It was with surprising sadness that I read about the passing of my fellow Oklahoman, Toby Keith
Toby Keith, Larger-Than-Life Country Music Star, Dies at 62 - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
In the 2000s, I became quite familiar with the music of Toby Keith as I traveled down I-5 every two months or so when I went to visit my children who were then living in San Diego. During much of the I-5 drive, I found myself listening to country music because the country stations came in clear and because the songs tended to be distinctive enough to keep me awake. It was during this time that Toby Keith was at the height of his popularity.
His "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" was a widely heard response to the events of 9/11.
(4) Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American) (Official Music Video) - YouTube
and his "As Good As I Once Was"
Toby Keith - As Good As I Once Was (youtube.com)
Wayman Tisdale - Wikipedia
became an anthem for middle-age men like myself who had begun to recognize the realities of the passage of time.
However, what really cemented Toby Keith in my list of favorite country stars was his tribute song to a fellow Oklahoman, Wayman Tisdale. Wayman Tisdale was one of the greatest basketball players to come out of Oklahoma
Wayman also was a great jazz guitarist who had only begun his professional musical career when he was struck down by cancer at the young age of 44. In response to this tragic loss, Wayman's good friend Toby Keith wrote and performed this song
(4) Toby Keith - Cryin' For Me (Wayman's Song) ft. Arthur Thompson, Marcus Miller, Dave Koz - YouTube
Toby Keith, a towering figure in country music, will be missed here on Earth, but I do believe that Wayman has already welcomed Toby in Heaven, and the music there is sublime.
Peace,
Everett "Skip" Jenkins
Fairfield, California
February 6, 2024
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