1978: Mother Co-Wrote 'Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You'
In 1978, Kesha's mother, Pebe Sebert, co-wrote the single 'Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You' with Hugh Moffatt for Joe Sun.
1980: Dolly Parton Popularized Mother's Song
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.
March 1, 1987: Birth of Kesha
Kesha Rose Sebert was born on March 1, 1987, in Los Angeles. This marks the beginning of the life of the future American singer and songwriter, known mononymously as Kesha.
1991: Moved to Nashville
In 1991, Kesha's family moved to Nashville after her mother secured a new publishing deal for her songwriting. This move was pivotal for Kesha's early exposure to the music industry.
2005: Release of 'Hollaback Girl' by Gwen Stefani
In 2005, Gwen Stefani released 'Hollaback Girl', which Kesha later referenced as an influence in her own song 'Dinosaur'.
2005: First alleged rape incident
In 2005, Kesha experienced the first of two specific rape incidents she later alleged in her lawsuit against Dr. Luke.
2005: Appearance on The Simple Life
In 2005, Kesha's family appeared on an episode of the American reality TV series The Simple Life, which featured Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.
2005: Signed to Kemosabe Records
In 2005, at age 18, Kesha was signed to Kemosabe Records, marking the beginning of her professional music career.
2005: Kesha Signs with Kemosabe Records and Prescription Songs
In 2005, at age 18, Kesha was signed to the label Kemosabe Records and the music publishing company Prescription Songs. Kemosabe Records, owned by Sony Music Entertainment, is located in Los Angeles. This marked the beginning of her professional music career in 2005.
2006: Kesha Signs with DAS Communications Inc.
In 2006, Kesha signed with David Sonenberg's management company, DAS Communications Inc., which aimed to secure her a major label record deal within a year. During this period, she worked with various writers and producers, co-writing the Veronicas' single 'This Love'.
2007: Release of 'Girlfriend' by Avril Lavigne
In 2007, Avril Lavigne released 'Girlfriend', which Kesha later referenced as an influence in her own song 'Dinosaur'.
2007: Kesha Releases Debut Album Influenced by Various Genres
In 2007, Kesha experimented with different musical genres but ultimately decided to focus on electronic music. Her vocal style was heavily influenced by the song 'Tthhee Ppaarrttyy' from Justice's album Cross. Her debut album, Animal, was a homage to the Beastie Boys' Licensed to Ill, and the hit song 'Tik Tok' was inspired by her love for the Beastie Boys' rap music.
2008: Second alleged rape incident
In 2008, Kesha experienced the second of two specific rape incidents she later alleged in her lawsuit against Dr. Luke.
2008: Kesha's Background Vocals and Video Appearance
In 2008, Kesha appeared in the video for Katy Perry's single 'I Kissed a Girl' and sang background vocals for Britney Spears' 'Lace and Leather'. She also terminated her contract with DAS Communications Inc. in September of the same year.
2009: Kesha Signs with RCA Records and Releases 'Tik Tok'
In 2009, Kesha signed a multi-album deal with RCA Records and released her debut single 'Tik Tok'. The song broke records in the United States for the highest digital download sales in a single week and spent nine weeks at number one.
2009: First Major Success
In 2009, Kesha's first major success came when she was featured on rapper Flo Rida's number-one single, 'Right Round'.
2009: Kesha's Breakthrough with 'Right Round'
In early 2009, Kesha gained mainstream attention by featuring on rapper Flo Rida's number-one single 'Right Round'. Although she was not credited in the US release, this exposure played a crucial role in her rising popularity.
2009: Release of 'Tik Tok'
Kesha released the single 'Tik Tok' in 2009, which became the best-selling digital single in history at the time, selling over 14 million units internationally.
May 2010: Kesha Sued by Former Managers
In May 2010, Kesha's former managers from DAS Communications Inc. filed a $14 million lawsuit against her, alleging that she had extended the deadline for them to secure her a major label contract, impacting her career.
June 16, 2010: Kesha's Benefit Concert for Tennessee Flood Victims
On June 16, 2010, Kesha held a benefit concert in her hometown Nashville to aid victims of the 2010 Tennessee floods. The event raised close to $70,000.
November 2010: Re-release of 'Animal' and Success of 'Cannibal'
In November 2010, Kesha re-released her album 'Animal' with a companion extended play, 'Cannibal'. The lead single from 'Cannibal', 'We R Who We R', debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
2010: Number-One Album: Animal
In 2010, Kesha earned her first number-one album on the US Billboard 200 with Animal.
2010: Kesha Opens Up About Her Sexuality
In 2010, Kesha made a statement about her sexuality, identifying as bisexual. She has always been open about her attraction to people regardless of their gender.
