Keith Urban Biography

Keith Urban released his self-titled debut album ‘Keith Urban’ in 1991 with EMI Australia. During the early 1990s he toured as a backup to Slim Dusty and recorded a re-worked version of Dusty’s ‘Lights on the Hill’. He also appeared at the Grand Ole Opry backing Dusty.

He moved to the U.S. in 1992. There he struggled for years to find a footing and also developed a cocaine habit.

During the mid 1990s he worked in collaboration with other artists like Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, and Vernon.

In 1997, he formed a country music band called ‘The Ranch’ with fellow musicians Jerry Flowers and Peter Clarke. Keith played several musical instruments for the band in addition to being the lead vocalist. The band released only one album and two singles before breaking up in 1998.

He had developed a severe cocaine addiction problem by now and checked into the treatment center, Cumberland Heights, for rehabilitation, in 1998.

After coming out clean he released his self-titled American debut album ‘Keith Urban’ in 1999. The album was a hit and gave him the breakthrough he was seeking so desperately.

His next album ‘Golden Road’ was out in 2002. It featured the singles ‘Somebody Like You’, ‘Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me’ and ‘You’ll Think of Me’ which went on to become No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs charts.

His 2004 album ‘Be Here’ spawned three No. 1 singles on the Hot Country Songs charts and two No. 2 hits. Keith had written nine of the songs on this album himself.

He released the album ‘Defying Gravity’ in 2009. The album’s lead-off single ‘Sweet Thing’ topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It was commercially very successful and was also nominated for a Grammy Award.

In 2010, he released his album ‘Get Closer’ which received positive reviews from music critics. The album debuted at No. 7 on the U.S. Billboard 200.

His album ‘Fuse’ which was released in September 2013 featured a variety of sounds and more prominent lyrics as compared to its predecessors and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and the U.S. Top Country Albums chart.

In 2016, he came up with his ninth studio album, 'Ripcord'. For this album, he collaborated with numerous musicians, such as Pitbull, Carrie Underwood and Nile Rodgers. The album was a big hit and was nominated for Best Country Album at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. In 2017, 'Ripcord' was certified Platinum.

Keith Urban released his tenth studio album, 'Graffiti U', in 2018 and eleventh studio album, ‘The Speed of Now Part 1’, in 2020.

Keith Urban has a black belt in Taekwondo, showcasing his dedication to martial arts and physical fitness.

He is a talented guitar player and often incorporates intricate guitar solos into his live performances, showcasing his musical prowess.

Keith Urban is a proud advocate for various charitable causes, including supporting music education programs for underprivileged youth.

He is a skilled songwriter and has written many of his own hits, showcasing his talent beyond just performing.