Industry heavy hitters gathered in BMI's Music Row lobby on March 16, 2009 to recognize a cluster of substantial milestones for superstar Keith Urban. In addition to celebrating the release of his new CD, Defying Gravity, BMI also toasted his 10th chart-topper "Sweet Thing," and his 11 song-deep list of BMI Million-Air award-winning compositions, which he either wrote or co-wrote. In addition to witnessing the awards presentation, guests enjoyed an intimate performance by Keith and his band. In this photo, Keith inspects his new BMI signature Takamine guitar. Photo by John Russell, courtesy of BMI.
March 24, 2009 — Last week, Keith Urban faced a packed room of reporters at a brief press conference and focused unwaveringly during each question on the journalist who asked it. It was as if he was examining every word to get complete clarity about the issue at hand, and it backs up Keith's assertion that he's been learning to live each moment as it passes.
"I'm present in a way I've never quite been before," he says. "I was always thinking about tomorrow, or the past — anywhere but here. Now I love being present. I have a lot to be grateful for in the present."
That's quite the understatement. Keith's "Sweet Thing" recently went to No. 1, the follow-up "Kiss A Girl" is already in the Top 25 in just its second week on the charts, and BMI recognized him for receiving at least 16 million U.S. radio plays of his music. Keith is nominated for the Academy of Country Music's Entertainer of the Year honor April 5, which comes just days after next Tuesday's release of his Defying Gravity album.
"It wasn't a conscious theme, but listening back, I think that Defying Gravity is about being brave enough to love," he says. "Fortunately, that is where I'm at right now in my life. And coming down the road that I've taken to be here, I do feel a lot of gratitude."
Keith will likely be feeling plenty more when he gets the feedback from the crowds on his upcoming Escape Together World Tour beginning in May. The shows will feature a revolving door of opening acts, including Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, the Zac Brown Band, Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley and — by the time he gets to Las Vegas — Glen Campbell.
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