Toby Keith’s Nashville Legacy Honored in New NBC Tribute Special

Country music stars gathered to honor Toby Keith in a special two-hour tribute that aired on NBC and is now available for streaming on Peacock. The event, named “Toby Keith: American Icon,” was recorded in July in Nashville to celebrate the life and career of the country star, who passed away on February 5 after a long fight with stomach cancer.

Many performers took to the stage during the tribute, showcasing some of Keith’s most popular songs. Carrie Underwood performed “A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action,” while Eric Church chose “As Good as I Once Was.” Collaboration was also prominent, with Brantley Gilbert and HARDY delivering a rendition of “How Do You Like Me Now?!” and Riley Green teaming up with Ella Langley for “Who’s Your Daddy?” Ashley McBryde contributed to the night with her performance of “Wish I Didn’t Know Now.”

Luke Bryan made a rare appearance, donning a black cowboy hat as he sang “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” Lainey Wilson impressively rode her horse, Cowboy, to the stage to join Jamey Johnson for “Beer for My Horses.” The evening also included performances from Darius Rucker with “God Love Her,” Jordan Davis and Clay Walker on “I Love This Bar,” and Tyler Hubbard collaborating with Jelly Roll, HARDY, and others for a performance of “Red Solo Cup.”

The event resonated with fans and emphasized Keith’s remarkable legacy, which includes not only his chart-topping records but also his status as a fervent patriot and supporter of the U.S. military. This tribute reflects a pivotal moment in Keith’s career where he firmly established himself as both an artist and a savvy entrepreneur, leading to numerous successes across the country music landscape.

This year marked what would have been the fourth decade of Keith’s mainstream career. Two decades ago, he tapped into the cultural zeitgeist of America, particularly during the post-9/11 era, appealing to a wide audience. The impact of country music within both Nashville and the broader national context is evident in the lasting influence Keith has had.

The tribute show originally aired on NBC on August 28, capturing the heartfelt memories and performances from this historic event.

Keith saw remarkable success throughout his career, particularly between June 2002 and December 2004 when he sold over 20 million albums and singles. His 2002 anthem “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (the Angry American)” resonated deeply with fans during challenging times, leading to immense popularity along with hits like “Who’s Your Daddy.” This knack for creating powerful, memorable music not only solidified his industry standing but also enhanced his brand.

His music, often infused with themes of patriotism and Americana, contributed to the narrative surrounding American exceptionalism in the late 20th century. The commercial success placed him alongside iconic figures in music like Bon Jovi and Madonna in terms of brand marketability.

Notably, in June 2005 Keith opened I Love This Bar and Grill, a concept inspired by his hit song, which expanded rapidly across the country. At its peak, the restaurant chain attracted massive crowds and became one of America’s top-grossing establishments. According to Forbes, Keith earned approximately $12 million annually from these ventures, showing the impact of his brand beyond just music.

Despite facing financial hurdles between 2014 and 2020, only two locations of I Love This Bar and Grill remain operational. However, Keith’s earnings by 2013 indicated no sign of decline, with estimates showing he never made less than $48 million in a year, illustrating continued influence in the country music realm.

The enduring legacy of Keith is echoed on the famed Lower Broadway in Nashville, where numerous country music stars have opened venues. By 2025, 17 country luminaries will have their names on establishments along the bustling street, attracting millions of tourists and significantly contributing to the local economy.

In 2023 alone, approximately 15 million tourists spent over $300 million in Davidson County, driven primarily by the vibrant nightlife and honky-tonk atmosphere Keith helped popularize. Nashville continues to develop its tourism strategies, with recent plans reflecting Keith’s blueprint for success.

As expressed by Keith’s longtime producer, James Stroud, “Toby is his own man. He knows what he wants to say and what the people want to hear,” capturing the essence of an artist whose impact stretches far beyond the stage.

Source: USA Today