Keith's debut single stripped down to acoustic guitars and string quartet
Jason Aldean paid tribute to Toby Keith at the 2024 ACM Awards, performing a slick low-key version of “Should've Been a Cowboy,” Keith's 1993 debut single, backed by a string quartet.
Blake Shelton introduced the show, honoring his fellow Oklahoman. The crowd singing was loud and clear as Aldean delivered the classic song. Behind Aldean, photos of Keith performing or with his family ran and the camera often panned to tearful and visibly emotional audience members.
Keith died in February aged 62 after a long battle with stomach cancer. The Sooner State native and Nashville outsider has had a long history with the Academy of Country Music, which awarded him the Merle Haggard Spirit Award in 2021. Keith also won the top ACM Artist of the Year award. 2002 and 2003.
His first Number One hit, “Should've Been a Cowboy”, has been a favorite among artists who want to remember him since his death. Brooks & Dunn covered it at the CMT Music Awards last month, Carrie Underwood sang it at the Grand Ole Opry in April, Luke Combs sang it at the Ryman Auditorium, and Flatland Cavalry made it part of their set. Keith wrote the song solo and it evokes the grandeur of the West, but also references more than a few TV cowboys, including Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and Gun smokeMatt Dillon. Keith gave his last performance of “Should've Been a Cowboy” on December 14, 2023, in Las Vegas.
Aldean released his latest album, Highway Desperado, last year. He won the ACM for Entertainer of the Year three years in a row, starting in 2015.
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