Toby Keith Marks Multiple 2023 Milestones, Powers Into 2024
Published
Toby Keith Marks Multiple 2023 Milestones,
Powers Into 2024
Pandora 3x Billionaire, Top Country Jukebox Artist;
Top 5 Country Song Of 50 Years
“Don’t Let The Old Man In” Climbing;
Triumphant Las Vegas Dates; ’24 Touring Ahead
Toby Keith Performing at his sold-out show
in Las Vegas at Dolby Live at Park MGM on December 11
Click image for new window with downloadable, hi-res file.
photographer:Greg Watermann
(NORMAN, Okla.) Even with a two-year break from touring to focus on his health, singer, songwriter and entertainer Toby Keith clocked a momentous 2023. And the bells just keep ringing. The latest developments include:
• Pandora surprised Keith backstage Sunday (12/10) with a Triple Billionaire Plaque for performances of his music on the platform. Toby was performing at Dolby Live at Park MGM – a prelude to his 2024 return to touring.
• During three Las Vegas shows this week, Keith performed for two hours each night. A highlight moment was when he sat centerstage for an acoustic set of six songs he said “should’ve been singles.” Surprise guests Trace Adkins and Sammy Hagar joined Keith onstage during the Dec. 10 show. And the audiences’ energy grew every night with chants of “Toby, Toby, Toby…” as Keith performed more than two-dozen hits and “should’ve been” hits.
• Jukebox company TouchTunes – which operates in 65,000 establishments nationwide – celebrated its 25th anniversary with a list of its top 500 artists of all time. Toby Keith clocked in as the top country artist over the last 25 years.
• Trade publication Country Aircheck compiled the Top 100 songs of the last 50 years based on chart performance (Radio & Records/Mediabase/Country Aircheck), and Keith’s “I Love This Bar” earned a Top 5 position.
• Keith’s acclaimed 100% Songwriter album, which was released last month (an exclusive limited edition red, white and blue splatter vinyl edition for Walmart has been sold out). The collection highlights his role in writing – by himself – many of his most iconic hits, putting him in company with other performing songwriters including Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton.
• The People’s Choice Country Awards honored Keith with its inaugural Country Icon award during the show’s NBC/Peacock national telecast in September. Presented by fellow Oklahoman Blake Shelton, the honor was followed by Keith’s emotional performance of “Don’t Let The Old Man In.” View here.
• Following the PCCA performance, “Don’t Let The Old Man In” topped the Billboard
• Keith performed two surprise hometown shows in Norman June 30 & July 1, drawing standing room only crowds to the Hollywood Corners roadhouse he purchased and renovated in 2015.
• The RIAA issued 20 new gold and platinum certifications for songs ranging from Keith’s first single, the No. 1 smash “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” (triple platinum) to “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)” (triple platinum) … scratch that … “Courtesy” certified quadruple platinum shortly thereafter. Call it 21 new certifications.• The 19th Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic – June 2-3 in Norman – raised a record-breaking $1.8m, bringing the event’s all-in total to almost $18 million. Details here.
• Country Aircheck’s October issue featured Keith in an 11-page retrospective on his 30-year career titled, “Who’s That Man? Toby Keith Hits 30.” View here.
• Legendary bait and tackle company Luck E Strike – acquired and revitalized by Keith this year – began shipping product from its new Greenwood, Arkansas facility. Toby attended the largest sportfishing trade show, iCAST, in support of the brand.
• Finally, Toby’s two December shows in Las Vegas became three when the first pair sold out in minutes. The Dec. 10, 11 and 14 shows at Dolby Live at Park MGM set him up for the resumption of touring in 2024.
###
