Entertainment
Toby Keith, Country Singer-Songwriter, Dies At 62 After Stomach Cancer Diagnosis
Toby Keith, a popular country singer known for his pro-American anthems who enraged detractors while also winning over millions of admirers, has died. He was 62.
According to a statement on his website, the singer-songwriter of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” who had stomach cancer, passed away peacefully on Monday with his family by his side. “He fought his fight with grace and courage,” the statement read. He disclosed his cancer diagnosis in 2022.
The 6-foot-4 vocalist rose to prominence during the country boom of the 1990s, producing songs that listeners enjoyed hearing. Throughout his career, he publicly clashed with other celebrities and journalists and frequently fought against record executives who sought to tame his rough edges.
He was recognized for his overt patriotism in post-9/11 songs like “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue,” as well as loud barroom songs like “I Love This Bar” and “Red Solo Cup.” He possessed a big, booming voice, a tongue-in-cheek sense of humour, and a range that could carry love and drinking songs.
Toby Keith, Country Singer-Songwriter, Dies At 62 After Stomach Cancer Diagnosis
His 20 No. 1 Billboard successes included “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “As Good As I Once Was,” “My List,” and “Beer for My Horses,” a duet with Willie Nelson. His influences included fellow working-class songwriters such as Merle Haggard, and he had more than 60 singles on the Hot Country chart over his career.
Keith continues to perform despite his cancer treatments, most recently in Las Vegas in December. In 2023, he also performed at the People’s Choice Country Awards with his song “Don’t Let the Old Man In.”
“Cancer is a roller coaster,” he told KWTV in an interview broadcast last month. “You simply sit here and wait for it to go away. “It may never go away.”
Keith worked as a roughneck in Oklahoma’s oil fields as a young man, then played semi-pro football before beginning his singing career.
Toby Keith, Country Singer-Songwriter, Dies At 62 After Stomach Cancer Diagnosis
“I write and sing about life, and I don’t overanalyze things,” Keith told The Associated Press in 2001, following the popularity of his song “I’m Just Talking About Tonight.”
Keith received valuable lessons in the growing oil fields, which toughened him up and taught him the importance of money.
“The money to be made was unbelievable,” Keith told the Associated Press in 1996. “I graduated from high school in 1980, and they hired me in December 1979 for $50,000 a year. “I was 18 years old.
However, the domestic oilfield business crumbled, and Keith was not saved. “It almost broke us,” he admitted. “So, I just learned. I took care of my money this time.”
He played a few seasons as a defensive end for the Oklahoma City Drillers, a farm team for the now-defunct United States Football League. But he made consistent money playing music with his band on Oklahoma and Texas’s red dirt roadhouse circuit.
“All through this whole thing, the only constant thing we had was music,” he said. “But it’s difficult to sit back and say, ‘I’m going to make a fortune singing or writing music.’ I had no contacts.
His path eventually led him to Nashville, where he piqued the eye of Mercury Records’ head, Harold Shedd, best known for producing the success group Alabama. Shedd signed him to Mercury, where he launched his platinum debut album, “Toby Keith,” in 1993.
Toby Keith, Country Singer-Songwriter, Dies At 62 After Stomach Cancer Diagnosis
His breakout hit, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” was played 3 million times on radio stations, making it the most popular country song of the 1990s.
However, the label’s focus on worldwide superstar Shania Twain eclipsed the rest of the group, and Keith believed that the executives were attempting to steer him in a pop path.
“They were trying to get me to compromise, and I was living a miserable existence,” Keith was quoted as saying by the AP. “Everybody was trying to mould me into something I was not.”
Keith signed with DreamWorks Records in 1999, following a string of albums that included singles including “Who’s That Man” and a cover of Sting’s “I’m So Happy I Can’t Stop Crying.”
That’s when his multiweek hit “How Do You Like Me Now?!” went viral and became his first Top 40 smash. In 2001, he won male vocalist and album of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, screaming on stage, “I’ve waited a long time for this. “Nine years!”
Keith frequently wore his politics on his sleeve, particularly following the terrorist attacks on American soil in 2001, and he initially identified as a conservative Democrat before later claiming to be independent. He performed in events for Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, who awarded him the National Medal of the Arts in 2021. His music and forthright opinions occasionally sparked controversy, which he appeared to relish.
