Keith Urban is one of the most famous faces in country music, selling millions of albums and performing to sold-out concert crowds on world tours. Some might think they know everything about the singer. But did you know that Urban changed its name at the start of its career?
What is Keith Urban’s real name?
Keith Urban is a household name these days. But did you know he actually changed his name before fame? The country star was born Keith Urbahn. Urban never revealed the reason for the name change, but many assume he thought dropping the “h” would make it easier to pronounce.
No matter what name he performs under, there’s no denying that the singer is talented. Urban has been nominated for 19 Grammy Awards, winning four of them. He also received the Jim Reeves International Award from the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Mae Boren Axton Award in recognition of his work in the country music genre.
Keith Urban’s parents and hometown made him fall in love with country music
Urban fell in love with music at a young age, learning to play guitar at age six. His love of country music comes from his parents – his father even played drums in a band – and from the city of Brisbane, where he grew up.
“My parents’ record collection was the biggest influence on what I did musically,” Urban said in a 2000 interview with the New Zealand Herald. “You can’t help but be influenced by your environment.”
The country singer raved about his hometown. “It still feels like a country town and I love that about Brisbane,” Urban said. This love of country music led to his fascination with America.
“I inherited that kind of love for the American Dream,” Urban explained. “I fell in love with the music, the cars, the whole idea of America.” In fact, his first introduction to live music was an American country artist. He even wore a bolo tie.
“I just remember that roar – the crowd like I’ve never heard before,” Urban described. “You can’t beat Johnny Cash.”
Keith Urban’s Country Career, Including 18 No. 1 Songs
Throughout the 80s, Urban made a name for himself in the Australian country music scene. He appeared on shows like Reg Lindsay Country Homestead Television Program and Music program by Mike McClellan.
In 1990, he signed with EMI Australia and released his self-titled debut album the same year. It wasn’t long before Urban decided to take on the United States. In 1999, he released his first international album, also named Keith Urban. He followed it with the famous golden road.
From there, his music career took off, spawning hits like “Somebody Like You”, “Blue Ain’t Your Color”, “The Fighter” and “Long Hot Summer”. He had 18 No. 1 songs on the Billboard US Hot Country Songs chart and collaborated with artists like Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift and Pink.
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