Keith Urban: Everything you need to know about the 'Somebody Like You' singer

Think you know everything there is to know about the country music sensation?

Author: Emma DoddsPublished 26th Oct 2024

Keith Urban is one of the most well-known and beloved country music stars. Having worked in the music industry for more than 30 years now, he's a prolific singer-songwriter and guitarist and is often touted as being one of the leaders in the genre.

With hits like 'Making Memories Of Us', 'You'll Think Of Me' and 'Parallel Line', the award-winning artist should definitely be on your country radar - if he's not already! Here's everything you need to know about Keith Urban and his career.

Who is Keith Urban?

Keith Urban is a country music singer and musician. Having released his self-titled debut album in 1991, he then joined country band The Ranch with Peter Clarke and Jerry Flowers, who played drums and bass guitar respectively. When the band split in 1998, Keith resumed his solo career to great acclaim, releasing a second self-titled album in 1999.

How old is Keith Urban?

Keith Urban's birthday is 26th October 1967, which makes him 57-years-old at the time of writing.

Does Keith Urban write his own country music?

He certainly does! Keith is best known for his prolific work in the country music field, but he's also dabbled in sub genres country pop, country rock and also pop rock. He's also written songs for other artists, penning American Idol 2016 winner Trent Harmon's winning single, 'Falling'.

He also co-wrote Rodney Atkins' 'Yeah She Does' on his debut album 'Honesty' in 2003, wrote a track for Pat MacDonald and also wrote for Ty Herndon.

How many albums has Keith Urban made?

Having worked in the music industry for over 30 years, Keith has released an impressive 11 studio albums as well as four compilation albums. His self-titled debut album was released in 1991, and included singles 'I Never Work on a Sunday', 'Only You' and 'Got It Bad'.

Six years later in 1997, Keith released 'The Ranch', famous for hit 'Some Days You Gotta Dance' as well as having a cover of 'Stuck in the Middle with You'. He then made a second self-titled album called 'Keith Urban II' in 1999 with singles 'It's a Love Thing' and 'But for the Grace of God'.

Keith Urban: 'Golden Road'

This was followed by the hugely successful 'Golden Road' in 2002, featuring hits like 'Somebody Like You', 'Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me' and 'You'll Think of Me', which Keith followed with 'Be Here' in 2004 - his most successful album to date. Not only that, but it's also one of the best-selling albums in the US by an Australian artist, with songs 'Days Go By', 'Making Memories of Us' and 'Better Life'.

Keith Urban: 'Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing'

Keith's sixth album was entitled 'Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing' and released in 2006 - the same year he married actress Nicole Kidman. He went on to make 'Defying Gravity' in 2009, which was nominated for the Best Country Album Grammy Award, but lost out to Taylor Swift's 'Fearless'. The record spawned singles 'Only You Can Love Me This Way' and 'Sweet Thing', which both went to Number 1 in the US.

Keith Urban: 'Get Closer'

Just one year later, Keith released 'Get Closer', with a competition allowing his fans to choose what the cover shot would be; they chose a photo of him sat on a bed next to his guitar. Keith then took three years off, and returned in 2013 with 'Fuse', in which he collaborated with fellow country singers Miranda Lambert and Eric Church.

Keith Urban: 'Ripcord'

2016 saw the release of 'Ripcord', collaborating with American Idol winner Carrie Underwood on the hit 'The Fighter', and also joined together with Pitbull and Chic guitarist Nile Rodgers on 'Sun Don't Let Me Down'.

He then released 'Graffiti U' in 2018, featuring singles 'Female', 'Parallel Line' and 'Coming Home', which featured vocals from Julia Michaels, best known for her 2017 single 'Issues'. She also opened for Keith on his 'Graffiti U World Tour' in February 2019.

Keith Urban: 'The Speed of Now Part 1'

Keith released his eleventh studio album ‘The Speed of Now Part 1’ in September 2020, which featured singles including ‘Superman’, ‘Change Your Mind’ and ‘One Too Many’. It reached Number 1 on the US Top Country Albums chart, Number 7 on the US Billboard chart and Number 24 on the UK Albums Chart.

Prior to the release of the album, Keith hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards in September 2020, where he also performed the single ‘One Too Many’ with Pink.

Is Keith Urban's 12th album out now?

Keith released his 12th studio album 'High' in September 2024, with the first four singles, 'Straight Line', 'Messed Up As Me', 'Go Home W U' and 'Wildside' released ahead of the album. In a post on Instagram on the day of its release, Keith said of the new album: 'Life is about contrasts - highs, lows, confidence, insecurity, love found, love lost, clarity, blurry, disciplined, and then the next minute, couldn’t care less. Sexy, warm summers and lonely, cold winters. This album flows with all of these in various ways.'

'High' was well received and went to Number 2 in the UK Country Albums chart.

This came after Keith released the single ‘Wild Hearts’ in August 2021, which reached Number 4 on the US Country Airplay chart. He also released the song 'Brown Eyed Baby' in July 2022, which was co-written by Morgan Wallen. Keith then released 'Street Called Main' later that year in October 2022.

