In Memoriam
Toby Keith
July 8, 1961 – February 5, 2024 · aged 62
Country
Toby Keith Covel was a towering, larger-than-life titan of modern country music whose unapologetic swagger and resonant baritone voice dominated the charts for three decades. Born in Oklahoma in 1961, he worked in the oil fields and played semi-pro football before breaking out with his 1993 debut single 'Should've Been a Cowboy,' which became the most-played country song of the 1990s. Keith was a masterful songwriter, equally adept at penning rowdy, tongue-in-cheek drinking anthems like 'Red Solo Cup' and deeply earnest, highly polarizing patriotic battle cries following the 9/11 attacks. Fiercely independent, he eventually formed his own successful record label, gaining complete creative control over his prolific output. He battled stomach cancer with remarkable public grace, continuing to perform right up until his death on February 5, 2024, at the age of 62. He leaves behind an indelible, distinctly American musical legacy.
Milestones
Should've Been a Cowboy, Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue, How Do You Like Me Now?!
Also remembered in 2024
- David Sanborn (1945–2024)
- Melanie (Safka) (1947–2024)
- Steve Albini (1962–2024)
- Wayne Kramer (1948–2024)