Haven't done a Mega Series profile in a while, and Toby Keith is just the artist to take us back to that pedestal. (He also just had a birthday July 8).  When he broke onto the charts he was instantly accepted as a hit maker, and through the 1990's had solid chart success.  But the 90's for Keith were just a mere warm up for the early 2000's when he went on a number one tear that is rare and enviable. Keith was and is a star and from my seat, there was a single song and album that catapulted him into very rare air.  

Big Song - Right Away

Toby was another with an interesting story before his days on the charts. He, like Joe Diffie worked in the oil fields of Oklahoma as a young adult.  He also was forming bands at that time and was doing double duty in both industry's for a while. He played some semi-pro football and even had a tryout for the USFL but didn't make the squad. So he tried Nashville and that landed a deal with Mercury Records in due time.

Fans Love This Song

As you know things worked out pretty well. Keith hit the charts in 1993 with Should Have Been A Cowboy and it went #1.  In fact, that song became one of the most played country songs of the 1990's on radio.  Keith spent the 90's charting popular songs and solidified himself as a legit hit maker and fresh new face in a very big decade for the format.  There were some really big songs and some not so much. He was in a new class of stars that got a foothold then, like Kenny Chesney, Doug Stone, Tracy Byrd, Mark Chesnutt and others.  The success was good, but far better things were ahead for him as the decade closed out.

Tough Stuff -  But A Great Song

In 1999, Keith was having issues with his record company, which is not rare in Nashville.  A song called When Love Fades was released by the record company off his new album and it failed to make the top 40, (#44) and you and I probably don't remember it.  Keith wanted to release the song, How Do You Like Me Now, as that was the title song of the new album.  The legend goes that there was much disagreement over this. In fact, the record company before this nixed the same song out of hand. In the end he won his fight, and it's a good thing because that song and album changed everything about Toby Keith's career and life by a mile.  The song spent five weeks #1 and crossed over pop, and is universally loved by - well by everyone. 

Life And Career Changing Song - They Are Rare To This Extent

The result of this gigantic hit song was it became more than a song, it was pure pop culture.  An empowering anthem for those rejected in love, for men and women. And that was the real key.  It was not offensive, or even really angry, just honest and was relatable for everyone. Who hasn't felt that way?  You would be hard pressed to find anyone who is alive and under 50 who doesn't know and love that song.  How anyone could possibly think that was not a smash the first time you heard it, is still beyond me.  Perfect song, done by the only artist that could do it.   It's one of the most believable songs I can think of.

Huge Song

This was a new TK.  His sound, his image his everything was reborn.  He went on a #1 bonanza as a result that is incredible. What followed over the next number of years were 17 more number one songs, including a stretch of 6 in a row and 11 out of the next 12.  He dominated the charts and the format as few have for about the next ten years with a great mix of hits ranging from barroom songs, to terrific ballads and patriotic anthems.  Everything about Toby was different. He was singing with a confidence not there in the mid 1990's.  He was on top by a mile.

This Endeared Him To Even Those Hard To Sway

His world view became a rallying cry for his fans with songs like, American Soldier and Courtesy Of The Red White And Blue, Made In America and others.  He visited and entertained troops overseas many times and became a hero to them and their families. He emerged as a symbol for saying what was on his mind and his fans loved that too.  He launched a ton of side business ventures that were and are still successful, even starting his own record label, Showdog Nashville.  No more record company feuds.

This Was A Big Hit Of Course

During his run, Toby Keith did about all you could do.  His fans love him for who he is and his music which has sold about 50 million albums to date.  You may have heard of his recent health issues and it's good to see him back out on the road performing.  He has about as loyal of a fan base as you can have.

Hard NOT To Like This -

Was and is he a more modern day Outlaw in Country Music?  Well, yes. 

Outlaw Willie Nelson Thinks So Too!

What a career for Toby Keith.

Even Sting Wanted To Record With Toby #2 Hit