Toby Keith photo courtesy of Show Dog-Universal Music.

Toby Keith‘s Oklahoma Twister Relief Concert will be held Saturday, July 6 at the University of Oklahoma’s Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., show time is 3 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 21 at 10 a.m.; all seats are $25, all inclusive, all seats reserved – eight-ticket purchase limit.

The star-studded lineup of performers, now being assembled, will include Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Trisha Yearwood, and Ronnie Dunn. Proceeds will benefit The United Way Of Central Oklahoma May Tornadoes Relief Fund. Updates on the event and lineup will be posted at www.tobykeith.com.

For Toby, this event and the May storms that led to it are deeply personal. “I grew up in Moore, I live in Norman and I’ve got lots of family and friends who were directly affected,” he says. “I know these folks and they’re resilient, but we’re going to keep helping them any way we can. I’m proud to get together with some others from around here who are just as committed as I am to supporting these communities.”

“Once we got the news that the tornado had hit Toby’s hometown, Miss Yearwood and I told Toby we were at his service for whatever he chose to do,” Garth says. “I am amazed at the human spirit the tornado victims have shown. I am humbled by the giving of the volunteers. It is an honor to get to be a part of this healing process.”

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Toby Keith photo courtesy of Shock Ink.

Toby Keith has released “Drinks After Work,” the lead single from his upcoming album due out later this year, to country radio. The song celebrates “havin’ fun, two-for-one” and the end of the “ball and chain for the suits and skirts – it’s just drinks after work.”

Toby will perform the new song during his Hammer Down Tour, which kicked off earlier this month. He has partnered with Ford Trucks for the Hammer Down Sweepstakes to award one grand prize winner with a brand new 2014 Ford F-150 as well as an exclusive backstage barbecue with Toby prior to one of his shows on the tour. Fans can enter at www.TobyKeith.com/Ford. Continue Reading

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Thomas Rhett photo by Justin Nolan Key, courtesy of The Valory Music Co.

Thomas Rhett has always had respect and appreciation for our military but it wasn’t until he hit the road with Toby Keith last year that he had the chance to play shows for military people and retired vets. Toby helped reinforce Thomas’ desire to make one of his dreams come true.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to do a USO tour,” he said. “I know that Toby’s done countless USO tours. I know a bunch of my buddies have done them. It is definitely something that will be in my plans for the future.”

See photos from Toby Keith’s latest USO tour >> Continue Reading

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Toby Keith photo courtesy of Show Dog-Universal Music.

In the wake of the devastating tornado that tore through Moore, Oklahoma Monday afternoon, country stars, many of whom are from Oklahoma, are offering their thoughts and prayers. Toby Keith grew up in the town of Moore and was deeply affected by the storm.

“This storm has devastated the community that I grew up in,” he said. “I rode my bike through those neighborhoods. I have family and friends in Moore. My heart and prayers go to those that have lost so much. But Moore is strong and we will persevere. God be with you all.”

Carrie Underwood, from Checotah, Oklahoma, sent her thoughts and prayers through Twitter. “I’m thinking about and praying for my beautiful home state and the people in it tonight,” she wrote.

Reba, born and raised in McAlester, Oklahoma, also took to Twitter to offer her support. “All my prayers go out to the folks in Oklahoma dealing with these tornados. Stay safe everyone!!!!” she tweeted.

Blake Shelton, a native Oklahoman, and wife Miranda Lambert who now calls Oklahoma home, sent well wishes through Twitter. “Just landed in LA and hearing about all the tornados in Oklahoma right now… Get somewhere safe!!!” Blake tweeted. “Pray. That’s all we can do. Pray for peace for Oklahoma,” Miranda wrote. Continue Reading

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Krystal Keith photo courtesy of Show Dog-Universal.

Krystal Keith’s “Daddy Dance With Me” music video is resonating with fans everywhere, surpassing half a million views as it quickly approaches one million. The song was a surprise gift for her father, Toby Keith, and was first played for him at Krystal’s own wedding.