2010: MTV Europe Music Award
In 2010, Kesha received the MTV Europe Music Award for Best New Act.
February 2011: Kesha Embarks on First Headlining World Tour
In February 2011, Kesha started her first headlining world tour, the Get Sleazy Tour, which was extended due to high demand and spanned three continents.
June 2011: Kesha's Digital Sales Milestone
By June 2011, Kesha had sold almost 21 million digital single downloads in the United States alone, highlighting her commercial success.
2011: Kesha begins writing for 'Warrior' album
In 2011, Kesha began writing for her second studio album 'Warrior' while on her headlining tour.
2011: Co-Wrote 'Till the World Ends'
Kesha co-wrote the song 'Till the World Ends' for Britney Spears, released in 2011.
2011: Surpassed Record for 'Tik Tok'
In 2011, Kesha's single 'Tik Tok' was surpassed as the best-selling digital single in history.
2011: Father's Identity Controversy
In 2011, a man named Bob Chamberlain claimed he was Kesha's father and presented pictures and letters as proof of their contact before she turned 19.
November 2012: Kesha releases illustrated autobiography
In November 2012, coinciding with the release of her album 'Warrior,' Kesha released an illustrated autobiography titled 'My Crazy Beautiful Life' through Touchstone Books.
November 30, 2012: Release of Kesha's second studio album 'Warrior'
On November 30, 2012, Kesha released her second studio album, 'Warrior.' The album included productions from Max Martin and a collaboration with Wayne Coyne from The Flaming Lips.
2012: Settlement of Lawsuit with DAS Communications
In 2012, Kesha settled her lawsuit with DAS Communications Inc. before the release of her second album, ending a legal battle that had started in 2010.
2012: Top-Ten Record: Warrior
Kesha's album Warrior reached the top-ten on the US Billboard 200 in 2012.
March 23, 2013: Kesha receives Wyler Award from Humane Society
On March 23, 2013, Kesha was honored with the Wyler Award by the Humane Society of the United States for increasing awareness of animal issues through the media. The award was presented at The 2013 Genesis Awards Benefit Gala.
April 2013: Kesha releases 'Crazy Kids' and TV documentary airs
In April 2013, Kesha released her third single from the album 'Warrior,' titled 'Crazy Kids.' That same month, the TV documentary 'Kesha: My Crazy Beautiful Life' began airing on MTV.
July 2013: Announcement of 'Lipsha' collaborative album
In July 2013, The Flaming Lips announced their intention to release a full-length collaborative album with Kesha, titled 'Lipsha.' However, the project was eventually cancelled in the winter of the same year.
July 2013: Kesha starts the Warrior Tour
In July 2013, Kesha started the Warrior Tour to support her album 'Warrior.' The North American leg was co-headlined with American rapper Pitbull.
October 7, 2013: Release of 'Timber' collaboration with Pitbull
On October 7, 2013, Kesha and Pitbull released the song 'Timber,' which became an international commercial success and marked Kesha's third number-one and tenth top-ten single on the Billboard Hot 100.
2013: Kesha Continues to Discuss Sexuality
In 2013, Kesha reiterated her stance on her sexuality, emphasizing her attraction to the soul behind a person's eyes and not caring about specific genders.
2013: Sales Milestone
As of 2013, Kesha had reportedly sold over 33 million combined tracks and ringtones in the U.S alone and over 55 million worldwide.
January 3, 2014: Kesha Enters Rehab for Eating Disorder
On January 3, 2014, Kesha checked into Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center in Lemont, Illinois, for treatment of her eating disorder, bulimia nervosa. Her mother confirmed that Kesha had struggled with the disorder since she was signed and alleged that Dr. Luke had pressured her to lose weight.
January 2014: Kesha checks into rehab for bulimia nervosa
In January 2014, Kesha checked into a rehabilitation center for treatment of bulimia nervosa and began working on her third studio album.
March 6, 2014: Kesha Completes Eating Disorder Treatment
On March 6, 2014, Kesha completed her two-month treatment for bulimia nervosa at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center.
June 2014: Kesha joins 'Rising Star' as an expert
In June 2014, Kesha joined the American television singing competition 'Rising Star' as an expert, alongside Brad Paisley and Ludacris.
August 2014: Kesha records new songs in rehab
In her August 2014 Teen Vogue cover interview, Kesha revealed she recorded 14 new songs while in rehab.
October 2014: Kesha sues 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.
2014: Legal Dispute Began
In 2014, a legal dispute began between Kesha and her former producer Dr. Luke, involving accusations of abuse and employment discrimination.
August 4, 2015: Kesha signs with SESAC Inc.
On August 4, 2015, Kesha signed with the American performance rights organization SESAC Inc.
