Keen was born and raised in Houston and grew up in a household that abounded with the strains of folk and country music, two genres that would have a marked influence on his music in the future. Though he wrote poetry in high school, it wasn't until he went to study journalism at Texas A&M that he learned to play the guitar. His first serious piece of songwriting was with his landlord- the song was called 'This Old Porch' and the landlord went on to be a good friend and famous musician as well, going by the name of Lyle Lovett.

Keen's debut album was a self-financed effort called No Kinda Dancer that made a splash in Austin- brave, new things were happening on the country music scene thanks to artists like KD Lang and Keen's album met with an enthusiastic audience. Keen's music proved to have a number of distinctive features that set him apart from other musicians. One was his ability to neatly weave his story-telling songs into solid tunes- tunes that were equally effective as sentimental ballads and boomtown honky tonk numbers. Keen began working with other noted musicians like Margo Timmins of the Cowboy Junkies and his material began to be sparser yet more intense and organic in terms of lyrical content. Keen would prove to be a huge influence on upcoming artists in the alternative country music scene as well as the mainstream music scene as well. Keen represents the break from the polished, slick sound of radio-friendly Nashville. His music represents a sound that has grown from folk and country and is not afraid to push boundaries, both lyrically and musically.

Keen is also active with his annual concert and talent festival Texas Uprising as well as a grueling touring schedule that has slated him to 200 shows this year. Don't miss your chance to see this dynamic and passionate musician perform live on stage- contact your online ticket vendor for more information on how you can get tickets to see Robert Earl Keen live in concert!

Discography
Kinda Dancer
The Live Album
West Textures
A Bigger Piece of Sky
Gringo Honeymoon
No. 2 Live Dinner
Picnic
Walking Distance
Gravitational Forces
Farm Fresh Onions
Live From Austin TX
What I Really Mean