CRS In Action: Toby Keith -- My Way

CRS 2017

COUNTRY RADIO SEMINAR (CRS) 2017 concluded its slate of panels this afternoon (2/24) with an artist interview with SHOW DOG NASHVILLE artist TOBY KEITH. "TOBY KEITH-- My Way" was moderated by ALL ACCESS NASHVILLE Editor RJ CURTIS and SCRIPPS/WICHITA VP/GM BEVERLEE BRANNIGAN and highlighted KEITH's career and his path to success playing by his own rules.

KEITH was open and candid during the conversation, sharing insights to both his career and personal life. Early in the discussion, BRANNIGAN discussed KEITH's most recent decision to do it his way, when he refused to back down from playing the Presidential Inauguration despite pushback from social media. "Every single time the WHITE HOUSE -- no matter who the President was -- called, I've always said yes and went." And when asked why he was recently quoted as saying he would not apologize for the performance, KEITH shared, "In the end, it just makes you stronger. If you don't succumb to the pressure, it will make you stronger."

Throughout his career, KEITH has believed that he has what it takes, and he has made a name for himself by calling his own shots. He cited the example of his time at DREAMWORKS, when the label put out a lead single he was less than thrilled with, "When Love Fades." KEITH stated that he knew from the beginning "How Do You Like Me Now" was the right way to go, but the label insisted on rolling out "When Love Fades" first. After the lead single stalled at 33 on the charts for three consecutive weeks, KEITH shared that he took matters in to his own hands. "I just called up 30 radio guys and told them to go to 'How Do You Like Me Now.'" When asked about his willingness to be bold in such matters, he shared with attendees, "I can live with it if I go down with my own ship. But if y'all are the captain, and my ship goes down, I can't live with that."

Similarly, KEITH said his unwavering involvement with THE USO has been handled in his own way. He mentioned that THE USO often had trouble finding artists willing to take the time and risk to go overseas into combat areas to play, and his father had long asked him to participate. "[My dad] passed away in MARCH [2001]. Then, 9/11 happened. And I said, 'Well, now I've gotta go honor him.'" What started as a tribute to his father turned in to a lifelong committment to THE USO. "You've gotta know right from wrong instead of right from left," said KEITH, who admittedly borrowed the phrase from his father. KEITH also touched upon his own foundation and his OK KIDS CORRAL, stating, "It's nice to have something that you're married to that is your calling."

When discussing his influences and mentors, KEITH cited ROGER MILLER, MERLE HAGGARD, and BOB SEGER. He also recounted the story of one of HAGGARD's final performances, when KEITH took the stage alongside his idol -- who was in failing health -- to make sure HAGGARD could complete the concert. KEITH also fielded questions from attendees, including one veteran who thanked KEITH for performing overseas for him and his fellow troops during THE USO tours. In the end, the conversation with KEITH gave a glimpse into the life and career of someone who has done it their own way and found success in doing so. "I lead with my face, and we'll figure it out later," KEITH said at one point, almost perfectly tagging the panel his way. 

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