fans and critics alike.
7. ‘Red Solo Cup’: Despite its unconventional subject matter, ‘Red Solo Cup’ became a surprise hit for Keith in 2011. The song’s catchy melody and humorous lyrics about the ubiquitous party cup resonated with listeners, earning it a place among Keith’s top tracks.
8. ‘As Good as I Once Was‘: This humorous yet heartfelt song, released in 2005, showcased Keith’s storytelling prowess and distinctive vocal style. Its relatable lyrics about ageing and reminiscing struck a chord with fans, making it a standout track in Keith’s catalog.
9. ‘Whiskey Girl’: With its infectious groove and playful lyrics, ‘Whiskey Girl’ became a fan favorite upon its release in 2003. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat vibe solidified its status as one of Keith’s top hits.
10. ‘A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action’: As one of Keith’s early hits, ‘A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action’ helped establish him as a force to be reckoned with in the country music scene. Its energetic tempo and memorable hook made it a staple in Keith’s live performances.

Toby Keith’s top ten songs represent the best of his illustrious career, showcasing his talent as a singer, songwriter, and storyteller. From patriotic anthems to humorous party tracks, Keith’s music continues to resonate with audiences around the world, solidifying his status as a country music icon. He will be much missed.