Keith Urban: Then And Now
When you think of Keith Urban, you likely think of his talent, first and foremost.
The man is universally known for his insane guitar skills, songwriting, singing and high energy performances. You may also think…Australia, because let’s face it, there aren’t a lot of country stars from Australia.
Some may also think of his cool, laid-back, hippy, peace-and-love-and-kindness kind of vibe. He’s casual chic with his fashion. But there was a time when he was more of a glam guy. There was also a time (2001)early in his solo career, when Urban posed nude, with guitar appropriately placed, for Playgirl Magazine. I wish I could show you a picture, but the photos are no longer available to share from most reputable publications. You can Google it yourself, though and you will be able to find something.
The future megastar only had a few hits when he came to visit me in studio (sometime around the year 2001), and shared played his music live on the air. His debut album Keith Urban was out, and he performed “It’s A Love Thing,” “But For The Grace of God,” and “Your Everything,” among others.
Here’s a couple of shots from the year of “Playgirl” that I dug up.
OCT 2001 – KEITH URBAN AT THE 2001 AUSTRALIAN ARIA AWARDS (Photo by Patrick Riviere/Getty Images)
Keith wearing a sassy suit! Let’s compare to a recent picture of the more casual, less coiffed, Grammy Award winner
(Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Take a look at Keith’s first radio hit and video circa 1999, “It’s A Love Thing”
And his latest, 21 years later… “God Whispered Your Name”
Fun Facts:
- Keith started his career in the U.S. as a touring guitarists for Alan Jackson, Brooks and Dunn and the Dixie Chicks. His guitar work can be heard in the Dixie Chicks hit song, “Some Days You Gotta Dance.”
- He’s a high school drop out. (But don’t try this at home, kids). Urban left school when he was just 15 years old. He knew what he wanted to do, and what he had to do. Play music!
- The former American Idol judge was on a tv talent show in Australia called, New Faces. He didn’t win, but it didn’t matter…he’s Keith Urban!
- His first band was called, The Ranch and they once opened a show at Indian Ranch. I got to introduce them on stage, and kept thinking…these guys are too good to not be headlining! (And they talk funny)
