Tribute to Toby Keith – Live: Country music world mourns singer dies ‘surrounded by family’

Rapper and country singer Jelly Roll recalled Toby Keith as a source of inspiration.

“Last year I covered ‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy’ at every show,” the “Need A Favor” artist reflected on his Instagram Story. “Toby was an inspiration to millions of people, and I was one of them. RIP.”

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt paid tribute to “Legend” Toby Keith.

“Today America lost a legend. Toby Keith helped make Oklahoma the coolest place in America,” Stitt wrote about the Oklahoma-born country singer.

“His legacy will forever remain in the hearts of the people of Oklahoma and his fans around the world. I know his spirit will live on. Sarah and I send our condolences to Toby’s family. .”

Fellow country singer Zach Bryan paid tribute to Toby Keith’s childhood memories.

The 27-year-old “Something in the Orange” tweeted: “I’ve been listening to Toby Keith and riding in old people’s cars too much.”

“It’s really hard to hear,” he added. “Rest in Peace, my friend, we love you.”

Grammy-nominated country singer Luke Combs reacts in disbelief to Toby Keith’s death.

“Damn, rest in peace Toby. I can’t believe it,” the “When It Rains It Pours” singer tweeted.

“CMT is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of country legend Toby Keith. Our hearts go out to his wife Tricia, children, and loved ones at this difficult time. ,” Channel Country Music Television said in a statement.

After playing semi-professional football, he began a singing career in the late 70s and 80s, performing with bands on the red-dirt roadhouse circuit in Oklahoma and Texas.

He ended up in Nashville, where he attracted the interest of Mercury Records executive Harold Shedd, then best known for producing the hit group Alabama. Keith released his self-titled debut album. toby keith Labeled in 1993.

With his macho, pro-American swagger, easygoing voice, and simple but catchy delivery, Keith sang the breakthrough song “Should’ve Been a” that became the most played country song of the ’90s. He achieved success with hit songs such as “Cowboy”.

In a recently shared video, Keith reflected on one of the first songs he wrote when he was 14 years old.

“The first song I ever wrote was when I was 14 or 15 and it was called “If You Feel the Pain in Your Heart.” It wasn’t bad. It had a good structure, but it wasn’t very good either. .

“But the people here, when I played it, they were like, ‘Wow, that’s a great song.’ be That’s 5,000 songs ago. ”

Pro golfer John Daly, a longtime friend of the country music singer, commented in an Instagram post: Rest in peace, Big Dawg. ”

“Toby Keith passed away peacefully last night, February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought with grace and courage. Please respect his family’s privacy at this time.” said a statement posted on Keith’s website and social media.

Keith sold more than 40 million records during his career, but his political beliefs and public feud with The Chicks (then known as the Dixie Chicks) over one of his biggest songs led to Keith selling more than 40 million records during his career. A feud erupted on the scene.