Keith Urban Opens Up About Childhood Tragedy That Brought Him To Country Music

Frank Iwanowski

Everyone has their definition of country music. “What is country music?” – a frequent question that Keith Urban is asked, and he explained his answer to that question while receiving Country Radio Seminar’s Artist Humanitarian Award. 

“There’s always so many answers to that, but the one thing I really believe to be true, no matter where you come from, is, it’s about community.” Urban said on stage after receiving his award, according to CMT. 

His answer stems from life experience. When Urban was just 9-years-old, his parents joined a country music club that ended up helping them through one of their toughest times. 

According to CMT, Urban reflected on his childhood tragedy. 

“We’d been members for about a year when our house burned down. We were all ok, but we lost all our belongings, which wasn’t much — but it was everything we had.” Urban said. “Without hesitation, that country music club put on a fundraiser for us. And it was so apparent to me that from the age of 9, this is what it’s all about.”

(Photo Credit: The Tennessean)

Urban’s life experience has made him a true humanitarian. He uses his star power to make a positive difference in the world through organizations like the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Grammy in the Schools program, the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, and the Navy SEALS Foundation. He is on the advisory board of and supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

We love when artists are able to give back, and we are proud to have Urban in the country music community. Watch his official music video for “Raise ‘Em Up” below.