Priscilla Block On Toby Keith’s Influence: ‘He’s Inspired Me As An Artist And A Songwriter’ [Exclusive]

When Priscilla Block received a call asking her to help celebrate one of the greatest influences of the country music genre, Toby Keith, she dropped any and all plans. Tomorrow night, fans will see Block decked out in red, white, and blue as she takes the stage for Toby Keith: American Icon, the special two-hour event taking place at Nashville Bridgestone Arena in honor of the late musical hero.

While speaking with Country Now ahead of the show, the songstress revealed that she put together her patriotic, denim ensemble with a rhinestone “TK” necklace in less than 12 hours. 

“We got the call three days ago about this and I was like, cancel anything on my calendar. I would love to be there. So when I was thinking about this outfit, I was just thinking about Toby Keith and what reminded me of him,” she said before noting that she is “really happy” to take part in the tribute.  

@countrynow.com When @priscillablock got the call to celebrate @Toby Keith ♬ original sound – CountryNow.com

The event welcomes thousands of fans inside the home of the Nashville Predators as some of the biggest names in country music take the stage to share personal memories with Keith and deliver epic performances of his signature tunes. 

While acting as a voice to the evening, the “Good On You” singer will introduce Jordan Davis and Clay Walker’s rendition of “I Love This Bar” with songwriter Scotty Emerick on guitar. At the very end of the night, she will help close out the party by joining her fellow artists in an all-star performance of “Courtesy of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American),” led by Parker McCollum.  

Block predicts that some tears will be shed throughout the show as the crowd and members of Keith’s family who will be in attendance will get the chance to reminisce on his musical journey. However, plenty of fun and celebration is also expected to be had. 

“It’s such an honor. There are so many artists out here to support and that just says so much,” Block shared. “Toby is somebody that’s inspired a lot of people. He’s inspired me as an artist and a songwriter just to stay true to yourself and stand up for what you believe in.”

Filmed in front of a live, sold-out audience at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on July 29, Toby Keith: American Icon will also feature performances by Trace Adkins, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Scotty Emerick, Brantley Gilbert, Riley Green, HARDY, Tyler Hubbard, Jamey Johnson, Krystal Keith, Ella Langley, Mac McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Leanne Morgan, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Clay Walker, and Lainey Wilson.

Keith’s compassion and philanthropy will be highlighted throughout the special as the event supported Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and The Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral. Families from both organizations will share their stories of receiving vital care and support during their most challenging times.

The two-hour special, showcasing musical tributes, personal stories, and highlights from Toby Keith’s remarkable career, will air on Wednesday, August 28 at 9 pm ET/PT on NBC, with streaming available the following day on Peacock.

With 32 No.1 singles and 40 million albums sold, Toby Keith is regarded as one of country music’s biggest hitmakers. He wrote a chart-topping hit every year for 20 consecutive years, including “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American),” “I Love This Bar,” “Beer For My Horses,” and “As Good As I Once Was.”

He has received the National Medal of Arts, been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (following his induction into the all-genre Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015), and has been honored with the Academy of Country Music’s esteemed Merle Haggard Spirit Award.

Throughout his career, the Oklahoma native received the BMI Icon Award as well as the BMI Country Songwriter of the Year award three times, and his hit single “As Good As I Once Was” was awarded BMI’s Country Song of the Year in 2006.

His music has garnered more than 10 billion streams and 100 million terrestrial radio spins to date.