Fans raise a red Solo cup to honor Toby Keith, who immortalized the humble cup in song

Red Solo cups are usually synonymous with good times. But on Tuesday, as word of country singer Toby Keith’s death spread, many were raising their red Solos in sad tribute to the singer. Keith immortalized the humble plastic cups in his 2011 hit “Red Solo Cup.” The Solo brand got its start in 1936 making small, disposable paper drinking cones. It invented the sturdy red Solo cup in the 1970s. The Solo brand is now owned by Dart Container Corp., which says the red Solo cup remains one of the best-selling party cups in America. Dart said it extended its sympathies to all those mourning Keith.