Robert Earl Keen was born in 1956 in Houston, Texas. His father was a geologist, while his mother worked as an attorney. Keen grew up with an older brother and a younger sister. He attended Sharpstown High School, graduating in 1974. As a child, he developed a passion for reading and excelled in literature and writing classes. Influenced by his older brother, he became interested in English rock bands, while his sister introduced him to the Houston music scene in the early 1970s.
Keen later enrolled at Texas A&M University in College Station, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. During his college years, he began writing songs and playing bluegrass and folk music with friends, including some of his childhood companions.
After graduating in 1980, Keen launched his music career performing at popular Austin venues such as the Cactus Café and Gruene Hall near New Braunfels. His performances attracted a growing local following. In 1983, he won a prestigious songwriting competition at the Kerrville Folk Festival, gaining further recognition. Encouraged by fellow musician Steve Earle, Keen moved with his wife, Kathleen, to Tennessee to further pursue his music career.
Keen released his debut album, No Kinda Dancer, in 1984. Over the course of his career, he recorded 18 full-length albums through both independent and major record labels. His songwriting quickly gained attention, with many of his compositions covered by artists across the country, particularly within the Texas country music scene. Notable performers who have covered his songs include the Dixie Chicks, Nanci Griffith, the Highwaymen, Lyle Lovett, Joe Ely, and George Strait.
| Birth Date: | 29 May, 1951 |
| Age: | 68 yrs |
| Occupations: | Judge Television presenter Film producer |
| Citizenship: | United Kingdom |
| Birth Place: | Hendon |
| Education: | University of Surrey |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | British businessman |
