We all heard the heartbreaking news on February 6, 2024 that Toby Keith passed away. Since then, we’ve read countless articles (including one here on CCM by Charlie) about Toby’s life, records, and career. While reading through multiple social media posts, I was inspired to write this month’s viewpoint about what Toby Keith means to me. He wrote a lot of songs; I will share the three that hold the most significance in my life.
In previous articles, I stated that I didn’t grow up on country music; I started listening to it in the early 1990’s when I began teaching line dance. One of the first artists I was drawn to was Toby Keith. I must admit, at first it was his looks that attracted me; then I heard his song “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and I was hooked. Over the next several years, I depended on some of Toby’s songs for my classes; perfect tempos with great lyrics and an unforgettable voice.
Toby Keith – “Should’ve Been A Cowboy”
Fast forward to the year 2004; my son was graduating from the Air Force boot camp in Texas. One of the most memorable events was attending a church service there. During the ceremony, they played Toby’s video of “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)” and it brought tears to my eyes when I heard hundreds of soon-to-be airmen singing along with him. What Toby did for the moral of our troops with that song is indescribable!
Another decade and a half flies by and Toby, taking inspiration from his friend Clint Eastwood, writes “Don’t Let the Old Man In.” This song was put on the soundtrack for the movie “The Mule” in 2019 but regained momentum when Toby sang it at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Music Awards. That song, especially the lyrics “…just ask yourself how old would you be…if you didn’t know the day you were born…” adds a whole new dimension now that he’s gone.
Toby Keith – “Don’t Let The Old Man In”
Through the past three decades, my feelings of what Toby Keith means to me changed from line dancing songs to a patriotic songwriter to a prolific storyteller; what remained constant was his ability to capture my attention with his talents. May he rest in peace, knowing he created a legacy of hits that will be enjoyed for many decades to come.
Dori Yez will continue to write her monthly article here; and may also “guest instruct” at local venues/events!