October 12, 2015: Kesha guest stars on 'Jane the Virgin'
On October 12, 2015, Kesha guest starred in the second season of the U.S. television series 'Jane the Virgin,' playing the character Annabelle, the protagonist's hostile neighbor.
December 2015: Kesha forms band Yeast Infection
In December 2015, Kesha revealed that she had formed a country music and classic rock-influenced band called Yeast Infection and performed a live show with the band in Nashville on December 23.
February 19, 2016: Court ruling against Kesha's preliminary injunction request
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 amid her lawsuit against Dr. Luke.
April 6, 2016: Case dismissal by New York Supreme Court
On April 6, 2016, New York Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich dismissed Kesha's case against Dr. Luke, citing the five-year statute of limitations had run out on the two specific rape allegations.
April 29, 2016: Release of 'True Colors' collaboration with Zedd
On April 29, 2016, a studio version of Kesha and Zedd's collaboration 'True Colors' was released as a single. This marked Kesha's first high-profile public performance since her legal battle with Dr. Luke.
June 11, 2016: Kesha performs at Pride in the Street
On June 11, 2016, Kesha performed at Pride in the Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
July 23, 2016: Commencement of Kesha and the Creepies: Fuck the World Tour
On July 23, 2016, Kesha embarked on her third worldwide concert tour, the Kesha and the Creepies: Fuck the World Tour, starting in Las Vegas.
August 11, 2017: Release of Album 'Rainbow'
On August 11, 2017, Kesha released her third studio album, 'Rainbow'. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and received universal acclaim for its feminist angle, uniqueness, and Kesha's vocal performance.
September 26, 2017: Start of Rainbow Tour
On September 26, 2017, Kesha began her Rainbow Tour in Birmingham, Alabama. The tour promoted her album 'Rainbow' and visited several continents, including North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia.
November 2017: Release of Single 'Learn to Let Go'
In November 2017, Kesha released 'Learn to Let Go' as the second single from her album 'Rainbow'. The song was initially released as a promotional single with an accompanying music video.
2017: Number-One Album: Rainbow
In 2017, Kesha achieved her second number-one album on the US Billboard 200 with Rainbow.
June 6, 2018: Start of The Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore Tour
On June 6, 2018, Kesha began a co-headlining concert tour with American rapper Macklemore named The Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore. The tour took place in North America.
August 5, 2018: End of The Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore Tour
On August 5, 2018, the tour The Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore concluded in North America.
September 19, 2018: Release of Single 'Here Comes the Change'
On September 19, 2018, Kesha released her song 'Here Comes the Change' as a single to promote the biographical film 'On the Basis of Sex', about Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
October 2018: Release of Song 'Safe'
In October 2018, Kesha released the song 'Safe', which she wrote and performed with her younger brother Sage Sebert and rapper Chika, as an homage for the Parkland high school shooting.
2018: Kesha Supports Time's Up at the Grammys
In 2018, Kesha performed 'Praying' at the Grammys with other notable women in music to support the Time's Up movement.
February 2019: Kesha's Weird and Wonderful Rainbow Ride
In February 2019, Kesha hosted a 4-day-long cruise called 'Kesha's Weird and Wonderful Rainbow Ride'. The cruise sailed on the Norwegian Pearl from Tampa, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas, featuring special guests like Wrabel, Jonathan Van Ness, and others.
2019: 'Tik Tok' Becomes Best-Selling Digital Single
As of 2019, Kesha's debut single 'Tik Tok' sold about 14 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling digital single in history by a female solo artist.
2019: Kesha Talks About Sexuality in Attitude Article
In 2019, Kesha delved deeper into her views on sexuality in an Attitude magazine article, explaining that she has always been attracted to a person's soul and never cared about a specific gender.
January 31, 2020: Release of Album 'High Road'
On January 31, 2020, Kesha released her fourth studio album, 'High Road'. The album received positive reviews and performed moderately commercially.
April 18, 2020: Performance at One World: Together at Home
On April 18, 2020, Kesha performed at the One World: Together at Home benefit event while self-isolating due to the coronavirus pandemic.
November 13, 2020: Announcement of Podcast 'Kesha and the Creepies'
On November 13, 2020, Kesha announced the creation of her podcast 'Kesha and the Creepies', which explores supernatural subjects and alternative lifestyles with pop culture guests and experts.
November 19, 2020: First Episode of 'Kesha and the Creepies'
On November 19, 2020, the first episode of Kesha's podcast 'Kesha and the Creepies' premiered. New episodes were released almost every Friday.
2020: Court of Appeals Ruling
In 2020, The Court of Appeals in New York ruled that Dr. Luke is a limited public figure. This decision was significant in Kesha's ongoing lawsuit against him.
