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Style: Alt-Country, Americana, Contemporary Folk, Country-Folk, Progressive Country, Red Dirt

Decades Active: 00's, 10's, 20's, 80's, 90's

How to Hire ROBERT EARL KEEN For Your Event!

The Master Storyteller of Americana and Texas Country

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Roster: Country

Roster: Folk

Roster: Americana

Roster: Red Dirt

Roster: Alt-Country

aka: Robert Earl Keen, Jr.

Based in: Texas
Based in: Kerrville

Hire: Robert Earl Keen

Robert Earl Keen was born on January 11, 1956, in Houston, Texas, and grew up in nearby Sharpstown. He developed a love for storytelling and music at an early age, influenced by his father’s love of country music and his mother’s poetry readings. Keen attended Texas A&M University, where he majored in English. It was during his college years that he began honing his craft as a songwriter, often performing at local bars and campus events. While at Texas A&M, he met fellow musician Lyle Lovett, with whom he forged a lifelong friendship and musical partnership.

Hire Robert Earl Keen for your festival or concert plans! (t,s)

Early Career and Breakthrough

After graduating in the late 1970s, Keen moved to Austin, Texas, to pursue a career in music. In 1984, he released his debut album, “No Kinda Dancer”, funded by money he earned working various odd jobs. The album showcased his talent for blending vivid storytelling with traditional country and folk influences, although it garnered limited commercial success.

Keen’s big break came with his 1989 album, “West Textures”, which featured the iconic song “The Road Goes on Forever”. This track became an anthem for the Texas music scene and cemented his reputation as a masterful storyteller. His vivid lyrics and ability to create relatable characters resonated deeply with audiences, earning him a loyal following.

Rise to Fame in Americana and Texas Country

In the 1990s, Keen’s career continued to flourish with albums like “Gringo Honeymoon” (1994) and “Picnic” (1997). His blend of country, folk, and bluegrass, combined with his distinctive voice and humor, positioned him as a key figure in the burgeoning Americana genre. Songs like “Merry Christmas from the Family” became cult classics, showcasing his ability to blend humor with poignant observations of life.

Robert Earl Keen gained a reputation as a phenomenal live performer, and his concerts became a staple of the Texas music scene. His ability to connect with audiences through storytelling and music made him a favorite at festivals and venues across the United States.

Later Career and Legacy

In the 2000s, Keen continued to release critically acclaimed albums, including “Walking Distance” (1998), “What I Really Mean” (2005), and “Ready for Confetti” (2011). While he never achieved massive mainstream success, his influence on Americana and Texas country music is undeniable. His songs have been covered by artists like George Strait, Joe Ely, and The Highwaymen, further solidifying his status as a songwriting legend.

In addition to his music career, Keen hosted “The Americana Podcast: The 51st State”, where he explored the history and evolution of Americana music. The podcast demonstrated his dedication to preserving and promoting the genre.

Personal Life

Keen is married to Kathleen Keen; the couple has two daughters. When not on the road, he enjoys spending time at his ranch in the Texas Hill Country, where he continues to write songs and reflect on his storied career.

Awards and Honors

Inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2012.
Named a Texas A&M Distinguished Alumnus for his contributions to music and culture.
Honored with the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting.

Legacy and Influence

Robert Earl Keen is regarded as one of the most influential singer-songwriters in the Americana and Texas music genres. His ability to craft vivid, memorable stories through song has inspired countless artists, and his impact on the music world will continue to resonate for generations. Though retired from touring, Keen’s music and storytelling remain timeless, ensuring his legacy endures.