Witness a touching moment as Blake Shelton pays tribute to the late Toby Keith during his Country Music Hall of Fame induction. With heartfelt emotion, Shelton delivers a classic Toby Keith hit, honoring the legacy of one of country music’s greats. It’s a performance that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of camaraderie and remembrance in the country music community.
Last night (October 20), Toby Keith, James Burton, and John Anderson were officially inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The night was a celebration of all three legendary country artists’ careers. However, things were a little heavier when it came to Keith’s induction which came a little more than eight months after his tragic passing earlier this year. His widow gave a moving speech and Alabama’s Randy Owen presented her with his medallion. Additionally, Post Malone, Blake Shelton, and Eric Church performed in honor of the late singer/songwriter.
Videos
Shelton took the stage at the CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum playing Keith’s signature American flag guitar. He played a medley of Keith’s hits including “I Love This Bar” and the party anthem “Red Solo Cup.” Watch him sing “I Love This Bar” below.
Blake Shelton Covers a Toby Keith Classic
If Blake Shelton were to pick only No. 1 singles to perform to honor Toby Keith, he’d still be left with a tough choice. Keith sent 20 singles to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart throughout his career. “I Love This Bar” was the 12th of his singles to top the chart. More than that, though, it is the namesake of Keith’s chain of bars.
At the same time, Shelton was the perfect artist to pay tribute to Keith during his Hall of Fame induction. Earlier this year, during a tribute special, Shelton revealed the impact that his fellow Oklahoma native had on him. “When I was just a baby artist coming up in the music industry, Toby was the first major artist to give me a chance,” he said of Keith.
“I looked up to Toby, I learned a lot from being around him,” he said. “There will never be another Toby Keith.”
→ Swipe to see more articles
Keith co-penned “I Love This Bar” with his longtime collaborator Scotty Emerick and released it in 2003 as the lead single from his album Shock’n Y’all. The song topped the Billboard country chart for five weeks.
