Country music fans are celebrating a unique moment as artist Ernest, full name Ernest Keith Smith, brings to life an unreleased song from the late legend Toby Keith. Titled “End of the Night” and penned by Keith, David Lee Murphy, and Bobby Pinson in 2015, this track is part of Apple Music’s Lost & Found campaign, offering a fresh perspective on a hidden gem from one of country’s most prolific songwriters.
The country music world is buzzing with excitement following the release of an unreleased Toby Keith track, “End of the Night,” reimagined by rising star Ernest. This special collaboration, part of Apple Music’s Lost & Found campaign, not only highlights the enduring legacy of Keith but also offers fans a rare glimpse into his prolific songwriting vault years after his passing.
Ernest Keith Smith, known simply as Ernest, expressed his profound gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to keeping Toby Keith’s spirit alive. In a statement reported by Parade, Ernest acknowledged, “You know, I’ll never be able to sing a Toby Keith song as good as Toby Keith can sing a Toby Keith song, but I’m gonna give it hell to sing it the best that I can, for sure.” This sentiment underscores the respect and reverence artists hold for their predecessors in the genre.
Apple Music’s Lost & Found: Unearthing Hidden Gems
The “End of the Night” release marks the second installment of Apple Music’s Lost & Found campaign, an initiative designed to pair contemporary artists with unreleased songs from legendary songwriters. The program is a treasure trove for fans, making previously unheard tracks available and allowing new artists to offer fresh interpretations.
Written in 2015 by Toby Keith, alongside acclaimed co-writers David Lee Murphy and Bobby Pinson, “End of the Night” was never officially released. Now, fans can experience both Keith’s original raw demo and Ernest’s newly recorded version exclusively on Apple Music, offering a unique dual perspective on the song’s journey from conception to completion.
Bobby Pinson shared the joy of unearthing such a gem, stating, “When [Apple Music] asked me about this project and said, ‘What do we have?’ it was like Christmas. It was like finding a dollar in your pocket.” David Lee Murphy echoed this excitement, recalling, “The day we wrote it, we were laughing so hard, feeling like it was a hit.”
Toby Keith: The Songwriter’s Enduring Craft
While celebrated for his powerful voice and commanding stage presence, Toby Keith was equally revered as a masterful songwriter. He famously co-wrote many of his biggest hits, a testament to his comprehensive talent as a self-contained artist. This dedication to craft earned him inductions into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
His debut album, initially released in 1993, featured eight of its ten tracks solely written by Keith. This early demonstration of his writing prowess laid the foundation for an incredibly successful career. His signature first hit from that album, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” which became the most played country song of the 90s, was born from a vivid anecdote shared by Keith himself:
- He and friends witnessed a buddy’s rejection in a Dodge City bar, leading to the memorable line, “You should have been a cowboy.”
- Keith penned the song in a hotel bathroom after everyone else fell asleep.
- He presented “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and his life’s work to that point when securing his record deal.
- The magic of hearing session musicians play his songs, especially “Cowboy,” solidified its hit potential in his mind.
Other notable hits he co-wrote include “Wish I Didn’t Know Now” and the poignant “Don’t Let the Old Man In.” Keith’s knack for storytelling and crafting relatable narratives cemented his status as a true country music icon.
Ernest’s Honored Rendition and the Song’s Message
The new version of “End of the Night” features a relaxed and breezy melody that complements its hopeful lyrics. The chorus, “It ain’t the end of the world / No, it ain’t even close / Can’t keep holding on to the end of that road / It ain’t the end of the road / There’s still a whole lot to ride / It ain’t the end of the world / Just the end of the night / Ah, yeah,” offers a message of resilience and optimism, a theme often found in classic country storytelling.
Ernest, whose 2024 album Nashville, Tennessee paid homage to his hometown and featured collaborations with artists like Jelly Roll, Hardy, and Lainey Wilson, is no stranger to championing great songwriting. He sees this project as a crucial part of country music’s tradition. “It’s our honor and duty as country singers to keep the spirit alive of those that went on before us,” he remarked. “I think that’s what makes country music great.”
A Continual Legacy for Toby Keith
The release of “End of the Night” is a poignant reminder of Toby Keith’s lasting impact and the wealth of material he left behind. As Ernest aptly puts it, “We live in the greatest city for songwriting of all time, so there’s an endless amount of songs. Every now and then you get to pull a little diamond outta there and a little piece of history, and this is no exception.”
This project ensures that Keith’s contributions as a songwriter continue to be celebrated and discovered by new generations of fans. It follows other tributes, such as the reimagining of another of his iconic songs by artist Ella Langley, as reported by Parade, further solidifying his eternal presence in the country music landscape.
For enthusiasts of country music and the indelible work of Toby Keith, “End of the Night” is more than just a new song; it’s a profound connection to a beloved artist whose influence continues to resonate through the genre. Ernest’s heartfelt rendition ensures this “little diamond” from the vault shines brightly for all to hear.