His 2002 song “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” carried a threat — “We’ll put a boot in your ass — It’s the American way” — to anyone who attempted to interfere with America.
That song was removed from a patriotic ABC Fourth of July special because producers felt it was too furious for the broadcast. Singer-songwriter Steve Earle described Keith’s song as “pandering to people’s worst instincts at a time when they are hurt and scared.”
Toby Keith, Country Singer-Songwriter, Dies At 62 After Stomach Cancer Diagnosis
Then there was the conflict between Keith and The Chicks (previously known as the Dixie Chicks), who became Keith’s target after singer Natalie Maines informed a crowd that they were embarrassed by then-President George W. Bush. Maines had previously described Keith’s song as “ignorant.”
Keith, who had previously stated that he backed any artist’s right to express their political views, juxtaposed a doctored photo of Maines with an image of Saddam Hussein at his shows, inciting even more outrage among fans.
Maines retaliated by wearing a blouse with the letters “FUTK” onstage at the 2003 ACM Awards, which many people saw as a rude message to Keith.
Keith, who has admitted to holding grudges, stormed out of the ACM Awards early in 2003 after being spurned in earlier categories, missing out when he was named entertainer of the year. Vincent Gill accepted on his behalf. He returned the following year and won the top prize for the second year in a row, as well as best male vocalist and album of the year for “Shock ‘n Y’all.”
His pro-military stance was more than just material for songs. He embarked on 11 USO trips to visit and perform for overseas troops. Throughout his career, he has helped raise millions of dollars for charity, including constructing a home in Oklahoma City for children with cancer and their families.
Keith restarted his career after Universal Music Group acquired DreamWorks, launching his record label, Show Dog, in 2005 alongside record executive Scott Borchetta, who founded his label, Big Machine.
“Probably 75% of the people in this town think I’ll fail, and the other 25% hope I fail,” he said.
Keith, Trace Adkins, Joe Nichols, Josh Thompson, Clay Walker, and Phil Vassar were among the artists signed to the label, which later became Show Dog-Universal Music.
His following singles were “Love Me If You Can,” “She Never Cried in Front of Me,” and “Red Solo Cup.” He was elected into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.
He received the BMI Icon award in November 2022, a few months after announcing his stomach cancer diagnosis.
“I always believed that songwriting was the most important aspect of this entire industry,” Keith told the audience of fellow singers and writers.
SOURCE – (AP)
(VOR News) – Grizzly 399, a renowned grizzly bear who has been cherished by a significant number of professional wildlife photographers for many years, has been discovered to have passed away as a result of a vehicle collision. This information was acquired during the investigation.
The grizzly bear, whose research number is 399, has resided in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming since 2007. Wyoming is the province in which this park is situated.
She has been permanently residing there since 2007. It is without a doubt that she is the grizzly bear that has garnered the most attention and is the subject of the most photographs in the world.
However, park officials have reported that a collision with a vehicle on Tuesday evening on Highway 26/89 in Snake River Canyon, which is situated south of Jackson, Wyoming, resulted in the deaths of 399 individuals. The collision occurred in the vicinity of the Mississippi River Canyon. The accident took place in the vicinity of Snake River Canyon, beyond the canyon.
One of the oldest grizzly bears currently breeding was 399, estimated to be 28 years old.
Grizzly bears are recognized as a genus of bears. At that time, it was believed that 399 individuals had reached this age. In order to ascertain the bear’s genuine identity, both ear tags and a microchip were implemented during the procedure.
The park’s administration has acknowledged that 399 was traveling with a cub that was in the yearling stage at the time of the journey. No information is available regarding the cub’s location, despite the fact that it is presumed that it did not sustain any injury.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service and authorities from Grand Teton National Park have issued statements that indicate they are closely monitoring the region.
The fact that animal vehicles are involved in collisions and collide with one another is disheartening. Angi Bruce, the Director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, released a statement in which she conveyed her gratitude to the community for the information that grizzly bear 399 had been relocated.
“We are thankful that the driver is okay, and we understand that the community is saddened to hear that grizzly bear 399 has passed away,” Bruce stated to media representatives.
