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Keith Urban. The name itself conjures up images of blazingguitarsolos, chart-toppinghits, and a charismatic stage presence that has captivated audiences for years.
But before theGrammyawards and sold-out stadiums, Keith Urban was a talented session musician, honing his craft on some of the biggest albums in country music.
That’s right, before “Somebody Like You” and “But For The Grace Of God” took over the radio, Urban was adding his signature riffs to tracks by legendary artists like Garth Brooks, Charlie Daniels, and The Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks).
This Kiwi-born (though heavily influenced by American country) guitarist brought his skills to the US in 1992, quickly becoming a sought-after session musician.
Let’s take a look at some of the albums you might not have known featured a pre-fame Keith Urban:
Keeping Up with the Legend: Garth Brooks
Keeping up with a powerhouse likeGarth Brooksis no easy feat.
Brooks is not just a phenomenal vocalist, but also a skilled musician himself.
Having Urban on board as a session guitarist meant Brooks had a true shredder by his side. Imagine the energy in the studio as these two musical forces collaborated!
And how can we forget the iconic performance where Keith and Grath seen together rocking the country music world:
Keith Urban – Where The Blacktop Ends – Green’s Grocery in Franklin, TN – June 2002. Show with Garth Brooks & Chely Wright.
Rockin’ Out with Charlie Daniels
Charlie Daniels might be known for his fiddle-playing skills, but the man could also shred on the guitar. But even thebestneed a worthy counterpart, and that’s where a young Keith Urban came in.
These sessions likely pushed Urban’s own guitar playing, giving him the chance to truly “rock out” alongside a country music legend.
Empowering Women in Country Music: The Chicks’ FLY
This iconic album by The Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks) was a defining moment forfemaleartists in 90s country music.
And guess who lent his talents to this genre-shaping masterpiece? Keith Urban! His guitar work undoubtedly added another layer of depth and energy to the album that continues to inspire female country artists today.
These are just a few examples of the incredible artists Urban worked with before launching his own solo career.
The experience he gained during this time is evident in his own music – the tight song-writing, the electrifying guitar work, it all comes from years spent honing his craft alongside some of the greats.
So, the next time you hear a Keith Urban song, remember, you’re not just listening to a country music superstar, you’re hearing the culmination of years of dedication, talent, and collaboration.
And who knows, maybe there’s a young, up-and-coming guitarist out there right now, adding their licks to an album that will one day launch their own superstar career.
Keith Urban: Pre-Fame Guitar Work
Artist
Album
Genre
Notes
Garth Brooks
(Specific Album Not Confirmed)
Country
Likely played on multiple albums during his time as a session musician.
Charlie Daniels
(Specific Album Not Confirmed)
Country Rock
Urban’s skills would have been a good fit for Daniels’ guitar-heavy sound.
The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks)
FLY
Country
Added depth and energy to this genre-defining album.
Keith Urban: Pre-Fame Guitar Work
Keith Urban: More Than Just a Guitar Hero – A Look at His Charitable Efforts
After becoming the superstar Keith has a deep commitment to giving back, using his platform and prized possessions to support a multitude of worthy causes.
One way Urban makes a difference is through his guitar auctions. These instruments aren’t just any guitars; they’re pieces of music history, imbued with the magic of his performances and creative process.
Imagine owning the Gibson Les Paul Standard that brought “Coming Home” to life, or the Hi9 electric that electrified audiences during countless shows.
By auctioning these cherished instruments, Urban allows fans to own a piece of his legacy while raising significant funds for important causes.
From Disaster Relief to Music Education
Urban’s charitable efforts span a wide range. He’s partnered with organizations like the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund to support the music community ravaged by the pandemic.
He’s also teamed up with the Grammy Foundation to foster music education and preserve America’s musical heritage.
Additionally, his work with Guitars Not Guns provides instruments and music education to at-risk youth, offering them a positive outlet for self-expression.
A Nashville Legacy of Giving
Closer to home, Urban’s 2022 Nashville Guitar Auction for Charity showcased his dedication to his local community. This event raised a staggering $250,000, benefiting four crucial organizations:
Music Health Alliance:Providing healthcare and mental health support to music industry professionals.
Thistle Farms:Empowering women overcoming addiction and trafficking through housing, counseling, and job training.
The Nashville Food Project:Combating hunger and providing access to healthy food for the community.
Vanderbilt Breast Cancer Research:Fueling research for better diagnosis, treatment, and survival rates for breast cancer patients.
Keith Urban’s unwavering commitment to philanthropy extends far beyond the dollar amounts raised. He inspires countless fans and fellow musicians to embrace charitable giving.
Keith Urban Soars to New Heights with Upcoming Album “HIGH”
While we celebrate the legacy of Keith Urban’s pre-fame session work, the country music icon isn’t resting on his laurels. Fresh off the announcement of his highly anticipated newalbum, “HIGH,” Urban is ready to take his fans on a whole new journey.
Keith Urban New Album Poster
Set for release on September 20th, “HIGH” marks Urban’s 13th studio album and his first in nearly four years since “The Speed of Now Part 1.” This 12-track collection promises to be a deeply personal exploration of what it means to be alive in today’s fast-paced world.
The album’s title, “HIGH,” is intentionally open-ended. Urban explains, “What makes you ‘high’ can mean whatever you want it to mean. It might be physical, spiritual, herbal, meditative, chemical or musical, but it’s definitely a place of utopia. For me it’s my family, my friends, and this rollercoaster musical journey I’m on.”
This new release also features some exciting collaborations. The track “GO HOME W U” finds Urban teaming up with not only the award-winning Lainey Wilson, but also rising star BRELAND.
Interestingly, the album almost took a different direction entirely. Inspired by the vibrant musical scene in Nashville, Urban initially considered a more “focused and disciplined” concept album titled “615,” after Nashville’s area code.
While the idea of showcasing the breadth of Nashville’s talent appealed to him, the project ultimately fell short. “There was no continuity,” Urban says. “The songs didn’t work well together. I learned that what I thought was a framework to create within turned out to be musically limiting.”
This experience, however, proved to be a valuable turning point. By stepping away from “615,” Urban rediscovered his own creative fire. Tracks like the recently released “WILDSIDE” showcase this renewed energy, promising a collection that pushes Urban’s boundaries and explores his creative scope like never before.
So, mark your calendars for September 20th and get ready to experience Keith Urban’s “HIGH.” It’s a deep dive into self-discovery, a celebration of human connection, and a testament to the enduring power of music.
From honing his skills alongside country music legends to the upcoming release of “HIGH,” Keith Urban’s career is a testament to the power of dedication and collaboration.
His pre-fame work as a session musician not only enriched the recordings of other artists, but also laid the foundation for his own chart-topping success.
With “HIGH” on the horizon, it’s clear that Keith Urban’s journey is far from over.
Who knows, maybe the next time you hear a hit song, there’ll be a pre-fame legend lurking in the background, waiting for their own moment to shine.
Last Updated: June 29, 2024
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