NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Top40 Charts/ Show Dog Records) - Singer, songwriter and entertainer
Toby Keith has been named one of the world's best-paid music stars by Forbes. Keith ranks No. 3 on the list, behind the
Police and Beyonce, with $48 million in earnings between June 1, 2007 and June 1, 2008. Following Keith in the top five are
Justin Timberlake and Madonna.
More than one of the most successful musical performers of his era, Toby is also a proud Oklahoman, which makes his selection as the 2008 Will Rogers Spirit Award recipient as meaningful an award as he has received. Keith will be the guest of honor at the Will Rogers Rotary Club Gala dinner and reception on Nov. 4 in Tulsa.
"I may make my living in Nashville and at concert arenas across the country, but I make my home in Oklahoma," says the multi-platinum recording artist, who was born in Clinton and now resides near Norman. "Will Rogers was a great American and a great Oklahoman, and I'm honored to be given an award bearing his name."
Before his date with home state recognition, Toby will embark on a six-show Canadian run beginning Oct. 3 in Vancouver. Keith's run north of the border is being met with enthusiastic fan response, with tickets for this leg of his 2008 Biggest & Baddest tour already in short supply.
Fans who miss their chance at tickets may have another route to Keith's explosive stage show, however, and it may be in a new Ford truck. Biggest & Baddest Tour sponsor Ford Trucks is offering a sweepstakes, with one winner receiving a 2009 Ford F-150 and an all- expense-paid weekend on tour with Toby. The grand prize winner and three friends will even receive their own private tour bus and all access crew member status. Enter at www.biggestandbaddest.com.
Of course, the biggest news for Toby Keith's legion of fans is the Oct. 28 release of his new album That Don't Make Me A Bad Guy. The album's first single "She Never Cried In Front Of Me" is already a top five smash. All in, Keith has sold more than 25 million units in the last seven years and performed for millions of fans in standing- room-only venues across the country. In this decade alone, his songs have spent more than a year at No. 1 on the Country charts.
