At the Country Music Hall of Fame Induction, Blake Shelton honored his long-time friend and fellow Oklahoman by performing “I Love This Bar” as part of a three-song tribute. But it was choice of guitars that had fans talking.
Blake was using one of Toby’s “flag” guitar. Turns out the manufacturer had made four of them, with three going to Toby. They kept the last one at the factory “just in case”. When Blake found out he was performing, he contacted Takamine. ‘I’m doing this induction thing for Toby at the Hall of Fame and his family is gonna be there and I want it to be … I really wanna honor Toby. I wanna buy one of those red, white and blue guitars”, said Blake. Takamine then sent that last guitar to Blake…with their compliments.
Toby, John Anderson, and James Burton all became the latest medallion holders…signifying membership of the Country Music Hall of Fame.