Toby Keith’s Heartfelt Tribute to Joe Diffie Lives On
By 1992, Joe Diffie had already made a name for himself in country music with two No. 1 hits—“Home” and “If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets).” His second album, Regular Joe, brought even more success, adding two Top 5 hits: “Is It Cold in Here” and “Ships That Don’t Come In.”
A Song About Life’s Ups and Downs
Written by Dave Gibson and Paul Nelson, “Ships That Don’t Come In” tells the story of two men reflecting on life’s struggles, lost chances, and the quiet strength that keeps them going. The song resonated deeply with listeners, becoming one of Diffie’s most powerful ballads.
Toby Keith’s Final Tribute
Before his passing on February 5, 2024, at the age of 64, Toby Keith honored Diffie by recording a heartfelt version of “Ships That Don’t Come In.” The cover, featuring Hardy and Luke Combs, was included in Hardy’s tribute album, Hixtape: Vol. 3: Difftape, released in March 2024. A behind-the-scenes video of Keith in the studio was later shared, offering fans a touching farewell to the country icon.
A Star-Studded Tribute Album
Hardy’s project celebrated Diffie’s legacy with an impressive lineup of artists, including Reba McEntire, Post Malone, Lainey Wilson, Jon Pardi, Morgan Wallen, Old Dominion, Luke Bryan, Clint Black, and Darius Rucker. The album honored Diffie, who passed away on March 29, 2020, at the age of 61 due to complications from COVID-19.
With this final recording, Toby Keith’s voice—and his love for classic country music—will continue to live on, just like the legends before him.
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