Is Keith Urban on tour?

He's due to take his 'High and Alive' World Tour to Australia in August 2025, following a stint in Vegas, but he's not got any dates scheduled here in the UK! In June 2022, Keith embarked on ‘The Speed of Now World Tour’, which was in support of his 2020 album ‘The Speed of Now Part 1’. The tour began in Birmingham, UK in April 2022 and ended in Melbourne, Australia in December that year.

Support acts for the tour were Ingrid Andress (for the North American dates) and Tyler Hubbard.

Take a look at some of the upcoming country tours to look forward to:

Highways Festival 2025 - May

The beloved Highways Festival is of course returning for 2025! Building on the success of previous editions, Highways 2025 is set to take place over two unforgettable days - Friday 16th May and Saturday 17th May. The festival, taking place at London's Royal Albert Hall this spring, will feature two exclusive European solo performances by the multi-award-winning Eric Church, with special guests including Molly Tuttle, Caylee Hammack and Bella White. Celebrating incredible country and Americana music, this year's Highways will serve as the first and only time Eric's residency show 'To Beat The Devil' will travel to Europe.


It has also now been announced that Charles Wesley Godwin is final addition to the main auditorium. Charles is set to redefine the Highways festival experience on Saturday night with his soulful lyrics and incredible stage presence.


Buy tickets here!

Scotty McCreery - May

'Fall of Summer' star Scotty McCreery delighted fans with the news that he is returning to the UK with tour dates! You can catch the country star live in concert in May 2025, with dates starting in Belfast on 23rd May. Scotty will then travel through Glasgow, Birmingham and Manchester, before ending the run in London on 30th!


Buy tickets here!

Hardy - June

Country rock superstar Hardy will play his first-ever headline UK and Ireland tour this summer! The shows are part of his multi-continent JIM BOB World Tour, with the string of dates on this side of the pond kicking off at Birmingham O2 Academy on Wednesday 23rd June 2025. From there, he'll then bring shows to London O2 Academy Brixton, Manchester O2 Victoria Warehouse, Glasgow O2 Academy and Belfast Waterfront Hall before concluding at Dublin National Stadium on Thursday 3rd July 2025.


Buy tickets here!

Zach Bryan - June

We're set to see TWO huge shows from 'Pink Skies' superstar Zach Bryan in June 2025, with the singer headlining American Express presents BST Hyde Park on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th. With a full line-up set to be announced still, the Saturday show is now sold-out, with tickets still available for Sunday.


Buy tickets here!

Noah Kahan at American Express presents BST Hyde Park - July

The wonderful Noah Kahan revealed that he will be returning to the UK in 2025 for a huge headline gig! The chart-topping 'Stick Season' singer is set to headline BST Hyde Park, in London, on 4th July - with special guest Gracie Abrams, famed for hits such as 'I Love You, I'm Sorry' and 'That's So True'!


Buy tickets here!

Neil Young at American Express presents BST Hyde Park - July

Also playing a headline set at the iconic festival is Neil Young. Headlining a show at American Express presents BST Hyde Park on Friday 11th July, with his band The Chrome Hearts. Find out more about Neil Young's BST Hyde Park performance.


Buy tickets here

The Long Road Festival 2025 - August

August Bank Holiday 2025 will see the return of the three-day The Long Road Festival - celebrating the music, lifestyle and influences of Country! From Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th August 2025, the festival returns to Stanford Hall estate in Leicestershire with a range of incredible artists across the five stages.


Buy tickets here!

Grand Ole Opry - Autumn

Hold on to your cowboy hats, as for the first time ever, the Grand Ole Opry is going international! Celebrating the 100th anniversary, the Grand Ole Opry will be heading to the UK - officially staging a performance outside of the US for the first time ever, traveling to London's famous Royal Albert Hall in London. With the date yet to be confirmed, we do know it'll take place in the Autumn on 2025.


But that's not the only thing we can expect from the show's big 100th birthday - check out our guide all of the Opry 100 celebrations.

Midland - September

Midland - comprising of Mark Wystrach, Jess Carson and Cameron Duddy - will be taking on four dates across the UK on their 2025 tour, in London, Manchester, Belfast and Glasgow. Midland's UK tour 2025 will take place throughout September - beginning at London's Roundhouse on Tuesday 2nd, and ending at Glasgow's O2 Academy on Saturday 6th.


Buy tickets here!

Riley Green - September

After dropping teases here and there, 'you look like you love me' singer Riley Green delighted fans with a series of upcoming UK & Ireland tour dates! His 'Damn Country Music Tour' will see the hitmaker perform in locations including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast and Dublin in September, with the dates running from Thursday 11th to Friday 19th.


Buy tickets here!

Darius Rucker with special guests Jake Owen and The Shires - September

The incredible Darius Rucker is heading back to the UK in 2025! Not only that, but he's bringing very special guests Jake Owen and The Shires with him too. Performing in Belfast, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London, shows will run from Monday 29th September 2025 through to Sunday 5th October.


Buy tickets here!

