Toby Keith makes a posthumous debut on Billboard chart that he failed to reach during his entire life

Toby Keith’s death earlier this year stunned millions. The country legend died of stomach cancer in February, and since then, his fans have kept his legacy alive—and growing—by buying and streaming his songs in large numbers.

This week, Keith scores a new Billboard smash. He arrives on a single tally for the first time, as new audiences discover his work.

Keith’s song “Courtesy Of The Red, White, And Blue (The Angry American)” entered the TikTok Billboard Top 50 this week. The song debuts on Billboard’s TikTok-focused tally, and it also marks the singer-songwriter’s first appearance on the new list.

Just months before Keith’s death, Billboard launched the TikTok Billboard Top 50. Billboard launched the tally in 2023, years after the social media platform emerged as one of the most essential methods for consumers to find and connect with music.

“Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” debuts at number 11 on the TikTok list. It’s the second-highest debut this season. Keith finishes just behind LeoStayTrill and Mr. Reload. It’s “Pink Lemonade (Str8 Reload),” which debuted at No. 8.

Americans recently returned to “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” on July 4. The song is particularly patriotic, albeit others find it problematic; therefore, if it were to return to various charts at any time, it would be around the country’s birthday.

Last week, the track resurfaced on another list, boosted by a surge in sales during the holidays. “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” peaked at No. 13 on the Country Digital Song Sales list last year.