It’s been a somber few days in the country music community after the death of country icon Toby Keith. The memories and tributes continue to pour in from the “Red Solo Cup” hitmaker’s peers.
On Tuesday night (Feb. 6), Luke Combs played a private show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, dubbed “Living Lucky With Luke Combs,” a multi-state lottery experience which was created by Combs, ECE & Atlas Experiences.
During the hour-long set, fans shouted out for Combs to play a Toby Keith song, and Combs was happy to oblige.
“I’m glad you guys asked, because we didn’t know if we should do a Toby song. It’s good to know you love Toby’s music as much as we do,” he said.
Luke Combs in Concert
Combs and his band were flying by the seat of their pants — this was unplanned, but a flawless execution nonetheless. The star and his band took a quick pause to go over the guitar licks of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” with the crowd watching.
Combs then pulled up the lyrics of the song on his phone, and they began an emotional tribute to Keith.
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy” was a No. 1 hit for Keith in 1993.
This show came one day after Keith’s death on Feb. 5, 2024 — and on the day the news was made public. Toby Keith had been battling stomach cancer for two years, and that’s ultimately what took his life.
Combs’ tour picks back up on April 12, in Milwaukee.
Luke Combs Tributes Toby Keith
Evan Paul is the host of Taste of Country Nights, a syndicated radio show heard on more than 120 country radio stations nationwide, every night from 7PM to midnight. He plays the best new country music and interviews today’s top stars, like Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Dan + Shay, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Lady A, Morgan Wallen, + more!
22 Photos of Toby Keith Young
Toby Keith was one of the most influential artists in country music history, with a career spanning from the mid 1990s all the way until his death in 2024. Let’s take a walk back in time and see pictures of Toby Keith young.
Gallery Credit: Evan Paul
Toby Keith Dies: Jason Aldean, Luke Combs + More Stars React
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak
19 County Artists With Their Own Bars + Restaurants
Of all of the side hustles country artists could partake in, opening a bar or restaurant is the most fitting — and very common. After all, many of these stars got their start on a barstool, tip jar nearby, playing their music for anyone who would listen.
These places feel like home for many of these singers. Over the years, several artists have gotten into the bar or restaurant game, and for a select few, brands have turned into franchises with several locations and/or concepts — we’re looking at you, Jimmy Buffett!
Let’s take a look at the country star food and entertainment venues that have opened over the years.