The ‘How Do You Like Me Now?!’ singer died Monday after a battle with stomach cancer
Toby Keith enjoyed a storied three-decade career with numerous hits, leaving a lasting impact on the country music scene.
Beyond his musical achievements, Keith exerted a unique influence on the music industry through a series of business ventures and record label deals, contributing to the rise of some of today’s biggest names in music.
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Blake Shelton’s early career was significantly influenced by Keith in various ways.
Upon Shelton’s arrival in Nashville, he initially prepared a song titled “I Wanna Talk About Me” as his debut single. However, the song was ultimately given to Keith instead, and it went on to become a No. 1 single.
Later, in 2003, Shelton joined Keith on tour as his opening act for the Shock’N Y’all Tour.
During the People’s Choice Country Awards in September, Shelton reminisced about his time on the road with Keith as he presented him with the Country Icon Award.
“They say your big break comes when you sign a record deal or when your first song is released. And for me, one of those defining moments was getting the opportunity to open for Toby Keith,” Blake told the audience. “Back when I was a new artist, I had the chance to tour with Toby and every night, 20,000 fans came out to see Toby perform, and he never failed to entertain them and keep them satisfied.”
Shelton said they spent about two years on the road together when he felt comfortable joking around with Keith.
“I remember one night, it was after an awards show,” Shelton recalls. “And Toby was up for four or five awards and, man, he didn’t win the worst that night. I was talking to him, and I was nervous — I was so excited to get him. Skin — I said, ‘Man, Toby, I’ve never had enough of it one day.’ If you make it big and get nominated for some awards, I hope that goes against you.’
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“I swear, Toby looked at me and said, ‘Do you know why I brought you on tour with me?’ And I said, ‘No.’ And he said, ‘I wanted to prove that this industry doesn’t need an opening act.
The funny moment drew laughs from everyone in the audience, including Keith.
Following the “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer’s death, Shelton released a statement to Fox News Digital.
“Although I have known about your battle for the past few months, I did not expect this day,” he said. “Anyone who knows you knows what I mean. You are the toughest person I have ever met. Thanks, brother for being a friend, hero, and inspiration. There will never be another Toby Keith.”
Keith was also influential in Taylor Swift’s career.
In 2005, Keith launched his label Show Dog Nashville, the same year Big Machine Records launched.
Swift’s original label, Big Machine Records, founded by Scott Borchetta, launched her career as a country artist.
WSMV Nashville reported that year about a young Swift, noting that she had signed Keith to “his new record label.”
In an interview at the time, Swift said, “You’re in the room with him and you can feel it. There’s an energy there. You’re like, ‘Oh my God.’ Toby Keith’.
According to Forbes, Keith owns 10% of Big Machine and bought a building in Nashville to house both labels.
In a 2013 interview with Forbes, Borchetta said, “Toby is a really smart businessman. I send him checks.”
“I know there’s an extra comma if you add up all the money I’ve made,” Keith said of Swift’s money at the time.
Swift and Big Machine parted ways in 2018 in a dispute over ownership rights to her master recordings. Keith was not involved in those affairs, and Show Dog Nashville later merged with Universal South Records to become Show Dog-Universal Music.
Big Machine also signed some other big-name artists in the country music world after their debut.
In 2010, Rascal signed to the Flatts label and previously toured with Keith shortly after their debut as a group in 2002.
The group’s bass player Jay DeMarcus shared on Instagram, “This is a heartbreaker.. @tobykeith is one of the Flatts Boys who believed in us… he took us on the road and gave us a chance.
“We were fast friends and it remains one of the best tour experiences of my career. However, in the end, I got something better out of it, a friend for life… Rest in peace Toby, I sure miss you .”
Florida Georgia Line signed with Big Machine’s imprint, Republic Nashville, in 2012 following the release of their early hit “Cruise.”
Brian Kelly of Florida Georgia Line shared his condolences on social media, writing, “An artist’s artist, a songwriter’s songwriter. A patriot, a legend. A damn loss. Blasting TK tunes all day. RIP Cowboy.”
Tim Rushlow, of the duo Rushlow Harris, released a statement to Fox News Digital, recalling Keith’s influence on his career.
“In 1989, I and the guys from Little Texas heard about Toby Keith and the Easy Money Band killing it in Texas and Oklahoma,” he said. “We went to Chastain’s in Oklahoma City one night early before we started our work for a week. When you pack Chastain past the velvet rope, Toby would later say you’re rocking it. It’s always packed past the velvet rope. When Toby plays there. Toby and I Ended up meeting and became instant friends.”
Rushlow described Keith as having a “larger-than-life charisma in that smoky bar, and he was in his element. He never left it. He kept that personality and carried it with him and brought it to every arena you could play. He always will be. One of the greatest artists in country music history.” One of the songwriters.
“Years later, he signed me and my cousin Donnie Harris to a deal on his label Show Dog Universal as the duo Rushlow Harris and we spent a year opening for him on tour. We kept in touch, wrote and produced some tunes. Some great memories over the years.
“Toby was a wonderful friend with good advice at some crucial moments in my life. The loss is profound, but I am so encouraged by the true faith that Toby displayed and carried with him. I will continue to pray for his family, and I have no doubt that he is now in peace that passes all understanding. You You left this world a great gift in your songs!
“Rest my brother and thank you!” he added.