Keith Urban is an Australian country singer, songwriter,
guitarist, entrepreneur and music competition judge who has become popular in
the United States in the last 15 years. His
music career began with guitar lessons as a teenager, entering local
competitions and performing at country festivals near his home in Brisbane.At age 16, Urban was a contestant on the Australian
TV talent show New Faces, where he was advised to stop singing country and sing
“real music”.He ignored that advice,
and a few years later he began appearing on various TV programs.
Keith Urban as a teenager
During the decade of the 1990’s, Urban released his first
album (named after himself), moved from Australia to Nashville, TN and appeared
on the Grand Ole Opry.Like Glen
Campbell, Urban worked as a session guitarist.He joined country artists Toby Keith, Alan Jackson and Charlie Daniels
on concert tours and in recording studios, singing and playing guitar.And in 2000, Keith Urban had his first number
1 hit on the country music charts with the song, “But for the Grace of God”.Since then he has released a total of 10
albums.
In 2008 Urban toured with fellow country singer Carrie
Underwood.His 2009 tour featured many
big names opening acts, including Taylor Swift, Sugarland and Jason
Aldean.Urban was inducted as a member
of the Grand Ole Opry in 2012.
Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley
Keith Urban, Faith Hill, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw
Keith Urban is also known for his roles as a coach and judge
on The Voice and American Idol.He has his
own signature line of guitars sold through Home Shopping Network.Part of the proceeds of those sales benefit
The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation and the Grammy Foundation.
On The Voice
On American Idol
Fun Facts about Keith Urban:
Keith Urban is mainly known for his talented
vocals and guitar playing, but did you know he can also play the sitar, banjo,
keyboard, drums, piano, mandolin, and bass guitar?
Keith Urban has gone on tour each year for the
past ten years, and he has won country music awards almost every year for the
past 15 years.
Urban is married to the Australian actress
Nicole Kidman.They have two daughters
named Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret.They have homes both in Nashville and Sydney.
As a child, Urban’s nickname given him by his
siblings was ‘Suburban’.
Everyone gets their inspiration from somewhere
and Keith is no different.Some of the
artists that influenced him include Glen Campbell, Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton
and George Strait.
Urban has had 14 number 1 singles so far in his
career.
Urbans
goals are to tour the world as a successful artist, make better records, write
better songs, be a good husband and father, make himself proud, and host a
documentary type TV show.
Favorite sports:bowling and pool
Favorite songs: Include Whichita Lineman and
Galveston by Glen Campbell.