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Toby Keith’s Legacy as a Hitmaker, Songwriter and Philanthropist Highlighted By Jelly Roll, Eric Church and More During NBC Taping

Toby Keith's legacy as a hitmaker, songwriter and philanthropist was feted by Jelly Roll, Eric Church and more at an NBC special taping on Monday.

After he moved to Nashville and landed a label deal in 1993 while in his 30s, he forged a three decade-plus career, becoming one of country music’s most successful artists — and ultimately doing so on his own terms, by recording his own songs, constructions that also made the most of his outsized persona. Interspersed between performances were video tributes from his fellow country artists Nelson, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire and George Strait, as well as other celebrities Keith had developed close ties with, including comedian Carrot Top and The Late Show host Stephen Colbert. During the tribute concert, Trace Adkins performed Keith’s heartfelt ballad “American Soldier,” and told the crowd, “Never apologize for being patriotic,” which drew another round of “U.S.A.” chants.

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