The term “grand salesman” was frequently used to describe a grizzly bear in the context of Canon lenses. This was a frequently used expression. At present, the number 399 has become a genuine celebrity among wildlife photographers, despite the fact that there are an estimated 730 grizzlies that are believed to inhabit the Greater Yellowstone habitat.
The year 1996 was the year in which Grizzly 399 was born, and Grand Teton National Park was the location of the events. By the mid-2000s, a number of photographers had established lucrative professions as a direct consequence of the publication of 399, according to an article published in The Washington Post.
Chris Servheen, who had previously served as the coordinator for the rehabilitation of grizzly bears for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, disparaged 399 by characterizing him as a “grand salesman for Canon lenses.” The purpose of Servheen’s statement was to be amusing.
Photographers eagerly anticipated the grizzly’s escape during spring.
This was done to ascertain the total number of young that she had given birth to during the winter.
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem’s distinctive qualities are significantly influenced by the presence of the grizzly bear, a species that is frequently regarded as iconic.
“Grizzly bear 399 has been perhaps the most prominent ambassador for the species,” stated Chip Jenkins, superintendent of Grand Teton National Park. “Grizzly bears are representatives of the species.” “Grizzly bears are the most important ambassadors for the species.”
She will be greatly missed by a large number of individuals worldwide, as she inspired a significant number of individuals to actively engage in conservation initiatives. Consequently, a significant number of individuals will be profoundly affected by her absence.
Tom Mangelsen, a renowned wildlife photographer, was embroiled in a court conflict that had never been witnessed before at the outset of this year. He was endeavoring to acquire a traffic citation for a sum of twenty thousand dollars. Conversely, he was unsuccessful. He is the subject of the claim that has been filed against him because he slowed down his vehicle to inspect a 399 who was injured
SOURCE: PPN
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Taylor Swift Thanked Dave Portnoy For Support After Harris’ Endorsement In A Handwritten Letter.
“Smile 2” Outfit Expectations At Stellar Global Box Office Opening
Entertainment
Taylor Swift Thanked Dave Portnoy For Support After Harris’ Endorsement In A Handwritten Letter.
(VOR News) – There is a way in which Taylor Swift is making an effort to interact with people who are on opposite sides of the political spectrum.
Dave Portnoy, the founder and owner of Barstool Sports, received a letter from Taylor Swift before one of her performances. The letter was addressed to Dave Portnoy. Dave was the recipient of the handwritten message that was mailed to him.
In response to Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris for the presidency in the year 2024, this letter was produced as a rebuttal.
Beginning with a quick history lesson is important since Taylor Swift is usually associated with a law.
This is the case because of the fact that she is a musician. As a result of the fact that Portnoy has indicated in recent statements that he intends to vote for Donald Trump, the nominee of the Republican Party, it is now abundantly clear that he intends to cast his ballot for Trump.
Additionally, he is a huge lover of Taylor Swift, to the point where he has proclaimed himself to be the “King of the Swifties.” This is what he has to say about his admiration for Swift.
A significant number of individuals questioned Harris’s feelings regarding Swift after pop sensation Taylor Swift made a public declaration of her support for Democratic candidate Harris in the middle of September. This occurred as a consequence of a variety of distinct circumstances.
Regarding the matter at hand, I couldn’t care less about it. In contemporary democracies, individuals are granted the liberty to cast their ballots for anybody they like, regardless of the party that they are representing.
The manner in which a person casts their ballot will in no way, shape, or form have any bearing on my assessment of that individual. Over the course of the month of September, Portnoy posted the following comment on the website of X:
“I’m voting the other way, but to each their own.” Having fully embraced his fondness for the celebrity, the head of Barstool Sports has not been shy in expressing his affection for Taylor Swift. He has not held back from expressing his feelings for her.
Taylor Swift gave Portnoy a handwritten note at the Eras Tour performance in Miami on Sunday.
This was a nice surprise for Portnoy. In the letter, he was the recipient of the personal address. In particular, the communication was addressed to him with regard to his individuality. The letter was addressed to “Dave!” and was sealed with a wax seal that highlighted the number 13, which is considered to be Taylor Swift’s lucky number.
