Apple Music Releases New Round of Toby Keith Covers Just in Time for Fourth of July
- Michael Carroll

- Jul 3
- 3 min read
Few country artists are more closely tied to the Fourth of July than Toby Keith.
With songs such as “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” “American Soldier” and “Made in America,” Keith built a catalog that became part of the soundtrack for backyard barbecues, fireworks shows, military tributes and patriotic playlists across the country. His connection to the holiday only grew stronger after his death in February 2024, as fans continued turning to his music during moments of national pride and remembrance.
That connection feels especially present this year. July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, giving the holiday even more cultural weight. At the same time, Keith’s music continues to find new life online, with “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" returning each year as one of country music’s most recognizable Independence Day anthems.
Now, Apple Music is leaning into that legacy with a second edition of “Apple Music Nashville Sessions: Toby Keith Covered,” an exclusive collection of live covers recorded at Apple Music’s Nashville studio.

The new round features Tyler Hubbard, Jackson Dean, Kameron Marlowe and Emily Ann Roberts, each putting their own spin on a different Keith classic. The performances are available exclusively on Apple Music.
Hubbard takes on “I Love This Bar,” a fitting choice for the former Florida Georgia Line member and solo artist, whose career has long been tied to feel-good country anthems and crowd-ready hooks. In an interview with Apple Music’s Ty Bentli, Hubbard said he respected Keith not only as an artist but also as a songwriter who understood the value of Nashville’s songwriting community.
Dean covers “I Wanna Talk About Me,” bringing his gritty, restless vocal style to one of Keith’s most playful and personality-driven hits. The Maryland-born artist has built his own lane around rugged storytelling, making the early 2000s Keith hit a natural fit for his brand of country.
Marlowe takes on “How Do You Like Me Now?!” one of Keith’s defining songs about confidence, revenge and proving people wrong. Known for his big vocals and emotional delivery, Marlowe brings a more intense edge to the track while still honoring the attitude that made the original a staple.
Roberts rounds out the collection with “Red Solo Cup,” Keith’s rowdy, unserious singalong that became one of his most unexpected crossover moments. Roberts, who first gained national attention on “The Voice” and has since leaned into a traditional country sound, gives the party anthem a fresh female perspective without losing its charm.
The new installment follows last year’s first edition of “Apple Music Nashville Sessions: Toby Keith Covered,” which featured Ashley McBryde, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Parker McCollum, Riley Green and Tucker Wetmore. That collection included McBryde covering “A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action,” Langley covering “Wish I Didn’t Know Now,” Moroney covering “Who’s Your Daddy,” McCollum covering “Who’s That Man,” Green covering “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and Wetmore covering “As Good As I Once Was.”
The first round was well received by country fans, especially as younger artists used Keith’s songs to show how far his influence reaches across different corners of the genre. Moroney’s take on “Who’s Your Daddy” drew particular attention online, with fans reacting to the way she flipped the energy of the song while still keeping the spirit of Keith’s original intact.
That is what makes the Apple Music series work. These are not just covers for the sake of nostalgia. They show how Keith’s catalog still connects with artists who came up after him and with fans who may be discovering some of the songs in a new way.
This latest round of covers arrives at the right time. Ahead of the Fourth of July, and during a year when America is reflecting on 250 years of independence, Apple Music’s tribute is another reminder that Toby Keith’s voice is still part of the country music conversation.



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