Lee Kernaghan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lee Kernaghan
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Lee Raymond Kernaghan |
| Born | 15 April 1964 Corryong, Victoria, Australia |
| Genres | Country, country rock, rock, pop, country pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1977–present |
| Labels | ABC Music |
| Associated acts |
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Lee Kernaghan is a famous Australian country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was born on April 15, 1964. Lee has won many awards for his music. These include four ARIA Awards and three APRA Awards.
He has sold over two million albums. Lee has also won 38 Golden Guitar awards. These are given at the Country Music Awards of Australia. Only Slim Dusty has won more. In 2008, Lee was named the Australian of the Year. This was for his help and support for people in rural Australia.
About Lee Kernaghan
Early Life and Music Beginnings (1965–1990)
Lee Kernaghan was born in Corryong, Victoria. His dad, Ray Kernaghan, was also a country music singer and a truck driver. Lee grew up in Albury, New South Wales. His grandfather was a drover, moving sheep and cattle.
In 1986, Lee went to the United States. He represented Australia at a big country music festival. It was called 'Fan Fair' in Nashville.
Becoming a Star in the 1990s
In 1992, Lee released a song called "Boys from the Bush." It quickly became his first number one hit on the country music charts. Lee said he wrote it about his friends and their lives in the bush. He didn't expect it to be so popular.
His first album, The Outback Club, came out in May 1992. It won 'Album of the Year' at the 1993 Country Music Awards. It also won the ARIA Award for Best Country Album.
In 1993, his second album, Three Chain Road, was released. It also won 'Album of the Year' and an ARIA Award. Lee's third album, 1959, came out in 1995. It was his first album to reach the top 10 on the ARIA Chart.
His fourth album, Hat Town, was released in 1998. It reached number 7 on the ARIA Chart. Lee also released The Christmas Album in November 1998.
Music in the 2000s
Lee released his sixth album, Rules of the Road, in 2000. Then came Electric Rodeo in 2002. This album won 'Album of the Year' and 'Top Selling Album of the Year'.
In 2004, Lee released his first collection of greatest hits. It was called The Big Ones: Greatest Hits Vol. 1. This album was very popular and sold a lot of copies.
His eighth album, The New Bush, came out in 2006. It also won 'Album of the Year'. In 2007, Lee released Spirit of the Bush. The main song from this album became his highest-charting single.
In 2009, Lee released his tenth album, Planet Country. He was also named the biggest hit-maker in Australian country music over the past twenty years.
Highlights of the 2010s
In 2011, Lee released another greatest hits album, Ultimate Hits. His eleventh studio album, Beautiful Noise, came out in 2012.
In 2013, Lee visited the Australian War Memorial. He saw letters written by Australian soldiers from different wars. These letters inspired him to create the album Spirit of the Anzacs (album). This album was released in March 2015. It became his first album to reach number 1 on the ARIA charts. It was also the best-selling Australian album of 2015.
Lee also released his first book in 2015. It was called The Boy from the Bush, These Are My Songs, These Are My Stories. In 2017, he released The 25th Anniversary Album. His fifteenth album, Backroad Nation, came out in 2019. The title song was number 1 for four weeks.
Recent Years (2020s)
In 2022, Lee celebrated 30 years as a music artist. He released a special 3-CD collection. It was called The Very Best of Lee Kernaghan: Three Decades of Hits. This album was released on January 14, 2022.
Lee Kernaghan's Life
Lee Kernaghan married Robyn McKelvie in 1999. They have two sons named Jet and Rock.
In 2015, Lee's music was used at some rallies without his permission. He said that his music should be used in a way that respects soldiers. He felt it should honor those who fought for freedom. Other artists also spoke out about their music being used without permission.
Lee once owned the historic Great Western Hotel in Rockhampton, Queensland. He bought the pub in 2003. He said owning the hotel was one of the best times of his life.