“Being the first bride to dance with her father to this song was special, but I always knew I wanted to get it out there for others, too,” Krystal said. “I’m thrilled so many people are already getting to hear and see this video.” Continue Reading

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Toby Keith photo courtesy of Show Dog-Universal Music.

Toby Keith will celebrate 10 years of The Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic on May 10-11 at Belmar Golf Club in Norman, Oklahoma. The event benefits OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home-away-from home for pediatric cancer patients, and will welcome even more celebrity golfers to the lineup. It will also include morning and afternoon shotgun starts for the first time in the event’s history.

“We’re proud of how far we’ve come,” Toby said. “Ten years ago, we were just in the process of healing from the loss of my band member’s child and now we’re getting ready to open our doors to thousands of people who need support.”

The 10th anniversary of the golf classic will feature an evening of entertainment, fine food and live and silent auctions before a day of golf. Over the years, funds from the event have supported hundreds of pediatric cancer patients, helped with renovations to the Oncology Unit at The Children’s Hospital and will now go directly toward completing construction on OK Kids Korral, set to open in October.

“Toby was at the construction site last month thanking all the workers for keeping us on schedule,” Juliet Nees-Bright, executive director of The Toby Keith Foundation, said. “It was nice to see how much they cared about the house and how they had their hearts in the project.”

The Golf Classic raises most of its funds from its live and silent auctions.  Notable items up for bid this year include tickets to the ACM Awards, naming rights to a room in OK Kids Korral, a TPC Sawgrass Golf Getaway in Ponte Vedre Beach, Fla., a Los Angeles Talk Show ticket package and passes to the Emmy Awards. Silent auction items include memorabilia from Taylor Swift, Charlie Daniels, Jimmy Buffet, Derek Jeter, Mia Hamm, Blake Griffin and Toby Keith himself.

For information about the golf tournament or other ways to help build OK Kids Korral, visit www.tobykeithfoundation.org.

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George Jones photo courtesy of Webster PR.

Following the announcement of George Jones‘ death on Friday, April 26 in Nashville, many of George’s fellow country stars offered their thoughts. Visit our George Jones photo gallery for photos spanning his legendary career.

Remembering George Jones: Photo Gallery >>

Keith Urban tweeted, “If I’m blessed enough to make it there, I look forward to you giving me the grand tour. Rest in peace George Jones!!!!!”

Alan Jackson released this statement: “Well, heaven better get ready for some great country music. While George was known for his wild and crazy days, I’ve known him for 25 years as a friend. He had grown into a real good man. Of course, he’ll always be the greatest singer and interpreter of real country music – there’ll never be another. Like the song says, ‘You know this old world is full of singers, but just a few are chosen to tear your heart out when they sing. Imagine life without them…Who’s gonna fill their shoes.’”

Blake Shelton tweeted, “Really REALLY bad news. We’ve lost a country music legend. And I’ve lost a hero and a friend. Goodbye George Jones…”

“I believe if you ask any singer who was the greatest country music singer of all time, they would say ‘George Jones’,” said Barbara Mandrell in a statement. “He was without question and by far the BEST! I first met and worked with him when I was 13 years old; I am so very grateful that he was my friend.”

Loretta Lynn said, “It’s a sad day for country music and a great loss for those of us who knew him. I was blessed to call George my friend. He was one of the best country singers there ever was. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Nancy, and all of his family. It’s a sad, sad day.”

George Strait shared this memory: “The most special memory was when he gave me my medallion at the Hall of Fame Ceremony. He actually was the one that did the actual induction. And what a special night that was. We’re just gonna miss George so much. This came as a total shock to me. I didn’t even know that George was in the hospital. To the whole music industry, it’s gonna be a big void not having George out there. But you know, we’ve got his music — and that music will live forever. He did a lot of crazy things in his career and no matter how crazy he got, everybody still loved him because that’s just the kind of guy that George was. We’re just all gonna miss him. It’s a sad day for the music business, for sure.”

