Katie Crumbo and Laurie Seabury, chairmen of the 2018 Symphony Ball fundraiser, have announced that singer and songwriter Toby Keith will be the recipient of the 2018 Harmony Award. He is one of the modern era's most complete self-directed hit makers, and his most recent endeavors are a remarkably accurate representation of his entire career.
In September 2017 he released 'The Bus Songs,' which went on to set a Billboard Comedy Albums chart record for a country artist by holding the No. 1 spot for 11 consecutive weeks. Throughout the past year, Toby performed at Sing Me Back Home: The Music of Merle Haggard in Nashville, and he took the stage at Carnegie Hall for The Cake and the Rain: A Celebration of the Music of Jimmy Webb in New York City, where he performed Webb's classic, "MacArthur Park."
"Toby Keith has the unique ability to capture the essence of life's most passionate and memorable moments through music, as evidenced by an incredible career that has produced hit music every year over the past three decades," said Crumbo and Seabury. "More than just an outstanding singer and songwriter with a legendary onstage energy, Toby has made selfless contributions to the world around him - including scores of performances for U.S. service personnel abroad and assisting the families of children with critical illnesses through the Toby Keith Foundation - that prove his impact reaches well beyond music. We look forward to celebrating Toby and all of his tremendous accomplishments at the 2018 Symphony Ball."
Toby will be presented the award and perform during the 34th annual Symphony Ball on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Presented annually by the Nashville Symphony and selected by a dedicated committee, the Harmony Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies the harmonious spirit of Nashville's musical community.
This year, Toby honors the 25th anniversary of the release of his debut single with his aptly named tour "Should've Been a Cowboy Tour XXV presented by Ford F-Series." From the moment that song was released and shot up the charts to become his first No. 1, the engine driving everything has been the music. "I'm so appreciative of this honor given to me by the Nashville Symphony," states Toby. "Thank you, it means a great deal to me."
Congratulations Toby, an honor well deserved and hard earned.