Early Life and Education of Kesha: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 1, 2026

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Kesha. From birth to education, explore key events.

Kesha Rose Sebert, known professionally as Kesha, is an American singer, rapper, and songwriter notable for her impact on pop music. She has achieved two number-one albums on the Billboard 200, "Animal" (2010) and "Rainbow" (2017), and boasts ten top-ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including the hit "Tik Tok", which was once the best-selling digital single. Kesha completed her contract with Kemosabe Records with the album "Gag Order" (2023) and has since released her first independent album, "Period" (2024) under her own label, Kesha Records.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1978: Pebe Co-writes "Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You"

In 1978, Kesha's mother, Rosemary Patricia "Pebe" Sebert, co-wrote the single "Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You" with Hugh Moffatt for Joe Sun.

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1980: Dolly Parton Popularizes "Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You"

In 1980, Dolly Parton popularized the song "Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You" on her album Dolly, Dolly, Dolly, which was co-written by Kesha's mother, Pebe Sebert.

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March 1, 1987: Kesha's Birth

On March 1, 1987, Kesha Rose Sebert was born. She is known as an American singer, rapper, and songwriter.

1991: Move to Nashville

In 1991, Pebe moved the family to Nashville after securing a new publishing deal for her songwriting.

2005: Appearance on The Simple Life

In 2005, the Sebert family appeared on an episode of the American reality TV series The Simple Life, hosting Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.

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June 16, 2010: Benefit Concert for Tennessee Flood Victims

On June 16, 2010, Kesha held a benefit concert to aid victims of the 2010 Tennessee floods in Nashville, raising close to $70,000.

January 2014: Rehabilitation and Name Change

In January 2014, Kesha checked into a rehabilitation center for bulimia nervosa and began working on her third studio album. After rehab, she switched to using her birth name, Kesha, rather than her previous moniker, Ke$ha.

October 2014: Lawsuit Against Dr. Luke

In October 2014, Kesha sued producer Dr. Luke for sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, gender violence, emotional abuse, and violation of California business practices over 10 years of working together.

February 19, 2016: Preliminary Injunction Ruling

On February 19, 2016, New York Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich ruled against Kesha's request for a preliminary injunction to release her from Kemosabe Records.

April 6, 2016: Case Dismissal

On April 6, 2016, Judge Kornreich dismissed Kesha's case against Dr. Luke, citing that the statute of limitations had run out on the rape allegations.

August 10, 2018: Rainbow: The Film Release

On August 10, 2018, Kesha's documentary film, Rainbow: The Film, was released on Apple Music, chronicling her stint in rehab and the creation of Rainbow.

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