In a little over 30 years of music, Toby Keith made a household name with solid debuts, millions of sales, over 60 chart-topping hits, and seven Grammy nominations. Yet following his passing on February 5, Keith managed to break even those boundaries with some of the biggest Billboard numbers of his entire career.
Keith was 62 when he died in his sleep, following a June 2022 stomach cancer diagnosis. Following his death, Oklahoma native Keith was honored by his home state and across the country. Fans online recorded themselves raising a red plastic cup and singing his song “Red Solo Cup” in his honor, and legends such as Dolly Parton, Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, and more paid tribute to Keith. The streaming, download, and sales numbers also reflect this unprecedented surge in appreciation.
Toby Keith reaches new Billboard highs after his passing
The passing of an artist is often followed by newfound records in sales, and that is exactly the case for Toby Keith with Billboard sales charts, particularly one specific list. Nine of Keith’s songs occupy this week’s Digital Song Sales chart – that’s nine out of 25 total slots that are accounted for.
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Keith has been on top of plenty of charts before – in fact, 61 of his singles charted the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. But this is the best Keith has ever performed on this list that celebrates bestselling country tunes.
Toss back some beer for the horses
Songs like “Beer for My Horses,” “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” and “I Love This Bar” all made it to the purchase-only count, despite not actually being new. “Don’t Let The Old Man In” is also enjoying renewed support, giving it a particularly poignant comeback after Keith was inspired to write it thanks to a conversation with Clint Eastwood.
Selling around 27,000 copies in the designated tracking period, “Don’t Let The Old Man In” rocketed to No. 2, an all-new high for the track that’s all about aging with dignity.
Even “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue,” which is already considered one of Keith’s signature songs, reached new heights, reaching No. 8. “American Soldier” made it to No. 23, and at No. 13 is “As Good As I Once Was.”
Which is your favorite, and have you revisited any old favorites recently?