Toby Keith’s ‘Greatest Hits’ Reaches #1 On The Charts

Toby Keith’s “35 Biggest Hits” collection has soared to the #1 spot on the Billboard charts. Keith, who tragically passed away on February 5th after a valiant battle with stomach cancer at the age of 62, left a lasting mark on the music industry.

The surge in sales propelled 35 Biggest Hits to the pinnacle of both the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts, marking a historic moment as Keith became the first artist to occupy nine spots in the top 10 of the Country Digital Song Sales chart. The achievement surpassed the records previously held by Kenny Rogers and Taylor Swift.

The collection, which originally debuted in 2008, experienced a dramatic increase in sales, jumping by 953% to earn 66,000 equivalent album units in just one week. The album features 31 of Keith’s 42 top 10 hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, including 15 of his 20 No. 1 singles.

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Among the top-performing tracks, “Don’t Let the Old Man In” led the charge with an astonishing 3,744% increase in sales, followed closely by other Keith classics such as “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” and “Red Solo Cup.” These songs not only celebrate Keith’s musical talent but also his ability to connect with listeners through relatable storytelling and patriotic themes.

Keith’s dominance on the charts came at a critical time, overshadowing Morgan Wallen’s “One Thing At A Time” and preventing Wallen from setting a new record for most weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart for country albums. Keith’s narrow victory over Wallen was only by approximately 1,000 album units.

Keith was a frequent presence on U.S. military bases in combat theaters, singing for soldiers at the height of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, experiences he celebrated in his 2003 hit “American Soldier.” He was invited to presidential performances multiple times, performing for George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, who presented him with the National Medal of the Arts in 2021.

The second half of his career was decorated with recognition from his peers. Keith achieved seven Grammys between 1998 and 2011 with the majority for his powerful vocal performances. In 2001, he won Male Vocalist of the Year at the Country Music Awards and returned to reclaim it in 2004. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.

Keith is survived by his wife, Tricia, three children, and four grandchildren.