PRS at the CMT Awards - A Tribute To Toby Keith

^ Photo credit: Jean Bisek

The 2024 Country Music Television Awards were held over the weekend and a significant portion of the evening was dedicated to honoring the memory of the late, great icon Toby Keith. Keith, who had been a massive figure in country music since the early nineties, passed away in February at the age of sixty-two following a two-year battle with stomach cancer. A prolific songwriter, he had released over nineteen studio albums, surpassing forty-million records sold worldwide. Artists including Sammy Hagar, Laney Wilson and Brooks & Dunn performed covers of Toby Keith tunes in tribute, assisted by Toby’s former guitarist and PRS Artist, Rich Eckhardt.

Nashville based guitarist Rich Eckhardt had served as Toby’s lead guitarist since 1998. He has also shared the stage with other major artists including Steven Tyler and Shania Twain. Aside from his work as a touring and session guitarist, Rich is an accomplished producer and a solo artist in his own right.