Toby Keith chats with Bob Stoops: 'We’re doing good, we’re going to get our jam back on'
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Published 2023-11-07
So when former OU coach Bob Stoops sat down with country music legend Toby Keith, just about everything was on the table.
Keith and Stoops spoke in the latest edition of Conversations with Coach, a special presentation of Sellout Crowd. Both are investors in Sellout.
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It was the longest interview Keith has given since Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2021.
Keith’s health is on the upswing. He recently announced three shows in Las Vegas, which sold out in minutes. But the journey has been a life-changing one.
"Cancer is an island and you're on a boat,” Keith said. “Nobody goes over to that Island when you don't have it and as soon as you do, you crash land on it."
Keith was recently honored by the People’s Choice Country Awards as a Country Icon. During his speech, he spoke about how his highest achievement is when people talk about his work writing songs.
TOBY'S SPEECH: • Toby Keith Accepts the Country Icon A...
While talking to Stoops, he discussed how songwriting has helped him learn about the importance of creativity and collaboration. And sometimes, the spontaneous nature of inspiration. Keith wrote the song in just 20 minutes while sitting in a hotel bathroom with a guitar.
Keith’s musical career eventually led him to Orange Bowl in 2001, where he sang the National Anthem and watched as Stoops, in just his second year with the Sooners, led OU to the national championship.
That sparked a friendship that has lasted since, with Keith and Stoops traveling together and often on the sidelines together at OU games, now watching Stoops’ son Drake play for the Sooners.
“I know you and Carol (Bob Stoops’ wife) are way too humble,” Keith said. “But it’s time to start bragging on Drake. The Sooner Nation is proud to have him, and I don’t know what we’re going to do without him.”
What’s next for Keith after those Vegas shows? Maybe some new songs and other activities that combine his love of music, sports and spending time with old friends.
And maybe his own show on Sellout Crowd?
Stay tuned.
All Comments (21)
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I wanna tell a story about Toby that means a hell of a lot to me. In 2003 I was deployed to Afghanistan with the 45th Infantry Brigade. We had been there a few months and then we found out Toby and Ted Nugent were gonna be at our base to just do a meet and greet and then go do a show at Bagram. When Toby got off the bird he saw the Thunderbird on our shoulders and knew we were his fellow Okies. We had guys that were musicians and had their families send over their guitars and amps. Toby decided that he was gonna do a show for his fellow Okies. They pulled a flatbed truck to center of the base and he and Ted stood up there and brought some light into a very stressful situation. Then after they played deep into the night they signed autographs for every single person who wanted one and didn’t gripe about it once. They stayed overnight and then went back to Bagram the next day. It meant a whole hell of a lot to me and my brothers. It was a little taste of home. Thank you Toby and Uncle Ted for giving me some time.
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My youngest son had two bouts with cancer and received care at OU Children's hospital. Bob Stoops visited those kids on the oncology floor every Thursday regardless of his schedule. Toby sponsored Allie's House at the hospital for families to stay while their children were receiving care and who had to travel a great distance for the care. Both of these men are generous beyond measure. I will never forget Bob's kindness towards the kids, or the kindness of Sam Bradford, Jermaine Gresham, and Brody Eldridge.
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Toby dId so much for our service members. The Lord had other plans for you. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER TOBY KEITH!!! R.I.P
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In the 90s, I just happened to go to a bar with my sister, not knowing that there was going to be a band. The singer was a new artist named Toby Keith. I didn't listen to country music, I'm a rock n roller, but once Toby Keith started singing, I was hooked. He's made me laugh, dance, and cry with his songs, and it hurts my heart that he's lost his battle with cancer. R.I.P. Toby, you'll be sorely missed. Thank you for leaving us with some great music to remember you by.
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Toby has had Oklahomans backs for years and it's time we have his. 💜 Stay Strong Toby.
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As a veteran, am so heartbroken, he did so much to get us through 911,all our losses with that personally..God gifted us with such a treasure as toby.there will never be another amazing human as toby.he has left a hole in my heart forever.
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Toby had such a big heart. He has always been a fav for me. May you now be free of pain and walk and sing in Heaven for Jesus Christ. R.I.P
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Cancer sucks. How lucky are we as a country to have such an amazing man among our ranks?! Rest in Peace, Toby! You are wearing many crowns in Heaven. I picture all of those children you supported while they were fighting cancer rushing to you when you arrived at the Pearly Gates ❤ Jesus loves the little children, I know He was especially proud of your tireless work here on Earth. Fly high, Big Dog! 💔
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I was a freshman in junior college in Southern California, 1700 miles away from home. I was homesick as hell and had the chance to see Toby at an amphitheater and just seeing him changed things for me. Seeing a fellow Oklahoman got me through those months. I stayed there playing baseball and was fortunate enough to get a scholarship the next year to play baseball at OU. Seeing him kept me there when I wanted to come back home so bad
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My 1st ever concert was seeing Toby Keith. I remember Blake Shelton opened up for him. My Sister was not a country fan, but I dragged her with me to the concert. That night, country music gained another fan with her. She fell in love with Toby’s music. She had just recently been honorably discharged from the ARMY and TK closed his concert with, The Red, White & Blue…needless to say, she cried. That was 20 years ago. Thank You Toby for giving us your wonderful music and caring about our Military!! Rest in Peace Cowboy! 🤠 🇺🇸 ✝️
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Toby was One of only two acts that visited us in Mosul, Iraq, in 2005…because of how often and how accurate the mortar fires were around both FOB Diamondback and FOB Marez, where I stayed! It turned out to be the first of three deployments as a Combat Engineer…and I have never been so Proud to be an Oklahoman and a Sooners Fan!! Toby is truly a Patriot of the Highest Order!! Thanks, Coach Stoops, for your loyalty and dedication to The University of Oklahoma, to all our Veterans, and for all the Memories!! God Bless and Godspeed, Gentlemen!! See y’all Saturday….BOOMER!!
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Never be anyone like Toby Keith, what an amazing guy! R.I.P
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R.I.P. legend.❤
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I’m sorry you had to go, but I’m Happy knowing you’re no longer in pain. “Don’t cry because it’s over, Smile because it Happened!!!”-unknown You Sure Did Happen, Tobi🥰RIP
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Fly high now Toby…Rest in Eternal Peace with Jesus. 🥲
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The greatest Oklahoman alive, Toby Keith, and the greatest football coach in OU football history! The best podcast I’ve ever heard!
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I had Toby's band Easy Money before he became the star he is today.....Back then I couldn't wait to talk to him about OU football. like me he kept up with recruiting even to the point of knowing the players forty times and verticals and etc..... like Brooks and Dunn and Little Texas and others it became clear as house bands they would open for big names and then be better than the so call star at that time!!! A lot folks wish they could be them but these guys work there rears off .....people often wonder why certain stars last for so long........ answer is they write there own songs.... so thankful to have had the opportunity to meet such a caring person who loves people so much..... Ironic I was in Nashville the night toby signed his record deal....@ Printers Alley .. He walked in with his manager.....nobody even knew him.... HOW DO U LIKE HIM NOW!!! Bob so glad you interviewed BIG T .... God please give Toby more time.... This World needs his love and compassion!!!!!! TCL
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I am praying that Toby continues to get stronger .
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When I was in ROTC AT OU, I would always get gas at the Love's across from the casino because they had the lowest gas prices. On 4 separate occasions I ended up at the pump next to TK. He was always nice, especially when I was in uniform. I don't know why I never thought to ask for an autograph...
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We love you Toby and we love you Bob 🫡