Music Albums
Studio Albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUS |
|||
| The Outback Club |
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58 |
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| Three Chain Road |
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35 |
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| 1959 |
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9 |
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| Hat Town |
|
7 |
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| The Christmas Album |
|
31 | |
| Rules of the Road |
|
16 |
|
| Electric Rodeo |
|
5 |
|
| The New Bush |
|
6 |
|
| Spirit of the Bush |
|
5 |
|
| Planet Country |
|
13 |
|
| Beautiful Noise |
|
9 |
|
| Driving Home for Christmas |
|
46 | |
| Spirit of the Anzacs |
|
1 |
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| The 25th Anniversary Album |
|
2 | |
| Backroad Nation |
|
3 |
Collaboration Albums
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Family Tradition (with Ray Kernaghan) |
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Live Albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| AUS |
||
| Live at the Deni Ute Muster |
|
53 |
Compilation Albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUS |
|||
| The Big Ones: Greatest Hits Vol. 1 |
|
16 |
|
| Ultimate Hits |
|
8 |
|
| The Very Best of Lee Kernaghan: Three Decades of Hits |
|
17 |
Video Albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUS DVD |
|||
| Access All Areas |
|
8 |
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Charting Singles
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUS |
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| "This Is the Outback" | 2004 | 84 | non-album single |
| "Missin' Slim" (with Colin Buchanan) |
49 | non-album single | |
| "Spirit of the Bush" (with Adam Brand and Steve Forde) |
2007 | 11 | Spirit of the Bush |
| "Spirit of the Anzacs" (featuring Guy Sebastian, Sheppard, Jon Stevens, Jessica Mauboy, Shannon Noll and Megan Washington) |
2015 | 32 | Spirit of the Anzacs |
Awards and Recognitions
Lee Kernaghan has received many awards for his music and his work helping others.
In 2004, he received the Order of Australia Medal. This is a special honor for Australians. In 2008, he was named Australian of the Year. This was because he supported rural Australia. His 'Pass the Hat Around' tours raised over a million dollars. This money helped rural communities during a tough drought. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd gave him the award.
AIR Awards
The AIR Awards celebrate Australia's independent music artists.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Beautiful Noise | Best Independent Country Album | Nominated |
| 2018 | The 25th Anniversary Album | Best Independent Country Album | Nominated |
| 2020 | Backroad Nation | Best Independent Country Album | Nominated |
ARIA Music Awards
The ARIA Music Awards are big awards for Australian music. Lee Kernaghan has won two ARIA Awards. He also received a special Outstanding Achievement Award in 2015.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | The Outback Club | Best Country Album | Won |
| 1994 | Three Chain Road | Won | |
| 1995 | Country Crowd | Nominated | |
| 1996 | 1959 | Nominated | |
| 2000 | Rules of the Road | Nominated | |
| 2002 | Electric Rodeo | Nominated | |
| 2006 | The New Bush | Nominated | |
| 2010 | Planet Country | Nominated | |
| 2013 | Beautiful Noise | Nominated | |
| 2015 | Spirit of the Anzacs | Nominated | |
| "Spirit of the Anzacs" (directed by Duncan Toombs) | Best Video | Nominated | |
| Garth Porter forSpirit of the Anzacs | Producer of the Year | Nominated | |
| Spirit of the Anzacs | Outstanding Achievement Award | awarded | |
| 2017 | The 25th Anniversary Album | Best Country Album | Nominated |
| 2019 | Backroad Nation | Nominated |
APRA Awards
The APRA Awards recognize great songwriting and music sales in Australia and New Zealand. Lee Kernaghan has won four APRA Awards.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | "Boys from the Bush" | Country Song of the Year | Won |
| 1996 | "1959" | Most Performed Country Work | Won |
| 1999 | "Hat Town" | Most Performed Country Work | Won |
| 2004 | "Way It Is" | Most Performed Country Work | Nominated |
| 2007 | "New Bush" | Most Performed Country Work | Nominated |
| 2008 | "Spirit of the Bush" (featuring Adam Brand and Steve Forde) | Most Performed Country Work | Nominated |
| 2011 | "Planet Country" | Country Work of the Year | Nominated |
| 2014 | "Flying with the King" | Country Work of the Year | Won |
| 2020 | "Backroad Nation" | Most Performed Country Work of the Year | Nominated |
Australian Roll of Renown
The Australian Roll of Renown honors musicians who have made a big impact on country music. Lee Kernaghan was added to this special list in 2015.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Lee Kernaghan | Australian Roll of Renown | inductee |
Country Music Awards (CMAA)
The Country Music Awards of Australia are also known as the Golden Guitar Awards. They are held every January in Tamworth. Lee Kernaghan has won 38 Golden Guitar awards!
