Keith Urban is a well-known musician and songwriter from Australia who has become one of the most successful country music artists of the modern era. He has released several chart-topping albums and numerous hit songs over the years, but do you know which song was his first number one hit? In this blog post, we will explore the answer to that question and dive a little deeper into the song that put Keith Urban on the map.
Keith Urban’s First Number One Hit
Keith Urban’s first number one hit was the song “But for the Grace of God.” The song was released in January 2001 as the lead single from his second studio album, “Golden Road.” The song was an instant success, reaching the top of the country music charts in just a few short weeks.
“But for the Grace of God” was written by Keith Urban, Charlotte Caffey, and Jane Wiedlin. The song is a powerful ballad about being grateful for the good things in life and recognizing that one’s fortune is ultimately out of their control. The lyrics are both poignant and uplifting, and Keith’s smooth vocals deliver them with just the right amount of emotion.
The song’s success was due in no small part to its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. Many people could relate to the message of the song and found comfort in the reminder that even in tough times, things can still get better.
The Legacy of “But for the Grace of God”
“But for the Grace of God” was not just a hit song for Keith Urban; it was a game-changer for his career. Prior to the release of the song, Keith had achieved some success in Australia but had not yet broken through in the United States. With the success of “But for the Grace of God,” everything changed.
The song’s success led to multiple award nominations for Keith, including a nomination for Single of the Year at the 2001 Academy of Country Music Awards. The song also helped propel the “Golden Road” album to success, which went on to become one of Keith’s most successful albums to date.
“But for the Grace of God” was also a turning point for Keith’s sound. The success of the song proved that Keith’s unique blend of country and rock music could resonate with audiences and helped establish him as a major player in the country music scene.
The Impact of “But for the Grace of God”
Over the years, “But for the Grace of God” has remained a fan favorite and has become a staple of Keith Urban’s live shows. Fans still sing along to every word of the song, and it has become one of Keith’s most iconic hits.
The success of “But for the Grace of God” also paved the way for other successful country-rock crossover artists like Darius Rucker and Jason Aldean. Keith’s blend of country and rock music helped usher in a new era of country music that continues to thrive today.
In conclusion, Keith Urban’s first number one hit was the song “But for the Grace of God.” The song’s success propelled Keith to country music superstardom and helped establish him as one of the most successful country music artists of all time. The song’s legacy has continued to live on throughout the years, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
FAQ
When did Keith Urban first become famous?
Keith Urban first found fame in his home country of Australia in the early 1990s. In 1988, he formed a band called “The Ranch” with two schoolmates, playing country and rock music at local Australian venues. They toured throughout Australia for two years, gaining a small but dedicated fan base.
In 1990, Urban entered a talent contest at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, a major event in the Australian country music scene. He won the Golden Guitar award for best new talent, which led to a recording contract with EMI Music Australia.
Urban’s self-titled debut album was released in 1991, and it quickly made an impact on the Australian music charts. The lead single, “Only You,” reached #23 and helped the album peak at #98 on the Australian charts.
Over the next few years, Urban continued to release albums and singles in Australia, building a loyal fan base and gaining critical acclaim. In 1995, he won his first ARIA Award (the Australian equivalent of the Grammys) for “Breakthrough Artist – Album” for his second album, “Keith Urban in The Ranch.”
Despite his success in Australia, Urban had his sights set on an international career. In 1992, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee – the heart of the American country music industry. There, he met country music star Alan Jackson, who helped him secure a record deal with Capitol Records.
Urban’s American debut, a self-titled album released in 1999, featured the hit singles “It’s a Love Thing” and “But for the Grace of God.” The album went on to be certified platinum by the RIAA, and Urban was quickly embraced as a rising star in the American country music scene.
Keith Urban’s journey to fame began in Australia in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but it was his move to Nashville and subsequent success in the American music scene that propelled him to global stardom.
Is Keith Urban a Millionaire?
