Country music icon Toby Keith has made a significant impact on the music charts once again, following the news of his passing after a battle with cancer. This week, Keith's music has taken over the country rankings, with a remarkable achievement on one particular chart. His catalog now holds an unprecedented amount of real estate, surpassing any other artist in history.
Keith currently dominates the Country Digital Song Sales chart, claiming nine out of the top 10 spots. This chart specifically focuses on country songs that have sold the most copies in the recent tracking period. Even after his passing, Keith's songs and albums have continued to resonate with fans, which is often the case when a beloved musical superstar passes away.
According to Billboard, Keith has become the first musician to occupy 90% of the top 10 positions on the Country Digital Song Sales chart. This achievement surpasses the previous record jointly held by two other prominent stars. The late Kenny Rogers and Taylor Swift had both managed to fill seven of the top 10 spaces on this chart at different times. In 2010, Swift made history as the first artist to accomplish this feat, and Rogers joined her following his death last year.
The only artist preventing Keith from completely monopolizing the top 10 on the Country Digital Song Sales chart is Luke Combs. Combs' rendition of Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car' made a substantial climb from No. 15 to No. 2, driven by his captivating performance of the song during the recent Grammy Awards.
Beyond the top 10, Keith's influence on the country music charts remains strong. He holds a total of 13 out of the 15 spots on the Country Digital Song Sales chart this week. The only other country acts on the chart are Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves, with their song 'I Remember Everything' falling from No. 2 to No. 11 in this period.
At the pinnacle of the Country Digital Song Sales chart, Keith's 'Don't Let The Old Man In' reclaims the No. 1 spot. This powerful track sold nearly 26,900 copies in the past tracking period, securing its position as not only the best-selling country song but also the second-best-selling overall across all genres.
Toby Keith's impact on the charts demonstrates the enduring popularity of his music and the lasting connection he has with his fans. As his catalog continues to inspire and resonate with listeners, his legacy as a country music legend remains etched in history.
