His says his destiny was to go to that magical place at the heart of country music, Nashville. Coming from humble beginnings with his father working at the local tip, nothing would stop Keith from achieving his dream.

It is refreshing to read that Keith was always thought of a polite and nice child. At an early age, he fell in love with the guitar, which was his constant companion. On the way to success, Keith played anywhere he could in Australia, including beer barns. Early in his career, he made good friends with some of Australia's top country stars and earned their respect as a musician.

The author shares Keith Urban's many disappointments and successes, both in Australia and in the USA. How he overcame being an outsider and the associated difficulties in relationships. His Australian accent was seen as a novelty at the beginning and, then working against him, and then became an asset. 

There were a few dark times that may have beaten some, but not the ever resilient Keith Urban. He has had great help along the way, but he was determined to overcome those bad times forever.

I smiled as I read how he met Nicole Kidman at an Australian event in Los Angeles and loved the description of his impression when they first met. They come from very different backgrounds but it seems they were destined to be together. 

Another smile popped up, as I read how Keith was Christmas shopping with his family, just like you and I, when he received a phone call from Taylor Swift asking him to talk about her new album. He sat in the food court at Sydney's Bondi Junction, wearing earpods listening to her sing and discussing their collaboration.

From reading his biography we learn that he has worked hard to live his musical dreams.  He has jammed with the Rolling Stones, teamed up with John Fogerty and Glen Campbell and shared a stage with the Reverend Al Green. He also became a regular guest on Oprah and Ellen.

Keith Urban has won four Grammys, equalling the Bee Gees and Olivia Newton-John. He has recently worked with the biggest names in pop, dance and groove, from Taylor Swift to Pink, Nile Rodgers to Post Malone and Pitbull.  He's also recorded 20 US Country Number One hits.

Keith said in 2020, 'all I ever wanted to do was to live in America and make records and tour and maybe get my songs on the radio. It was my life's dream. All those detours, especially the really dark ones, got me to where I am now. I would not want to change one leaf on any tree in the whole journey.'

This is a biography worth reading, even if you are not that interested in music. It is a story of determination to succeed despite the setbacks and background, showing that if you really want something you can achieve it.

This is an enjoyable read.

Jeff Apter is the author of more than 20 music biographies, many of them bestsellers, and was on the staff at Rolling Stone for several years. His other subjects include Johnny O'Keefe,  John Farnham, the Bee Gees, the Finn brothers and Angus Young of AC/DC. As a ghostwriter, he has worked with Kasey Chambers, Mark Evans (of AC/DC) and Richard Clapton.

This is independent review, I am not paid by the publishers, so.If you Liked this review, Buy me a coffee



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