The recipient of the letter was Dave! One of the recipients of the letter was Dave! In addition to this, it appeared as though the note was making a reference to Portnoy’s support of Taylor Swift after Swift had already received her political endorsement.
The event that is going to take place tonight is going to take place, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have you here with us! For the goal of expressing my gratitude, I would want to bring to your attention my appreciation for your unwavering support and loyalty, as well as for having my back when a great number of other people did not.
I hope you have a wonderful evening and that you do not experience any difficulties. According to Swift’s own words.
A photograph of the letter was uploaded to the Instagram account that Portnoy uses for his podcast, which is referred to as “BFFs.” The photograph was shared on the account.
The message that was sent on Twitter stated, “What a gift from @taylorswift to @stoolpresidente at last night’s Eras Tour,” and it was shared on the social networking platform. Portnoy then proceeded to describe the concert that took place on Sunday night as “spectacular” in a different video clip that he had previously shared with the audience.
At the time of its first publication, the article titled “Taylor Swift Sends Dave Portnoy a Handwritten Letter Thanking Him for Support After Harris’ Endorsement” was published on TheWrap.
SOURCE: YFN
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Taylor Swift Asks Florence Welch To Join Her On The Eras Tour For A Stunning Duet.
“Smile 2” Outfit Expectations At Stellar Global Box Office Opening
(VOR News) – Beginning on the heels of Terrifier 3, which had a wonderful showing the previous week, Smile 2, a much more mainstream horror offering from Paramount, produced a decent opening weekend haul.
This came after Terrifier 3, which had a fantastic showing the previous week. The second picture was met with favorable reviews and an even more robust reception from the general audience.
Smile 2 outperformed its predecessor in several key ways at the box office.
The film achieved the highest position on the domestic charts with around $23 million, and it also acquired an additional $23 million from markets outside of the United States, bringing its overall debut internationally to a total of $46 million.
It has been stated that Smile 2, which is a direct sequel to the original picture that was released in 2022 and became a huge hit, was created on a budget that was less than $30 million. Parker Finn is the director of both of these films.
He has served in that capacity. With the help of a unique viral marketing campaign and the enthusiastic reception it garnered from audiences, the first Smile 2 was able to successfully complete its tour around the world with a total of more than $215 million.
It was reported that the movie had a price tag of roughly $17 million, and the popularity of the film gave Paramount the impression that it would be able to produce another horror series in the near future. The company had already gained a great deal of success with the A Quiet Place films directed by John Krasinski when they came up with this notion.
On the first day of its release, Smile 2 scored a high B CinemaScore from audiences, which indicates that it was successful at the box office. In comparison to the B- rating that the first film was given, this is a slight improvement, and it positions Smile 2 in a category that is entirely its own when it comes to horror movies.
Throughout its history, the genre has been known to evoke responses from audiences that are primarily unfavorable. According to the website Rotten Tomatoes, the second part of Smile 2 has been given a “fresh” approval rating of 83%. This score is higher than the score of 80% that the first film received.
Within the context of his review of the movie, Jeff Ewing of Collider described it as “an exceptional sequel that improves almost every aspect of the original.”
After a spate of disappointing 2024 flicks, “Smile 2” is changing horror.
In the year 2024, the horror genre has not been particularly successful, as a number of highly hyped studio releases have failed to fulfill expectations in terms of their commercial performance. This has been a particularly unfortunate situation for the horror genre.
There were a few films that were unable to exceed the barrier of $35 million in American box office receipts. These films include Abigail, Imaginary, Night Swim, and The First Omen. The other side of the coin is that there are just a few titles that can be considered real hits.
While Terrifier 3 has already gotten approximately twenty times the amount of money that was supposed to be given for its budget of two million dollars, Longlegs has defied the odds on its approach to a lifetime domestic total of seventy-four million dollars.
While Smile 2 revisits the same themes as the original film, it also boasts a new cast that includes Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson, Raúl Castillo, Dylan Gelula, Ray Nicholson, and Kyle Gallner, who is also returning to the picture.
It is presently possible to watch the film in theaters, and you can remain tuned to Collider for any additional updates that may be forthcoming
SOURCE: CN
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