Country superstar Toby Keith launching own label

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Oklahoma native and country music superstar Toby Keith says he's starting his own record label -- Showdog Records.<br/><br/>Keith says he wants more control of his work and

Wednesday, August 31st 2005, 2:39 pm

By: News On 6

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Oklahoma native and country music superstar Toby Keith says he's starting his own record label -- Showdog Records.

Keith says he wants more control of his work and says he likes the freedom of his own record label.

Keith has had high profile clashes with The Dixie Chicks and Peter Jennings and has had disputes with his record companies.

He left Mercury Records in 1999 because he didn't like the way his music was being handled. He signed with Dreamworks, which was bought last year by Universal Music Group, which now owns Mercury.

He's starting Showdog with former Universal executive Scott Bordchetta.

Keith was born in Clinton, graduated from high school in Moore and now lives near Norman. He also owns a restaurant and music hall in the Bricktown area of Oklahoma City.