The Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony took place in New York City on June 18, where Keith was honored for his achievements as an artist.
Country artist Toby Keith was recognized for his talents as a songwriter and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame by none other than comedian, media critic, host, and writer, Stephen Colbert. An interesting choice for the ceremony, one that Colbert recognized, but one that proved to be the right one.
“Now it is possible that people ask, ‘Why the hell is Stephen Colbert honoring Toby Keith?’ I don’t know why they asked me to show up, but I’ll tell you why I showed up,†said Colbert.
Colbert went on to praise Keith for his talent and diligence as an artist who has the rare ability to connect with his fans and make each person who listens to his songs feel good and enjoy the moment.
Although there were heartfelt moments during his speech, wherever Colbert goes, humor and laughter always follows. Dressed in a cowboy hat, he performed one of Keith’s top songs, As Good As I Once Was (2005). After having Keith on his old show, The Colbert Report , it was Colbert’s turn to woo Keith, a scene that stirred applause and laughter within the crowd.
The path to his induction has been long with a list of country favorites that have defined the industry. Keith’s accomplishments are packed into 22 albums that go back to 1993. He has had sixty songs reach the Billboard country charts, all but three of which climbed to number 40 or higher. Twenty of his hits reached the number one spot.
Keith’s official welcome into the Songwriters Hall of Fame created buzz in the music industry that expanded. Artists and celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Matthew McConaughey, Jimmy Buffett, Willie Nelson, Carrie Underwood, and Peyton Manning posted viral videos congratulating Keith on his accomplishments and well deserved induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
For more information about Toby Keith and his music, check out his website below.
Toby Keith
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