Toby Keith keeps promise to soldier with neighborhood concert

Published 10:30 am Wednesday, September 2, 2015

NORMAN, Okla. — Growing up, Aaron Sloane knew Toby Keith when he went by the name Toby Keith Covel. The two went to school and church together in the heart of Oklahoma. More than a decade later, after Keith ascended to country music stardom, Keith made Sloane a promise.

“We were on the church softball field playing,” Sloane said. “I told him, ‘Hey, it looks like I’m probably going to go over to Afghanistan next year. Are you going to come over and sing for us? I was just joking with him, but he said, ‘You have my word.’ He supports the military like you wouldn’t believe.” 

That was in 2003. Earlier this week at Hollywood Corners in Norman, Oklahoma, more than 10 years later, Sloane and his daughter watched the hometown hero perform — not from a military base in Afghanistan — but back at home.

Keith put on an invitation-only show for people who had suffered loss and contributed to the community following the March 20, 2013 tornado that destroyed parts of Moore, Oklahoma. From tornado victims and first responders to charity-minded difference makers, his mission was to recognize others who made an impact in the Norman and Moore community.

Sloane was one of those who aided in rescue and relief efforts. It was clear to many that Keith was still making good on his promise.

“Toby does so many things for this community,” former Oklahoma basketball standout Kevin Bookout said. “The OK Kids Korral and just bringing everyone here for this event, this is right up Toby’s alley. He always gives back to the community. We met in 2002, 2003 with me playing ball at OU and Toby Keith was the favorite artist I put down in our program.”

Former OU coach Barry Switzer also remarked on Keith’s reputation of generosity.

“He’s part of Norman and the state of Oklahoma,” Switzer said. “He’s something special. He went to Nashville, but he’s kept his Oklahoma roots. He’s given so much back to our state. It’s the people of Oklahoma that helped make that dream a reality.”

The event was filmed for State Farm Neighborhood Sessions, a series that brings big-name acts back to their hometowns to pay tribute to those who inspired them.

Wearing his signature hat, Keith opened his set with his 2011 hit “Made in America.”

“Most of the songs were inspired or written within eight miles of here,” Keith told the crowd. “If you hear one of the songs tonight that you sing along with, they were written either at my mother’s house three miles up the road or sitting here at my house.”

It was the common good that made the show possible, Keith’s nephew, Joey Hampton, said. 

Hampton, who serves as Hollywood Corners general manager, said the concert served not only as a gift to the community but also as a testament to what people can achieve when working toward a common goal.

“We always have something in Oklahoma that brings people together,” Hampton said. “Some of the people were involved with the tornado. Now they get to come here and unite, and I think that’s kind of special. They get to be brought together on a positive note and not the negative … they get to join together and have fun.”

This story first appeared in The Norman (Okla.) Transcript