Multi-award-winning artist Keith Urban has been announced as the recipient of the 2021 CRB Artist Career Achievement Award, recognizing Urban for his continuous meritorious work and outstanding accomplishments.
CRB/CRS Board President, Kurt Johnson, commented about the award and this year’s honoree, saying, “Only a very select group of artists ascends to the level of this award. They do it by combining years of uncompromised brilliant performance with sustained success. As Keith continues to reach new creative heights every year, let’s pause to celebrate him. Be there October 13 when we recognize him for all he has achieved…so far. It will be an unforgettable moment.”
Keith Urban is one of the most successful and well-respected artists in the world. He’s won four GRAMMY© Awards, thirteen CMAs, fifteen ACMs, three AMAs, two People’s Choice Awards, and celebrated nine consecutive gold, platinum, or multi-platinum albums. His musical talents have led to 24 #1’s, 43 Top 10 singles in the U.S., 27 #1’s in Canada, and numerous other chart-topping placements in Australia, the U.K., and other countries worldwide. Urban’s concerts have also become legendary – as unpredictable as they are explosive. His musical virtuosity and fluidity have made him the musician’s musician. He’s collaborated with a diverse group of artists that include, among others; Billy Gibbons, Buddy Guy, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, John Mayer, Julia Michaels, Justin Timberlake, Dzeko, Miranda Lambert, Nile Rodgers, Post Malone, Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, and Vince Gill.
In August, he released “Wild Hearts,” an autobiographical, fist-pumping, arena-ready Urban track as authentic as it is infectious – quintessential Urban. It comes on the heels of “One Too Many” (his duet with P!nk), the last from The Speed of Now Part 1, which marked his fourth in a historic streak of simultaneous #1 album debuts in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
He’s also long supported numerous charities, making him a beloved figure among many philanthropic communities. His “All For The Hall” benefit concerts for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum© have raised over $4.2 million. He is the first Ambassador of the CMA Foundation, an advisory board member at the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and is a longtime supporter of The Mr. Holland’s Opus Fund and The Grammy Foundation.
The CRB Artist Career Achievement Award is presented to an individual artist or act that, through their creativity, vision, performance or leadership, has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of country music and country radio. Previous CRB Artist Career Achievement recipients include Rascal Flatts, Steve Wariner, Martina McBride, Randy Travis, Vince Gill, Brooks & Dunn, Charlie Daniels, Dolly Parton, Reba, and more.
Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan will present Urban with the award during the Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Awards Ceremony on October 13 at The Westin in Nashville, Tenn.
The Class of 2021 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees will also be honored at the event and include four off-air radio broadcasters and four on-air radio personalities. The off-air honorees are Bob Call, RJ Curtis, Bill Hagy, and Norm Schrutt. The on-air honorees are Heather Froglear, Buzz Jackson, Bob Pickett, and Angie Ward. Additionally, a special presentation honoring this year’s CRB President’s Award recipient, Beverlee Brannigan, will also be recognized at the event.
Providing a safer environment for inductees, attendees, sponsors, and staff is a top priority for the Country Radio Hall of Fame event. Achieving this is a shared responsibility. In that spirit, CRB, Inc and its Board of Directors are requiring anyone attending the Country Radio Hall of Fame ceremony to please provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID test result completed within 48-hours of the event.