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | "Boys from the Bush" | APRA Song of the Year | Won |
| 1993 | The Outback Club | Album of the Year | Won |
| 1993 | "Boys from the Bush" | Male Vocalist of the Year | Won |
| 1994 | "Three Chain Road" | APRA Song of the Year | Won |
| 1994 | Three Chain Road | Album of the Year | Won |
| 1994 | "Three Chain Road" | Male Vocalist of the Year | Won |
| 1994 | "Leave Him in the Longford" (with Slim Dusty) | Vocal Group or Duo of the Year | Won |
| 1995 | Three Chain Road | Top Selling Album of the Year | Won |
| 1996 | 1959 | Album of the Year | Won |
| 1997 | 1959 | Top Selling Album of the Year | Won |
| 1997 | "A Bushman Can't Survive" (with Tania Kernaghan) | Vocal Collaboration of the Year | Won |
| 1999 | Hat Town | Album of the Year | Won |
| 1999 | Hat Town | Top Selling Album of the Year | Won |
| 1999 | "Goondiwindi Moon" | Male Vocalist of the Year | Won |
| 1999 | "Changi Banjo" | Heritage Song of the Year | Won |
| 1999 | "Tough Job" (with Colin Buchanan) | Vocal Collaboration of the Year | Won |
| 2003 | "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" (with Josh Arnold) | Vocal Collaboration of the Year | Won |
| 2003 | Electric Rodeo | Album of the Year | Won |
| 2003 | Electric Rodeo | Top Selling Album of the Year | Won |
| 2005 | "Missin' Slim" | Heritage Song of the Year (with Colin Buchanan) | Won |
| 2007 | The New Bush | Album of the Year | Won |
| 2007 | The New Bush | Male Artist of the Year | Won |
| 2007 | The New Bush | Top Selling Album of the Year | Won |
| 2007 | "Close as a Whisper (The Gift)" | Heritage Song of the Year Close | Won |
| 2008 | "Spirit of the Bush" (with Adam Brand and Steve Forde) | Vocal Collaboration of the Year | Won |
| 2008 | "Spirit of the Bush" (with Adam Brand and Steve Forde) | Video of the Year | Won |
| 2008 | "Spirit of the Bush" (with Adam Brand and Steve Forde) | Single of the Year | Won |
| 2011 | Planet Country | Top Selling Album of the Year | Won |
| 2012 | "Channel Country Ground" (with Dean Perrett) | Ballad of the Year | Won |
| 2014 | Beautiful Noise | Top Selling Album of the Year | Won |
| 2014 | "Flying with the King" | Male Artist of the Year | Won |
| 2014 | "Flying with the King" | Single of the Year | Won |
| 2014 | "Flying with the King" | Video clip of the Year | Won |
| 2016 | "Spirit of the Anzacs" (with Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, Jon Stevens, Amy & George Sheppard, Shannon Noll and Megan Washington) |
Vocal Collaboration of the Year | Won |
| 2016 | "Spirit of the Anzacs" (with Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, Jon Stevens, Amy & George Sheppard, Shannon Noll and Megan Washington) |
Video clip of the Year | Won |
| 2016 | Spirit of the Anzacs | Top Selling Album of the Year | Won |
| 2018 | The 25th Anniversary Album | Top Selling Album of the Year | Won |
| 2020 | Backroad Nation | Top Selling Album of the Year | Won |
Mo Awards
The Mo Awards celebrated live entertainment in Australia. Lee Kernaghan won five Mo Awards.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result (wins only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Lee Kernaghan | Country Performer of the Year | Won |
| Lee Kernaghan | Male Country Entertainer of the Year | Won | |
| 1993 | Lee Kernaghan | Country Performer of the Year | Won |
| Lee Kernaghan | Male Country Entertainer of the Year | Won | |
| 1994 | Lee Kernaghan | Male Country Entertainer of the Year | Won |
Music for a New Generation Awards
These awards celebrate country artists who cross over into other music styles. Fans vote for the winners.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Himself | Australian Male Artist of The Year | Nominated |
| 2017 | Himself | Australian Male Artist of The Year | Won |
Tamworth Songwriters Awards
The Tamworth Songwriters Awards are for original country songs. Lee Kernaghan has won three of these awards.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result (wins only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | "Boys from the Bush" by Lee Kernaghan and Garth Porter | Contemporary Country Song of the Year | Won |
| Country Song of the Year | Won | ||
| 1996 | "1959" by Lee Kernaghan | Contemporary Country Song of the Year | Won |
See also
In Spanish: Lee Kernaghan para niños