2020: Top-Ten Record: High Road
In 2020, Kesha released the album High Road, which also achieved a top-ten position on the US Billboard 200.
June 10, 2021: Final Episode of 'Kesha and the Creepies' Season 1
On June 10, 2021, the final episode of the first season of Kesha's podcast 'Kesha and the Creepies' aired, concluding a run of 30 episodes.
August 13, 2021: Start of Kesha Live Tour
On August 13, 2021, Kesha began her fifth headlining tour, Kesha Live, in Billings, Montana. The tour featured Betty Who as the opening act and was extended to 22 shows.
August 30, 2021: Premiere of Electric Easy Podcast
On August 30, 2021, Kesha premiered the Electric Easy podcast, a musical neo-noir science fiction show set in a futuristic Los Angeles. Kesha served as the executive producer and starred in the show, which also featured Mason Gooding and Chloe Bailey.
September 12, 2021: End of Kesha Live Tour
On September 12, 2021, Kesha's fifth headlining tour, Kesha Live, ended after being extended to 22 shows.
June 1, 2022: Release of 'Taste So Good'
On June 1, 2022, Kesha released the song 'Taste So Good' in collaboration with Hayley Kiyoko, Vincint, and MNEK. The song promoted the cannabis-infused drink, Cann.
July 8, 2022: Premiere of Conjuring Kesha
On July 8, 2022, Kesha premiered her show Conjuring Kesha on Discovery+. In the show, Kesha and her guests explored paranormal hotspots.
2022: Kesha Discusses Her Sexuality
In 2022, Kesha clarified her stance on her sexuality, stating that she preferred not to label it. She expressed that she loves people and refuses to be confined to specific labels. This came after making similar statements in 2010 and 2013.
2022: Kesha Diagnosed with Common Variable Immunodeficiency
In 2022, Kesha revealed in Self magazine that she was diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency, which caused her to feel fatigued every day. She assumed the fatigue was due to being overworked.
January 2023: Kesha Faces Health Scare After Egg Freezing Complication
In January 2023, Kesha nearly died due to a complication from freezing her eggs. A few weeks later, she felt weak after a performance and was hospitalized for nine days.
February 2023: Preview of New Songs
In February 2023, Kesha previewed a snippet of a new song during an Instagram Livestream. She also revealed four new song titles and shared snippets of two of them.
April 25, 2023: Announcement of Gag Order Album
On April 25, 2023, Kesha announced her new album titled Gag Order and unveiled its artwork. The album was produced by Rick Rubin and focuses on overcoming trauma and depression.
May 2023: Release of Gag Order
Kesha released her fifth studio album, Gag Order, in May 2023.
May 19, 2023: Release of Gag Order Album
On May 19, 2023, Kesha released her album Gag Order. The album features singles like 'Eat the Acid' and 'Fine Line' and sees Kesha at her most vulnerable.
June 2023: Settlement of Legal Dispute
The legal dispute between Kesha and her former producer Dr. Luke, which began in 2014, was settled out of court in June 2023.
June 22, 2023: Settlement of Lawsuit with Dr. Luke
On June 22, 2023, Kesha and Dr. Luke announced that their lawsuit was officially settled, a month before it was due to go to trial. The details of the settlement were not immediately revealed.
November 2023: Kesha Alters 'Tik Tok' Lyrics in Response to Abuse Allegations Against P. Diddy
In November 2023, Kesha changed the lyrics of her song 'Tik Tok' during a performance, removing a reference to Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs. This was in response to a lawsuit filed by Cassie Ventura accusing Combs of abuse.
December 18, 2023: Parting Ways with Kemosabe Records and RCA
On December 18, 2023, Kesha parted ways with Dr. Luke's Kemosabe Records and RCA as their contract expired. She also amicably split with Vector Management and thanked her former manager, Jack Rovner.
February 2024: Signing with Crush Management
In February 2024, it was reported that Kesha signed with Crush Management. She also shared in an interview that she has been writing new music and has a specific date marked to release it.
April 2024: Kesha Further Alters 'Tik Tok' Lyrics at Coachella
In April 2024, Kesha appeared as a guest during Renée Rapp's Coachella set and further altered the lyrics of 'Tik Tok' to 'wake up in the morning, like, 'Fuck P. Diddy'' in response to additional lawsuits against Combs.
2024: Interview Contradiction
In a 2024 interview, Kesha contradicted past statements, revealing that she never earned her GED despite previously claiming she did and having a near-perfect SAT score.
2024: Songwriting Course at Esalen Institute
In early 2024, Kesha taught a two-and-a-half week songwriting course called ‘The Alchemy of Pop Music' at the Esalen Institute.