In an unprecedented achievement, the late Toby Keith has made history by surpassing industry titans such as Kenny Rogers and Taylor Swift in a stunning display of chart dominance. Keith, who sadly passed away on February 5th after a courageous battle with stomach cancer, left behind a musical legacy that now occupies 90 percent of the top ten slots on the Country Digital Song Sales chart, a milestone that no other artist has achieved to date.
The Billboard chart dated February 17th shows Keith’s unparalleled influence, as his songs—spanning from his earliest hit in 1993 to his most recent release in 2023—secure nine out of the top ten positions. This remarkable feat positions Keith as the sole artist to ever command such a presence on this esteemed chart.
Despite Keith’s chart-topping success, one artist managed to prevent a complete sweep. Luke Combs, with his rendition of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” holds the number two spot, showcasing the ongoing appeal of his version amidst Keith’s historic chart performance.
Beyond the upper echelon of the top ten, Keith’s influence stretches further still, claiming 13 of the top 15 spots. This level of dominance not only showcases his profound impact on the country music genre but also underscores the deep connection his work has fostered with fans across generations.
Prior to Keith’s chart-topping achievement, only two artists, Kenny Rogers and Taylor Swift, had come close to this level of success on the Country Digital Song Sales chart. Swift initially set the record in November 2010 by occupying seven of the top ten slots, a record that Rogers matched following his passing in April 2020. However, Keith’s recent sweep has now raised the bar even higher, surpassing these previous milestones.
Diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2021, Toby Keith spoke in his final interviews about his storied career. Today, as the music world mourns his loss, Keith’s legacy is immortalized through his historic achievement on the charts, a testament to his enduring influence and the love of his fans.
