Toby Keith Pays Tribute to Johnny Rodriguez with Soulful Cover of “I Couldn’t Be Me Without You”

In a heartfelt acoustic performance from 2020, country music legend Toby Keith honored the great Johnny Rodriguez by singing “I Couldn’t Be Me Without You”—a moment that now carries even more emotional weight following the passing of both artists.

A Tribute That Lives On: Toby Keith’s Acoustic Covers from Mexico

In early 2020, while temporarily stranded in Mexico, Toby Keith found solace in the music that shaped his life. With his guitar left behind in the U.S., Keith didn’t let that stop him. He visited a local furniture store, picked up a second-hand guitar, and began recording raw, heartfelt covers of classic country songs for his fans.

Among those stripped-down renditions were songs like:

• “Flowers on the Wall” – a tribute to Harold Reid of The Statler Brothers
• “Evangelina” – a lesser-known gem of western storytelling
• And, most memorably, “I Couldn’t Be Me Without You”

Honoring Legends: Johnny Rodriguez & Billy Joe Shaver

The song “I Couldn’t Be Me Without You” was penned by Billy Joe Shaver, a foundational voice in outlaw country, and first recorded by Johnny Rodriguez in 1976. The track climbed to #3 on the U.S. country charts, earning its place as one of Rodriguez’s signature hits.

Before launching into his acoustic performance, Keith shared a brief introduction:

“Billy Joe Shaver wrote a little song, and Johnny Rodriguez sang the p— out of it.”

Armed with only his voice and the furniture store guitar, Keith delivered a stripped-back, emotional performance that spotlighted the beauty of the song’s lyrics and the power of his own vocal delivery.

A Performance Made More Powerful With Time

Although touching when first shared online, the tribute has taken on deeper meaning in hindsight. Billy Joe Shaver passed away in October 2020. Toby Keith died at age 62 on February 5, 2024. Johnny Rodriguez followed on May 9, 2025.

After Rodriguez’s death, Keith’s team reflected on his legacy with a heartfelt message and two backstage photos of the singers together:

“Toby always said that Johnny Rodriguez was a big influence on his singing. He saw Johnny in concert many times, and even booked him to perform at his 60th birthday celebration. RIP Johnny.”

Watch the Full Acoustic Tribute

Keith’s performance of “I Couldn’t Be Me Without You” remains a touching homage to two of country music’s most respected voices—Johnny Rodriguez and Billy Joe Shaver.

🎥 Watch the full video below and experience the emotional connection that made this moment so unforgettable.