“My friend, the greatest singer of all time, has passed,” tweeted Brad Paisley. “To those who knew him, our lives were full. To those of you who don’t: discover him now.”

Brad also released this statement: “George Jones’ life is an example of so many wonderful things. How someone’s God-given gifts can make this a richer, better place.  How one human being can overcome adversity, addiction, and life threatening obstacles time and time again.  That it is not the stumble or fall that counts, but the willingness to stand again. How a keen sense of humor and a twinkle in a person’s eye can still prevail even after all of life’s hard knocks.  How mistakes, missteps, and bad choices are not the end of the world if a person chooses to turn them into something good. And George’s life is above all the strongest example of how the love of a great woman can get a man through anything. All of this made its way beautifully into every note of the greatest voice country music will ever know.  And one of the greatest friends you could ever have. We miss you already, George.”

Dierks Bentley, who is still a member of George Jones’ fan club, said he’s “heartbroken,” and tweeted, “nancy and @gjpossum had a beautiful marriage and special relationship. love you nancy. long live the possum. gonna miss my buddy. real sad.”

Vince Gill tweeted, “There aren’t words in our language to describe the depth of his greatness. I’ll miss my kind and generous friend.”

Little Big Town said, “There will never be another George Jones. You are and always will be country music. Rest in peace. #GeorgeJones”

“He had a voice that was the truth, raw and unfiltered,” said Kenny Chesney. “You cant get any realer, any more tortured or any more alive. No one can do what George Jones does, and that’s why 50 years later, he still stands out as one of the greatest singers in any genre of all time.

“We were great friends, but it was really more like a father/son relationship,” added Kenny. “He even showed up in Lexington, Kentucky two years ago to surprise me onstage for my birthday… all the way from Nashville, to surprise me and sing ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ with me, which will be one of the greatest memories of my life.”

“When I was just staring out, and I was picked to open the George Jones/Tammy Wynette Reunion Tour, I thought I’d made it,” continued Kenny. “Then one night, George asked me if I was heading home because he and Nancy had a plane, and they’d take me,” Chesney recalls. “I remember sitting there on that jet, thinking, ‘This can’t be happening…’ because he was George Jones, and I was some kid from nowhere…’ I’m sure he knew, but he was generous to kids chasing the dream, and I never forgot it.” Continue Reading

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Billy Currington photo by Kate Powers, courtesy of UMG Nashville.

NOW That’s What I Call Music! will release a new collection of country music’s biggest party hits on May 7. NOW That’s What I Call A Country Party will be available on CD and for digital download from all major digital service providers.

NOW That’s What I Call A Country Party will feature 18 hits from today’s biggest stars, including Alan Jackson, Big & Rich, Billy Currington, Brad Paisley, Brantley Gilbert, Brooks & Dunn, Dierks Bentley, George Strait, Gretchen Wilson, Jake Owen, Jerrod Niemann, Jason Aldean, Joe Nichols, Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts and Toby Keith.  Continue Reading

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Krystal Keith’s 2013 self-titled EP. Photo courtesy of Show Dog-Universal.

Looks like a new family tradition is brewing in Nashville. Krystal Keith, the daughter of country star Toby Keith, is currently working on her debut album, Whiskey & Lace, due out later this year. However, because of the excitement generated by her song, “Daddy Dance With Me,” Krystal’s label rushed a special self-titled four-song EP to retailers in order to start introducing the new artist to fans.

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Lady Antebellum photo courtesy of Capitol Nashville.

Stagecoach Country Music Festival is set to return to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California April 26-28. Forty-five acts will take the stage, including Lady Antebellum, Toby Keith, Zac Brown Band and Connie Smith. Besides music, there are also several family-friendly events and plenty of food options.

See photos from Stagecoach 2012 >>

See photos from Stagecoach 2011 >>

Fans attending the festival will have the chance to learn leather crafting and jewelry making with Vintage Bruja Designs, meet Charlee, the only talking horse in captivity, play games with the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council and enjoy a petting zoo, among many other activities. Continue Reading

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