Jason Aldean brought the ACM Awards crowd to tears with his performance of “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” in tribute to Toby Keith. After his performance, Aldean announced he was releasing his version of the song, in tribute to the late country music star.
“A song that I’ve played ever since I started playing clubs as a teenager,” Aldean writes on social media. “Thank you Toby Keith for the mark you left on country music, and thank you to his family for letting me be a part of this. ‘Should’ve Been A Cowboy’ Live from the ACM – Academy of Country Music Awards is available to stream everywhere now.”
A song that I’ve played ever since I started playing clubs as a teenager. Thank you Toby Keith for the mark you left on…
Posted by Jason Aldean on Friday, May 17, 2024
Ahead of the ACM Awards, the father of four spoke out about how thrilled he was to be able to honor Keith during the live ceremony.
“I’m excited to be here and perform for Toby, and honor him, just because I’ve known him for years,” Aldean said. “I met him almost 20 years ago, probably 20 years ago. I had a chance to tour with him over the years and different things. He’s just one of the guys, so I think for us in the business, he was one of those guys that was always there, and you knew what you were going to get from him, you knew what he stood for. He never shied away from things; he spoke his mind.”
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) May 17, 2024
Keith’s family was in attendance during Aldean’s tribute, later praising him for his chilling performance.
“The Covel family would like to thank Jason Aldean for the wonderfully touching performance at the ACM Awards tonight,” Keith’s family posted. “It was the perfect tribute to Toby Keith.”
Blake Shelton introduced Aldean, sharing his own thoughts on the loss of his good friend and musical hero.
.@blakeshelton welcomes @Jason_Aldean to the stage for a tribute performance honoring the late Toby Keith ❤️🩹 #ACMawards pic.twitter.com/ZhjQEaO7yq
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) May 17, 2024
“As a friend, a fan, and a fellow Okie, I feel heartbroken and yet honored to be standing here tonight to remember a man who became one of the biggest country music stars of all time, the late great Toby Keith,” Shelton said. “Toby was a big star in every way. He sold more than 44 million albums, with 33 No. 1 hits, and 14 ACM Awards, including Entertainer of the Year. But in the end, the mark that Toby left was much more than just that.
“Toby was a loving husband to his beautiful wife, Tricia,” he continued. “He was a proud father to their three kids, and we’re so honored and moved to have Tricia and the kids all here with us tonight.”
Download or stream Aldean’s version of “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” here.