02/06/2024
What can one say about a legend like Toby Keith? A lot!
For starters, my condolences and prayers go out to his wife Shelley, and his three children Stelen, Krystal, and Shelley. To his extended family, and all of his colleagues, TK, David, Lisa, Scott, George, Jimmie, Bruce, Katharine, Govna, Mox, and the rest, be strong!
Story time, I have so many. From the time Lisa had some of our listeners up on his bus, behind his drum kit, in the green room for an acoustic jam, and on stage as an honorary roadie to swap out his guitar. to all the love he showed everyone around him all the time, to my favorite story of all (beer pong in the Merc suite notwithstanding).
Early in my country career, having come from Pop radio, I didn't know many ppl in the biz. One year, very early on, I was at a party in Nashville and Toby showed up. I remember it being very late and I was tired (and a little drunk too, tbh). Anyway, I said my goodbyes and headed for the lobby of the hotel. To my surprise, it had started to snow in Nashville and I had cowboy boots on so it was shaping up to be a cold slippery walk back to my hotel a few blocks away. Well, as luck would have it, there was a giant limo idling by the valet stand so I tapped on the window and said this to the driver; "hey man, TK told me to have you take me to my hotel"... The driver looked me up and down, thought for a second, and then said "hop in". He took me to my hotel and was back to his spot within minutes. A few years later, at an ACM after-party, I bumped into Toby and his producer James Stroud. During our small talk, I thanked Toby for loaning me his limo. Naturally, he looked at me with a perplexed stare so I told him the story and apologized for hijackin' his ride. They both laughed out loud and TK slapped me on the back (kinda hard actually) and said "more power to ya" or something like that. Inferred for the back slap to not do it again!! jk, he was so kind and genuinely thought it was funny.
That's just one story. I could tell you about the countless guitars he signed for us for St. Jude and other charities, the meet-n-greats he'd do for his fans, the liners, the interviews, and the tunes.
Toby not only performed for our troops more than just about anyone, he also flew BEHIND enemy lines to perform for the troops who were not safe and sound at base camp. He donned a flak jacket and helmet and flew INTO the s**t! No lie.
To say that Toby Keith is an amazing American is an understatement. Toby Keith was an amazing HUMAN!
Photo credit: Michael Collins