Toby Keith’s ‘Oklahoma Breakdown’ Among Most-Added At Country Radio

Toby Keith’s “Oklahoma Breakdown” hit country radio airwaves on Monday (Sept. 26) and debuted as one of the most added tracks, just behind Maren Morris and Jake Owen.

The Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee first teased the arrival of his new radio single back in August on National Radio Day. He took to Instagram to say, “Get Ready To Start Hearing #OklahomaBreakdown on the radio real soon…” 

Celebrate #NationalRadioDay by tuning into your favorite country station and tagging them. Get ready to start hearing #OklahomaBreakdown on the radio real soon…https://t.co/0iJpKlSq5I pic.twitter.com/ABgHb6dT6m

— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) August 20, 2022

Then, on Wednesday (Sept. 7), Radio Personality Chris Owen broke the news via Twitter that this day was quickly approaching. 

The song was written by Mike Hosty, who also joined Keith in the studio for his recording.

“Mike was playing somewhere and I saw him do it, so it reminded me,” Keith previously shared. “The song has some miles on it, so I called him and asked him if he wanted to play on it if I cut it. I figured everyone in that part of the world would get a kick out of him being on the record. So that’s him on rhythm and that slide solo.”

Keith is not the only one to release Hosty’s signature track. Another version was recorded in 2007 by Texas Red Dirt artist Stoney LaRue, who made the last-minute decision to add it to his set list for his Live at Billy Bob’s album recording

“Tell me that you love me if it’s true / I don’t want no one girl if I can’t have you / This Oklahoma Breakdown sure do got you crying / Let me tell you that I love you one more time,” Keith sings in the chorus as he celebrates his home state.

LaRue’s version of the chorus was changed to sound just a bit different compared to Keith’s.  

He sings, “Won’t you tell me that you love me if its true / I don’t want no one baby if I can’t have you / Let’s go to Oklahoma Breakdown sure do got you crying / Let me tell you that I love you one more time.”

This is the second single to be released from Keith’s 10-piece collection, Peso In My Pocket, which dropped in October 2021 as his first new album since 2015. 

This release follows the album’s first single, “Old School,” which reached the highest chart debut of Keith’s career, and the latest single, “Happy Birthday America.”

Co-produced by Kenny Greenberg and Keith, the album contains songwriting credits from The Warren Brothers, Ryan Hurd, Maren Morris, Jesse Jo Dillon, Brett Tyler and Sammy Hagar. Unfortunately, Keith has not had as many opportunities to perform his latest album as he had originally planned. In early June, he announced his battle with stomach cancer and revealed that since receiving the diagnosis in late 2021, he has endured chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical treatments.

“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation, and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax,” he explained. “I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait. – T.”

The chart-topping vocalist was set to perform at several summer festivals, but after this unfortunate news was shared, he made the decision to remove over a dozen show dates from his official website. Fans have continued to show Keith an overwhelming amount of support in this difficult time.

Toby Keith has yet to share any further announcements regarding his health or his possible return to the stage.