Val Kilmer and Toby Keith shared an unexpected creative connection that fans may not have known about. A line spoken by Kilmer in the classic 1993 Western Tombstone inspired Keith to write the ballad “Huckleberry.” The track would go on to feature on Keith’s hit 2002 album Unleashed, alongside some of his biggest songs.
Although they came from different corners of the entertainment world — Kilmer from film and Keith from country music — they aligned in a unique way. The quote that inspired Keith’s work came during Kilmer’s portrayal of the legendary Doc Holliday.
The creative relationship between Val Kilmer and Toby Keith
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Keith often spoke about finding inspiration in unexpected places, and Kilmer’s line in Tombstone was one of those rare moments. “Huckleberry,” became a fan favorite for its sincerity and emotional pull, which was different from Keith’s more rugged anthems.
A clip shared on Keith’s Instagram after Kilmer’s death confirmed the song’s origins, showing a moment from Tombstone followed by a tribute, “Thanks for inspiring Toby. RIP Val Kilmer.” It was a way to honor the actor, not just among filmgoers, but also among other artists like Keith.
A bond of influence and legacies
Both actors left behind impressive legacies, with Kilmer dying from pneumonia at 65 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He is remembered for his acting in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, and his on-screen range had a way of winning over the hearts of viewers like Keith.
Keith, who passed away in the early part of 2024 from stomach cancer, also made his own enduring mark on the music of America. Tracks such as “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” and “Beer for My Horses” cemented his place as a country legend, but heartfelt ballads like “Huckleberry” revealed the behind-the-scenes influence of people like Kilmer.
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