Remembering Toby Keith (1961-2024)

Toby Keith, born Toby Keith Covel July 8, 1961 in Clinton Oklahoma, passed away yesterday, February 5, 2024 at 62 from his battle with stomach cancer. His family moved for Fort Smith, Arkansas for a few years, and then moved to Moore, Oklahoma.  This is where he began his love for music, watching the live musicians who played at his grandmothers club in Fort Smith.

After graduating from Moore High School, he worked in the oil fields, and formed a band with some friends. They played at local bars until the oil industry tanked.  He played football for the semi-pro Oklahoma City Drillers, but continued to perform with his band Easy Money Band.  

He got his break in 1993 when his debut single Should've Been a Cowboy went to #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs. Over the course of his career he released over 20 albums.  In 2001, Keith won the Academy of Country Music's Top Male Vocalist and Album of the Year.

In December 2011, he was named Artist of the Decade by the American Country Awards. In September 2023, he received the first Country Icon Award at the inaugural Peoples Choice Country Awards.  

I met Toby Keith in September 2011 at a New York Jets game.  We were guests of then-head coach Rex Ryan and watched the game from his booth.  We found out that Toby was delivered by the same doctor that delivered me and my sister.  We were all born in Oklahoma General Hospital in Clinton, Oklahoma.

Toby Keith releases "Shock'n Y'all" 2003

My boy Toby Keith released his eighth studio album Shock'n Y'all November 4, 2003.  It reached #1 on both the Billboard Top Country Albums and Billboard 200 charts.  It has been certified quadruple platinum in the U.S.!

Happy birthday, Toby Keith!

My man Toby Keith was born in my hometown by the same doctor as me, Clinton, Oklahoma, July 8, 1961,  Although a year older than me, he's a LOT better looking!  LOL  I got to meet him once while attending a New York Jets game.  Really cool guy!

Here's my favorite video:

Toby Keith 3rd in a row #1 Country Album in 2003

My man Toby Keith reached Number 1 for the 3rd time in a row with his album "Shock'n Y'all" November 12, 2003.  It featured the hit single and one of my favorites: "I Love This Bar".

Hangin' with Toby Keith and Buddy Ryan at the New York Jets game

Buddy and his three sons, Rex, Rob and Jim.

Despite Rex being head coach of the Jets and Rob being defensive coordinator of the Cowboys, Buddy is still the center of attention.


The Jets Flight Crew.

Laura Young, NFL Head Coach assistant extraordinaire!

LaDanian Tomlinson, Running Back Extraordinaire!

Derrick Mason, Wide Receiver Extraordinaire!

Mark Sanchez, Quarterback Extraordinaire!

Rob Ryan on the Cowboys sideline.

Robert DeNiro broadcast live from Ground Zero in NYC for the pregame festivities.

A soldier played 'Taps' from Ground Zero.

A gigundo flag covered the entire field!

Lady Antebellum sang the National Anthem.

A wounded soldier was honored during the game for his acts of bravery.

The stadium lights were turned off during the Halftime celebrations.

A tribute to the World Twin Trade Centers by the children of 9/11 survivors.

The Twin Towers of Light.

Country Western Singer Extraordinaire Toby Keith and NY Jets Cheerleaders.

Toby's assistant Mitch and Toby with NY Jets Cheerleaders.

Mitch, Toby and Frazier with NY Jets Cheerleaders.

Ryan McCarty with NY Jets Cheerleaders.

NFL Head Coach Extraordinaire Buddy Ryan with NY Jets Cheerleaders.

Mitch, Michelle, Toby, me and Frazier.

Frazier and Hostess Extraordinaire Nancy.