As a Disabled Veteran who stood tall as “An American Soldier” this song has always held a special place in heart. Although it came out after 9/11, when the phone rings in the video. Instantly I flash back to being home on leave and when those towers fell I was sleeping on the couch in my mothers living room and the phone rang. It was my team leader who told me to turn on the news. And as I watched those towers fall. I thought my leave was over and I had to immediately return to base. Although that wasn’t the case but if it were I would’ve been ready because in the words of Toby Keith ” I will always do my duty No matter what the price I’ve counted up the cost I know the sacrifice Oh, and I don’t want to die for you But if dyin’s asked of me I’ll bear that cross with honor ‘Cause freedom don’t come free”
A newly announced effort by YouTube and Universal Music Group pays off for Toby Keith fans this month in the form of remastered, high definition versions of seven iconic music videos. New versions debut on the platform July 3 – recognizing Independence Day – and July 8, the chart-topping singer, songwriter and entertainer’s birthday. Meanwhile, the legendary Willie Nelson is releasing his version of Keith’s revered “Don’t Let The Old Man In” as a single from his new album First Rose Of Spring.
At the top of his list, Keith’s iconic No. 1 smash “American Soldier” bows today with three other videos in newly remastered high definition video and audio. Gleaming like spit-shine on boots and crisp as dress blues, “American Soldier” leads the pack in perhaps Keith’s greatest tribute to the fighting men and women of the U.S. armed forces. The timing is perfect, as America rolls into the July 4 weekend and the freshly polished videos confirm his support of the military, musings on American culture and fierce reaction to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
The next week, three upgraded videos show the breadth of his appeal, led by the self-deprecating humor and vivid imagery of “As Good As I Once Was.” The recent partnership between YouTube and UMG is aimed at updating as many as 1,000 classic videos from the ’80s, ’90s and ’00s. In addition to Keith, videos from Lady Gaga, Queen, Bob Marley, Nirvana, Beastie Boys, Black Eyed Peas, 50 Cent and more get an HD upgrade, improved sound and other enhancements.
The Universal/YouTube partnership extends to widespread social media support and playlisting, including the #Remastered campaign. Keith’s videos will be highlighted within YouTube and across his social platforms on and around the July 3 and July 8 release dates. Both sets of videos bring renewed visual and audio clarity to YouTube viewers, and showcase Keith’s immense range as a songwriter, singer and performer.
And it is Toby Keith, the songwriter, who is celebrating the July 3 release of Willie Nelson’s First Rose Of Spring album bearing Nelson’s new single “Don’t Let The Old Man In.” Written solely by Keith following a casual golf course chat with legendary actor/director Clint Eastwood, the song was almost immediately hailed as one of his finest. A remarkable feat for the 2015 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee. The booklet for First Rose Of Spring tells the story, as written by Mikal Gilmore:
