Keith Urban Honors Late Music Icons in Touching Acoustic Tribute
Urban sang his own renditions of tracks by David Bowie, George Michael, Merle Haggard and more.
Last year was a rough one for those involved in the music industry as numerous icons passed away throughout the entirety of 2016. But now as time has moved on into the new year, Keith Urban wanted to look back one last time on some of the heroes he, and many other fans, lost.
Taking to his roots on the acoustic guitar, Urban created a five minute tribute to a number of the late musical heroes. The country singer mashed up hit after hit from stars such as George Michael, Glenn Frey of The Eagles, David Bowie and so many more.
Kicking the whole thing off with an intimate rendition of the soulful Michael hit, “Careless Whisper,” Urban transitioned smoothly through each track and mastered singles like Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and The Eagles’ “Take It Easy,” in which Frey was a co-writer.
Urban carried on into his own version of “Heroes” by Bowie, followed by a gorgeous rendition of Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried.” But his stellar country sound on Prince’s “Purple Rain” to end it off is what could make any music lover cry over the talent lost in 2016.
While Urban filmed this tribute for all to watch and listen, he originally played the mashup as a part of his New Year’s Eve performance in Nashville to which fans everywhere sang along and showed their love for the late musicians.
Urban was most recently nominated for Best Country Album, Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. The show will be aired live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 12, on CBS.
