Country music legend Toby Keith continues to rack up significant industry accolades nearly two years after his death, proving that his impact on the genre remains as potent as ever. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) officially announced new certifications this week for two of the Oklahoma native’s most enduring tracks, marking a major commercial milestone decades after their initial release.
Leading the news is Keith’s signature patriotic anthem, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).” The track, originally released in 2002 on the Unleashed album, has now been certified 5x Platinum. This achievement signifies that the single has moved over five million units. Written solely by Keith in the wake of the September 11 attacks, the song became the highest-selling entry in his catalog, overtaking his breakout hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” While it has not yet reached the rare Diamond status (10 million units), its steady sales trajectory suggests it remains a staple in American culture.
In addition to the multi-platinum success of his patriotic hit, Keith also scored a new Gold certification for his 1993 single “A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action.” This certification confirms sales of over 500,000 units. The track, featured on his self-titled debut album, is a notable outlier in Keith’s discography as one of the few hits he did not write himself. It was originally recorded by Hank Williams Jr. before Keith reimagined it, helping to cement his status as a hitmaker early in his career.
These latest figures reinforce Keith’s standing among the commercial giants of the genre. With over 61.5 million units sold and more than 40 million albums moved, he currently ranks as the 13th highest-selling country artist in history, sitting just behind modern titans like Luke Combs and legends like George Strait.
Keith passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 62 following a battle with stomach cancer. His career resume includes 20 No. 1 hit singles and 10 No. 1 albums. These new posthumous certifications serve as a testament to a fanbase that remains fiercely loyal, ensuring his “Big Dog Daddy” legacy continues to grow even in his absence.
