Toby Keith kicks it “Old School”
Country music icon Toby Keith released his highly anticipated single “Old School,” on June 25 to critical acclaim. The single earned Keith his highest career debut on Country Airplay at No. 25, and was the No. 1 Most Added single in the Country genre, at both Mediabase and Billboard. In collaboration with iHeartMedia, the artist’s newest track premiered across 125 country music radio stations, and is available now on all digital streaming platforms. A celebration of small town life and community, the song was written by Ryan Hurd, Maren Morris, and Brett Tyler, and co-produced by Keith with the help of Kenny Greenberg. “When I first heard the demo, it reminded me of Steve Miller,” Keith says. “But it had a little bit of a rap to it – not unlike the can of worms I opened years ago with ‘I Wanna Talk About Me.’ Then it’s got the coolest melodic waterfall and I was like, ‘Yeah, I gotta cut this.'”
Toby Keith says, “Happy Birthday America”
Written solely by Keith himself, “Happy Birthday America” commemorates the nation’s 245th anniversary of independence. In addition to the official release of the track on all streaming platforms, and on YouTube with an official lyric video, Keith will be performing the single live on the Fox & Friends Summer Concert Series on today, July 2. Across the holiday weekend, Keith will host the iHeart July 4th Country Takeover special celebrating our nation’s history and country music.
“Happy Birthday America” was written solely by Keith on the back of a boat under a fireworks display in 2020. A close friend to Keith said, “Happy Fourth of July, big dog,” and Keith responded, “Happy birthday, America. Whatever’s left of you.” And, of course, he immediately thought about writing that thought in song. “It had been a screwed up 18 months,” Keith remembers. “I was seeing both sides having concern over the end of democracy. We’ve fought and divided almost to the point it’s only about power and winning. Charlie Daniels had a song saying ‘God save us all from religion.’ And I’m thinking, God save us all from politicians.”
What is coming next?
Both tracks are expected to make their appearance on Keith’s next full-length studio album coming this fall. In addition to releasing new music, Keith will also be receiving the Merle Haggard Spirit Award later this year. Awarded by the Academy of Country Music, the prestigious award is presented to those who embody Haggard’s spirit and creative style. With new music to come and more accolades on the horizon, this is just the start of what Keith has on tap for the rest of the year to come. For more information about Keith visit his website, or follow him on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.