Toby Keith’s follow-up to
his politically charged video for “American Ride” is decidedly more
serious… and more personal.
“Cryin’ for Me (Wayman’s
Song)” is a tribute to Toby’s late friend, Wayman Tisdale, a well-known
NBA player who also happened to be an accomplished jazz musician (bass
guitar). In fact, Toby made a guest appearance on Tisdale’s eighth
album, “Rebound,” on a remake of Barry White’s “Never, Never
Gonna Give You Up.” It seemed like an odd pairing to some, but the
guys had a common bond in their home state of Oklahoma. They first met
at a Sooners basketball game and became fast friends.
Tisdale was diagnosed with
bone cancer in 2007. He underwent two rounds of chemotherapy. In 2008,
the lower portion of his right leg was removed as a precaution, in hopes
that this would prevent the cancer from returning.
Toby recalls being afraid to
visit Wayman in the hospital following the drastic procedure. He remembers
thinking: “He just got his leg cut off; he ain’t gonna be in no
mood for no visitors. I go up there, he’s all high-fiving, and he
looks like he’s just got a tooth filled.”
Unfortunately, cancer claimed
Wayman’s life in May. He was 44. Those close to him weren’t expecting
the tragedy. Toby had talked to his friend on the phone the night before
he passed away. Wayman was looking to lease a couple of Toby’s tour
buses to take on the road. The next morning, he was dead.
“We had so many big plans,"
Keith said at the funeral. "Every time I tried to say goodbye to
him, he never let me.”
He said in an interview afterwards:
“I never at any time ever had a closer celebrity friend than Wayman.”
Some other celebrity friends-
jazz stars Dave Koz and Marcus Miller- join Toby on this heartfelt tribute.
Grab a hankie and enjoy the video.
Toby Keith’s follow-up to
his politically charged video for “American Ride” is decidedly more
serious… and more personal. 
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