Quick Wiki
- Full Name Keith Lionel Urban
- Birth Date Oct 26, 1967
- Age 57 Years, 3 Months
- Nationality Australia (naturalised) US (naturalised)
- Birthplace Whangārei, New Zealand
- Orignally Caboolture, Queensland, Australia
- Occupation Singer, songwriter, guitarist
- Parents Marienne and Robert "Bob" Urbahn
- Spouses Nicole Kidman (m. 2006)
Keith Urban | Biography
Keith Urban, born on October 26, 1967, in New Zealand, is a celebrated country musician known for his dynamic solos and a string of hit albums. He is married to actress Nicole Kidman and has two daughters.
Who is Keith Urban?
Keith Urban is a prominent country music singer-songwriter, born on October 26, 1967, in Whangarei, New Zealand. He was raised in Australia, where his passion for American country music ignited early, thanks to the influence of his parents. Urban began playing guitar at a young age and entered talent competitions as a child. He first made waves in the 1990s with his band, The Ranch, before pursuing a successful solo career that has spanned over two decades. Urban is celebrated for his distinctive blend of country and rock elements, with numerous hit songs and albums that have solidified his status as a staple in the genre.
Throughout his illustrious career, Urban has earned multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Male Country Vocal Performance for songs such as "You’ll Think of Me," "Stupid Boy," and "Sweet Thing." His discography includes an impressive eleven studio albums, with hits like “But for the Grace of God” and “Somebody Like You.” In addition to his music achievements, Urban has served as a judge on the popular TV competition show "American Idol." In his personal life, he is married to actress Nicole Kidman, with whom he shares two daughters, Sunday and Faith. Urban's life story is one of dedication, success, and resilience, showcasing his enduring impact on country music.
Early Life and Education
Keith Lionel Urban was born on October 26, 1967, in Whangarei, New Zealand, before relocating to Australia as a child. Growing up in a family that embraced American country music, Urban developed a passion for the genre early. His parents, Bob and Marienne, played a significant role in fostering his musical interests. They gifted him a ukulele at the tender age of four, setting him on a path to music. By the time he turned six, Urban began taking guitar lessons, and he quickly found himself captivated by the instrument, displaying prodigious talent.
As a teenager, Urban immersed himself in local music scenes, entering and winning talent competitions that showcased his burgeoning skills. By the age of eight, he had already joined a country band, blending rock guitar elements into his sound—a signature style that would later define his music. Influenced by legendary acts such as Fleetwood Mac and John Mellencamp, Urban honed his craft and began to carve his niche in the vibrant world of country music. His early experiences laid the groundwork for a successful career in Nashville, where Urban would eventually rise to prominence.
Career Start with The Ranch
Keith Urban's rise to fame began in the early 1990s when he formed a band called The Ranch in Nashville. This group garnered significant attention for their innovative blend of country music with rock influences, a signature style that Urban would continue to develop in his solo career. The Ranch released their self-titled debut album in 1997, which showcased Urban's exceptional guitar skills and vocal talents. Their music resonated with fans, leading to several hit singles, which marked the beginning of Urban's presence in the competitive Nashville scene.
After achieving commercial success with The Ranch, Urban decided to pursue a solo career, which further solidified his status in the country music genre. His departure from the band allowed him to explore a more personalized musical direction, ultimately leading to his self-titled debut solo album in 1999. This strategic move proved to be pivotal; it launched Urban into the spotlight with hit songs like “But for the Grace of God,” quickly establishing him as a formidable artist in his own right. His innovative fusion of rock and country elements not only set him apart from his contemporaries but also laid the groundwork for his future accomplishments in the industry.
Achievements including Grammy Wins and Major Albums
Keith Urban has firmly established himself as one of the leading figures in country music, with a career spanning over two decades. Since his debut in 1991 with the self-titled album, Urban has released a total of 11 studio albums. His sophomore effort, "Golden Road", yielded significant success with chart-topping singles like “Somebody Like You” and “Who Wouldn’t Want to Be Me.” This album not only won Urban acclaim but also led to his first Grammy win for “You’ll Think of Me.” Throughout his career, Urban has expertly blended country with rock influences, creating a unique sound that has captivated audiences worldwide.
In addition to critical and commercial success, Keith Urban has been recognized with numerous awards, notably several Grammy Awards. His albums "Defying Gravity" and "Be Here" both received Grammy nominations, with the former earning him the prestigious honor for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for the hit “Sweet Thing.” Urban's ability to connect with fans is evident in his record sales; his album "Be Here" remains his best-selling effort to date, achieving over four million copies sold. As a multi-talented musician, Urban continues to thrive in the industry, with his latest album, "High", further solidifying his status as a country music icon.
Recent Album Release - High
Keith Urban, the iconic country music artist, has made a sensational return with his latest album, "High", released on September 20, 2024. This highly anticipated record marks Urban's first studio album in four years, following his 2020 project, "The Speed of Now Part 1". With tracks like the upbeat “Wildside,” inspired by Joan Cusack’s character from the 2003 movie "School of Rock", Urban channels his energetic essence. The album also features other compelling singles, such as “Messed Up As Me” and “Go Home W U,” a collaboration with Lainey Wilson, further showcasing Urban's ability to blend traditional country themes with contemporary sounds.
Throughout his illustrious career, Urban has established himself as a cornerstone of modern country music. His knack for crafting hits and connecting with audiences has led him to release a total of 11 studio albums, garnering multiple Grammy Awards and accolades along the way. Urban's distinctive musical style combines elements of rock and country, setting him apart in the genre. "High" encapsulates Urban's philosophy of seizing the moment and relishing in the beauty of life, a theme he explores deeply through the album's diverse tracks, each reflecting personal inspirations and experiences that resonate universally with fans.
Personal Life: Married to Nicole Kidman with Two Daughters
Keith Urban’s personal life has been notably shaped by his marriage to actress Nicole Kidman. The couple first met at a gala in 2005 and became engaged just a year later, tying the knot in June 2006 in Australia. Their relationship is often highlighted for its deep emotional bond, with Urban attributing much of his recovery from addiction to Kidman’s unwavering support. He has expressed immense gratitude for her presence in his life, notably in his heartfelt song "Thank You." Despite the challenges they have faced, their love story remains a testament to resilience and partnership.
Together, Urban and Kidman have two daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret, further enriching their lives as a family. Sunday was born in July 2008, and the couple celebrated her arrival with public gratitude for the support they received. Their second daughter, Faith, was born in 2010 via surrogacy, showcasing the couple's commitment to parenthood. Urban often speaks about the joy his daughters bring and how they inspire him both personally and artistically. Balancing a successful music career with family life, Urban continues to honor his role as a devoted husband and father.
Net Worth and Earning: Estimated at $75 Million
Keith Urban, an internationally renowned country music artist, boasts an impressive estimated net worth of $75 million as of June 2024. This wealth primarily stems from his successful music career, which spans over two decades and includes numerous chart-topping albums and hit singles. Urban has released 11 studio albums, with several achieving platinum status and numerous awards to his credit, including multiple Grammy Awards. His tireless work ethic and passion for music have solidified his position as a leading figure in the country music genre, attracting a loyal fan base that contributes to his financial success.
In addition to his music endeavors, Urban has diversified his income through various avenues. He has a signature line of acoustic and electric guitars, which adds another layer to his earnings. Urban's position as a judge on the popular television show "American Idol" from 2013 to 2016 further elevated his profile and brought in additional revenue. Through concert tours, album sales, and brand partnerships, Keith Urban has established himself not only as a musician but also as a savvy entrepreneur in the entertainment industry.
