More Keith Urban Information

In the late 1980s Urban collaborated in Nashville with songwriters like Gary Burr, Trey Bruce, and Dave Loggins. He became a popular guitarist in the area and played on albums for the Dixie Chicks and Garth Brooks. He began to feel comfortable in his new surroundings and with his growing knowledge and talent, so he brought over his friend and drummer Peter Clarke and formed The Ranch. Urban and Clarke were joined by bass player Jerry Flowers to finish out the trio. The Ranch toured locally, trying to get their music noticed around Nashville. Their live shows began getting publicity and drew crowds of music lovers as well as scouts. The live success of Urban's music soon led to a record deal with Capitol Nashville. Miles Copeland stepped in as the band's manager and they released a self-titled album in 1997. The Ranch disbanded when a severe throat infection put Urban on the sidelines. After a few months recuperating, he jumped back into the music scene and started to make up for lost time.

Keith Urban released a self-titled solo album in 1999 and toured to publicize his music. He opened for many famous country performers including Dwight Yoakam, Faith Hill, and Tim McGraw. He soon began headlining some of his own shows after his successful cooperation with other artists. As his fan base was growing, so was his ranking in the charts. His single 'It's a Love Thing' made the Top 15 on the country charts. 'Your Everything' climbed even higher into the top 10. One aspect of Keith Urban's personality that helped him rise to fame and fortune is his sense of humor. Fans see it in his songs, in his live performances, and in the smiles on his face. Keith says that the inspiration for 90% of his songs comes to him in the shower. He says about his muse: "It has a sense of humor and it likes giving me ideas in the most inopportune times and places. I see my muse looking down and it's laughing its head off at me."