Introduction:
In 2023, the ever-outspoken country music icon Toby Keith released a track that served as a love letter to the genre’s rich history. “That’s Country Bro” wasn’t just another catchy tune; it was a high-octane celebration of the artists, shows, and cultural touchstones that shaped country music into the powerhouse it is today.
Toby Keith, a household name synonymous with patriotism, blue-collar anthems, and a rebellious spirit, has been a major force in country music since the early 1990s. Known for his baritone vocals and no-nonsense attitude, Keith has consistently delivered chart-topping hits that resonate with a wide audience.
“That’s Country Bro”, co-written by Keith and Bobby Pinson, stands apart from his usual repertoire. This fast-paced, two-and-a-half-minute song throws listeners into a whirlwind tour of country music’s past. Instead of focusing on traditional song structure with verses and choruses, “That’s Country Bro” takes the form of a rapid-fire list, name-dropping over 50 legendary country artists, television shows, and movies.
From the pioneers like Jimmie Rodgers and Patsy Cline to the iconic voices of George Strait and Randy Travis, Keith weaves a tapestry of country music royalty. He even throws in references to classic shows like “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Hee Haw”, reminding listeners of the genre’s influence on American pop culture.
“That’s Country Bro” wasn’t intended to be a chart-topping single. Instead, it served as the lead single for Keith’s greatest hits album, “Greatest Hits: The Show Dog Years”. The song, produced by the trio of Keith, Bobby Pinson, and Reid Shippen, was 
a way for Keith to pay homage to the artists who paved the way for his own success.
While the song wasn’t a major commercial hit, it resonated deeply with longtime country music fans. “That’s Country Bro” became an anthem for those who cherished the genre’s traditional sounds and storytelling. The song’s nostalgic appeal was further solidified when Keith embarked on his “That’s Country Bro Tour” in 2024, a victory lap celebrating his long and illustrious career.
Though Toby Keith tragically passed away earlier this year, “That’s Country Bro” remains a testament to his love for the genre and his desire to connect with generations of country music fans.
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Lyrics:
Jimmie Rodgers, Patsy Cline, we lost Hank at 29Roy Acuff, Johnny Horton and dancin’ Bill MonroeWoodie Guthrie, Bob Wills, Spade Cooley, Kitty WellsJimmy Dean and Big John and ol’ Hank SnowHeard ’em every weekendOpry tuned in on that AM radioThat’s country broYeah, that’s country broDolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Porter Wagoner and the HagFaron, Lefty, Roger Miller King of the RoadLoretta Lynn and Tammy Wy, Buck, and Don and Charlie PrideMarty Robbins and The Possum, ol’ George JonesHeard ’em all growin’ upIn Daddy’s ol’ farm truckEight-track stereoHey, that’s country broGonna be country, you oughta knowA little bit of somethin’ bout the roots and the bootsAnd the rhinestone suitsThat started this rodeoYeah, that’s country broYeah, that’s country broEmmylou and Conway Twitty, M-M-Mel and Detroit CityCrystal Gayle, and Willie, Waylon, David Alan CoeEarl Thomas, Eddy Rabbit, Shenandoah, AlabamaGeorge Strait and Randy Travis, Diggin’ Up BonesSaw ’em on Hee-HawSinging in their overallsJunior was the star of the showThat’s country broYeah, that’s country broBo and Luke and Daisy DukeSmokey and the Bandit, one and twoJerry Reed and Jerry Clower, Glen Campbell’s Goodtime HourJohn Wayne and Marshal Dillon, Roy Rogers, Andy GriffithBen and Adam, Hoss and Little JoeAnd FestusThat’s country broYeah, that’s country broThat’s country bro, yeah