Country music fans around the world are still grieving the loss of beloved artist Toby Keith, who tragically passed away last week after a long and courageous battle with cancer. As news of his passing spread, fans rushed to honor his memory by listening to his music, resulting in an incredible surge in plays and purchases. The outpouring of love for Keith has propelled his compilation album, '35 Biggest Hits,' to the top of the Billboard 200 chart, marking a remarkable posthumous achievement.
'35 Biggest Hits,' originally released in 2008, has made appearances on the Billboard 200 in the past, but it had not been present in recent rankings. However, following the announcement of Keith's passing, fans showed their unwavering dedication by bringing the compilation back to life on the charts. This week, it claims the coveted No. 1 spot.
Throughout his career, Toby Keith has achieved five No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200. The first came in 2002 with his CD 'Unleashed,' followed by 'Shock’N Y’all' in the following year. It wasn't until 2007 that Keith reached the top once more with 'Big Dog Daddy.' Until now, it marked his most recent chart-topping project.
Billboard reports that consumption of Keith’s '35 Biggest Hits' skyrocketed by an astounding 953% in the week following his passing. The compilation album sold 11,000 copies in the tracking period, while streaming platforms witnessed an impressive 64 million plays, translating to 46,000 equivalent units. Additionally, individual song sales from the album contributed another 9,000 equivalent units to its total.
This achievement holds a special place in history as Keith becomes the first artist to posthumously reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 since the summer of 2021. The late rapper Pop Smoke achieved this feat months after his tragic murder, as he commanded the charts with his rising star.
The immense impact that Toby Keith made on the country music industry and his countless fans is undeniable. His timeless hits continue to resonate with listeners, and his music serves as a heartfelt tribute to his enduring legacy. As the country mourns the loss of a true superstar, his fans find solace in knowing that his music will live on, cherished forever in their hearts and on the Billboard 200.