Keith Urban is a world-renowned singer, songwriter, and musician hailing from New Zealand. He started his music career in Australia and eventually moved to the United States to pursue his passion for country music. Throughout the years, he has released numerous albums and singles that have catapulted him into superstardom. With all his success, one question that arises among music lovers and fans is whether Keith Urban is a millionaire.
The short answer to this question is yes. Keith Urban is indeed a millionaire. According to Celebrity Net Worth in 2021, Keith Urban’s net worth is estimated to be around $75 million. This amount of wealth is not a small feat and has been accumulated through his successful music career, performances, and brand endorsements.
Keith Urban has released 11 studio albums, with nine of them being certified Platinum or higher. He has also received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the music industry, including four Grammy Awards. In addition to music, Keith Urban has also been featured on various television shows as a host, judge, and mentor. This includes being a judge on American Idol, The Voice Australia, and The Voice US.
Apart from music, Keith Urban has also earned money by endorsing various brands. Some of the brands that he has promoted over the years include 7-Eleven, Stetson, and HSN. He has also invested in real estate, which has added to his net worth.
Keith Urban is a millionaire, and his net worth is a testament to his success in the music industry. His hard work, dedication, and passion for music have undoubtedly paid off. He continues to be a role model and source of inspiration for aspiring musicians worldwide.
What is an interesting fact about Keith Urban?
Keith Urban is a well-known Australian country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist. However, one of the most fascinating things about him is that he was not actually born in Australia. Keith Urban was born in Whangarei, New Zealand, on October 26, 1967, to parents who were both from Australia.
Despite being born in New Zealand, Keith Urban grew up in Caboolture, Queensland, Australia, where he began learning how to play the guitar at a young age. He started competing in local music contests as a child, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already making a name for himself as a talented guitarist and singer.
In addition to his musical talents, Keith Urban was also an aspiring actor when he was younger. He joined a local theatre company called the ‘Zoo Group’ and began taking acting classes. These acting lessons turned out to be a valuable asset later in his music career when he started performing in front of large crowds and on television.
Keith Urban’s interest in music continued to grow, and he eventually formed his own band, called The Ranch, which released its first album in 1997. However, it wasn’t until he released his first solo album in 1999 that he really started to gain widespread recognition.
Over the years, Keith Urban has released countless hit songs, won multiple awards, and become one of the most popular country music singers in the world. But despite his huge success and fame, he has never forgotten his Australian roots, regularly performing and touring throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Keith Urban is a truly talented and fascinating musician with a unique background and interesting personal story. His journey from a child learning guitar in Australia to becoming a global superstar is something that inspires and amazes fans around the world.
How did Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman meet?
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban first met in January 2005 at the G’Day USA Gala, a Los Angeles event honoring Australians. Kidman, who is Australian-born, was a presenter at the event and Urban, a country music star from New Zealand, was also in attendance.
According to Kidman, it was love at first sight. In an interview with People magazine, she revealed that she turned to a mutual friend and said, “I’m going to marry him.” However, Urban needed more time to warm up to the idea.
After the event, Urban flew back to Nashville, Tennessee, where he was working on his music career. Kidman went to New York City to continue working on her acting projects. Despite the distance, the two kept in touch and began a long-distance relationship.
The couple made their first official public appearance together at the 2005 Grammy Awards, where Urban won Best Male Country Vocal Performance for his hit song “You’ll Think of Me.” The couple seemed smitten with each other as they walked the red carpet and posed for photos.
In June 2006, Kidman and Urban tied the knot in a romantic ceremony in Sydney, Australia. The couple exchanged vows in front of family and friends, including Russell Crowe and Naomi Watts.
Since then, Kidman and Urban have become one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples. They have two daughters together and have been open about the ups and downs of their marriage, including Urban’s struggles with addiction early in their relationship.
Despite any challenges they have faced, Kidman and Urban remain committed to each other and their family. They continue to support each other’s careers and are often seen attending events together.
