The exhilarating revelation that comes close to matching the thrill of Toby Keith’s return to the stage is the news of his upcoming album release!
Toby Keith, on September 21st, announced his forthcoming project titled “100% Songwriter,” slated for release on November 3rd. This album boasts 13 tracks, all penned exclusively by the multi-talented star himself, a testament to his enduring reputation as one of the foremost songsmiths in the industry.
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The announcement aptly captured Toby’s identity as a songwriter foremost, emphasizing the significance of celebrating his solo songwriting prowess through this album.
In a subtle touch, the names of 12 songs, presumably included on the album, were discreetly inscribed along the border of the announcement photo. These tracks encompass classics like “He Ain’t Worth Missin’,” “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” “Who’s Your Daddy,” and “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” which holds the remarkable distinction of being the most-played country song of the ’90s, with over three million radio spins.
Toby Keith’s Songwriting Career
Toby Keith’s songwriting legacy has been a cornerstone of his enduring career, earning him a well-deserved place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He achieved a rare feat by securing at least one chart-topping song every year for two consecutive decades.
Toby’s songwriting journey often unfolded on the tour bus during his life on the road, and he frequently collaborated with notable writers such as Scotty Emerick, Bobby Pinson, and Rivers Rutherford. His impressive repertoire comprises 32 No. 1 hit singles and over 40 million albums sold.
Toby Keith’s remarkable contributions to country music were duly recognized by the Nashville Songwriters Association International, who honored him as Songwriter/Artist of the Decade, and BMI Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year on three occasions. In 2011, he was named Artist of the Decade at the American Country Awards and also hailed as Billboard’s top country artist and songwriter for the first decade of the 21st Century.
The concept of a “greatest hits” album featuring songs exclusively written by Toby Keith seems entirely fitting, given his illustrious career.
First Musical Project Since His Cancer Diagnosis
Notably, “100% Songwriter” represents Toby’s first musical project since his cancer diagnosis. In the fall of 2021, at the age of 62, he received the diagnosis of stomach cancer and subsequently shared the news on social media six months later, detailing his treatment, which included chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Remarkably, six months following his diagnosis, Toby Keith surprised his devoted fans with an impromptu performance at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse in Lexington, Kentucky, where he serenaded patrons for nearly an hour. This marked his first public performance since the cancer diagnosis.
In the subsequent months, Toby continued to deliver unexpected live performances, crashing another artist’s set in a hotel bar, joining LoCash on stage, and joining in the Oklahoma University softball team’s celebration of a national championship by belting out a spirited rendition of “How Do You Like Me Now?” at his Oklahoma restaurant.
He loves this bar 🎶🎸 pic.twitter.com/S9cDPFFnOy
— Jeff Ruby (@TheRealJeffRuby) November 6, 2022
The news of his upcoming album release is the latest in a string of positive developments for Toby Keith. He is set to be honored at the inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards next week, where he will receive the prestigious Country Icon Award and grace the stage with a performance—his first televised appearance since his health ordeal. Tune in to NBC and Peacock on September 28th at 8/7c to witness Toby’s triumphant return to the spotlight!