Toby Keith: Country Music Hall of Famer and Voice of Should've Been a Co
Toby Keith was an American country singer, songwriter and record producer, known for hits such as "Should've Been a Cowboy," "How Do You Like Me Now?!" and "Red Solo Cup." Born Toby Keith Covel on July 8, 1961, in Clinton, Oklahoma, he worked as an oil field worker before becoming one of country music's biggest stars.
His debut single, "Should've Been a Cowboy," topped the Billboard country chart in 1993 and was one of the most played country songs of the 1990s. "How Do You Like Me Now?!" was the top country song of 2000. Over his career he had 33 No. 1 country hits and sold more than 40 million albums. He received the National Medal of Arts in 2021 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024.
Keith married Tricia Lucus in 1984, and they had three children, including singer Krystal Keith. He announced a stomach cancer diagnosis in 2022 and died in Oklahoma on February 5, 2024, at age 62. Remembered for his big voice, his patriotism and his humor, he left behind some of country music's most singalong songs.
Achievements: Topped the country chart with "Should've Been a Cowboy" (1993), had the top country song of the year with "How Do You Like Me Now?!" (2000), 33 No. 1 country hits, received the National Medal of Arts (2021) and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (2024).
Birth: July 8, 1961 - Clinton, Oklahoma.
Profession: Country singer, songwriter, record producer and actor.
Interesting Facts: He worked as a derrick hand in the oil fields and planned to become a petroleum engineer. After his death, fans at University of Oklahoma games handed out red Solo cups in tribute.