Kane Brown - October

'What Ifs' country singer Kane Brown delighted fans when he announced some UK dates for his current tour! 'The High Road Tour' will be gracing our shores for four dates in the UK in October - running from Sunday 5th October to Friday 10th October, appearing in cities including Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London, gracing the world-famous OVO Arena Wembley. Find out more about Kane Brown's UK tour dates here.


Buy tickets here!

Dasha (supporting Kane Brown) - October

Supporting Kane Brown for his UK shows of his 'The High Road Tour' 2025 will be none other than Dasha! The 'Austin (Boots Stop Workin')' megastar will be opening for Kane at his UK dates - with Dylan Schneider also being announced as a special guest.


Buy tickets here

Old Dominion - October

American country group Old Dominion are heading to the UK for a trio of dates! Following a cryptic tease of locations on Instagram, the band soon revealed that the UK leg of their 'How Good Is That' world tour will be starting in London, on Wednesday 29th October 2025, followed by Manchester on Thursday 30th, before ending in Glasgow on Friday 31st October. Support for the UK shows is yet to be revealed.


Buy tickets here!

Tyler Childers - November

Mark your diaries, as Tyler Childers will be bringing an unforgettable show to the UK in 2025! The 'All Your'n' singer will be performing at The O2 in London on Saturday 15th November 2025, with the announcement coming as a surprise to fans here across the pond. The special performance will mark Tyler's first headline show at the famous 20,000-capacity O2 Arena.


Buy tickets here!

Here You Come Again (musical) - 2025

If you can't catch the iconic Dolly Parton live in person - then why not treat yourself to the next best thing? That's right, for the first time ever, all of the legendary country singer's biggest and best hits were experienced in the new 'rollicking and joyous' musical comedy Here You Come Again! After an incredible run in 2024 - which saw the show feature hits such as 'Jolene' and 'Islands In The Stream' - it is expected the musical be continuing in 2025, however these dates are yet to be confirmed.
Buy tickets here!

Has Keith Urban worked with Taylor Swift?

He has! Keith featured on the song ‘That’s When’ (Taylor’s Version), one of the vault tracks on Taylor Swift’s re-recorded album ‘Fearless’ (Taylor’s Version), which was released in April 2021.

LISTEN: Taylor Swift - 'That's When (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault) featuring Keith Urban

Who are Keith Urban's band members?

In 2018, a fan on the community part of his site, KeithUrban.net, asked who was in Keith's band. Another fan answered, writing, 'Seth Rausch on drums, Jerry Flowers on bass guitar, Danny Rader on guitar, banjo etc, and Nathan Barlowe on the Phantom and guitar.'

Is Keith Urban left-handed?

We're not 100% sure, but here's what he's said about it. In 2009, Keith commented that he found left-handed musicians incredible, praising his fellow musician Brad Paisley in an interview.

"I can't play anything he plays 'cause it's from another planet," he said, adding, "It's literally like another language. I have really no comprehension how he approaches it — it's almost like watching a left-handed guitarist for me. It's a whole 'nother thing. It's fascinating to me."

However, many of his guitars are left-handed, and tweeted his preference for left-handed playing in November 2015.

Where is Keith Urban from?

Keith Urban was born in Whangarei, Northland in New Zealand, but the family moved to Queensland in Australia when he was young. He is a citizen of both New Zealand and the United States.

Where does Keith Urban live?

Keith Urban formerly lived in Franklin, Tennessee in the US, but in November 2018 it was reported that he and wife Nicole Kidman had sold the home. According to Variety.com, the couple own a penthouse in Sydney, a home in Beverley Hills and a duplex in New York City.

Is Keith Urban married?

He is - Keith Urban married actress Nicole Kidman on 25th June 2006, having started dating one year earlier after meeting in January 2005 at G'Day LA, an event in Hollywood to honour Australians. Whilst Nicole was born in Hawaii, her parents were Australian and the family returned to Australia when Nicole was four. She has dual citizenship of Australia and the United States.

What are Keith Urban's children's names?

Keith shares two daughters with Nicole - Sunday Rose Kidman Urban, who was born in 2008, and Faith Margaret Kidman Urban, born in 2010. He is also step-father to Nicole's two adopted children with her ex-husband, Tom Cruise; Isabella Jane and Connor Anthony.

What is Keith Urban's net worth?

According to CelebrityNetWorth.com, Keith is worth a whopping $75 million dollars.

How tall is Keith Urban?

There are discrepancies over how tall Keith Urban is, as some publications report that he stands at 5ft 10in or 178cm, whilst others report that he's 5ft 8.5 in or 174 cm tall. Until we can get Keith on the phone to check, this will have to do!

Is Keith Urban related to Karl Urban?

Despite having similar names and both being from New Zealand, Karl and Keith are not related, and Karl's management have quite often made statements confirming that they're not related.

Can I listen to Keith Urban on Absolute Radio Country?

Yes! We play hits by Keith and a whole host of country stars.

Now read:

Everything you need to know about country legend Shania Twain

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13 of Morgan Wallen's biggest songs of all time

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