Robert James Ritchie (born January 17, 1971), better known as Kid Rock and occasionally Bobby Shazam, is an American rapper, disc jockey, singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer.
Starting with his 2007 album Rock n Roll Jesus, his musical output has tended to be in the country and rock styles. ==Early life== Kid Rock was born Robert James Ritchie in Romeo, Michigan, on January 17, 1971, the son of Susan and William Ritchie, who owned multiple car dealerships.
In the 1980s, he became interested in [hop], began to breakdance, and taught himself how to rap and DJ while performing in talent shows in and around Detroit. ==Career== ===Early career, signing with Jive Records and Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast (1988–1990)=== Kid Rock began his professional music career as a member of the [hop music] group The Beast Crew in the late 1980s.
In November 2017, he became engaged to longtime girlfriend Audrey Berry. Ritchie is an ordained minister and collects guns. === Public image === In 1989, Ritchie became a shareholder of the independent record label Top Dog Records, formed by Alvin Williams and Earl Blunt of EB-Bran Productions, in 1988; Ritchie's investment in the company gave him 25% ownership.
In November 2017, he became engaged to longtime girlfriend Audrey Berry. Ritchie is an ordained minister and collects guns. === Public image === In 1989, Ritchie became a shareholder of the independent record label Top Dog Records, formed by Alvin Williams and Earl Blunt of EB-Bran Productions, in 1988; Ritchie's investment in the company gave him 25% ownership.
Later, that investment would become a 25% ownership stake. With the help of D-Nice, Kid Rock signed with Jive Records at the age of 17, releasing his debut studio album, Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast in 1990.
According to Kid Rock, the contract with Jive resulted in animosity from fellow rapper Vanilla Ice, who Kid Rock claimed felt that he should have been signed with Jive instead of Kid Rock. The album made Kid Rock one of the two biggest rap stars in Detroit in 1990, along with local independent rapper Esham.
The song sampled Metallica's 1991 song "Sad but True",peaking at No.
Clark. ===Signing with Continuum Records and The Polyfuze Method (1992–1995)=== In 1992, Kid Rock signed with local independent record label Continuum.
Kid Rock showed up to record the song "Is That You?" intoxicated, but re-recorded his vocals and record scratching the following day. In 1993, Kid Rock recorded his second studio album, The Polyfuze Method, with producer Mike E.
In summer 1993, Russell gave birth to his son, Robert James Ritchie Jr.
They raised a total of three children together, but split up in late 1993 when Ritchie discovered that one of them was not his.
The EP featured the [metal music|heavy rock] song "I Am the Bullgod" and a cover of Hank Williams Jr.'s country song "A Country Boy Can Survive". By 1994, Kid Rock's live performances had mostly been backed by DJs Blackman and Uncle Kracker, but Kid Rock soon began to utilize more and more live instrumentation into his performances, and formed the rock band Twisted Brown Trucker. After breaking up with his girlfriend, Kid Rock moved engineer Bob Ebeling into his apartment.
He's a rock star and everything in between." In 1997, Jason Flom, head of Lava Records, attended one of Kid Rock's performances, and met with Kid Rock, who later gave him a demo containing the songs "Somebody's Gotta Feel This" and "I Got One for Ya", which led to Kid Rock signing with Atlantic Records.
His song with Robert Bradley "Higher" was featured in a TV spot for Gatorade. ===Continued success and shift away from hip hop (1999–2008)=== In 1999, Kid Rock made his voice acting debut in an episode of The Simpsons in the episode "Kill the Alligator and Run" playing himself, alongside Joe C.
Kid Rock's success, however, was marked by tragedy, with the death of friend and collaborator Joe C. In May 2000, Kid Rock released the compilation album "The History Of Rock", behind the single "American Bad Ass".
Kid Rock would join Metallica on their 2000 Summer Sanitarium Tour along with Korn and System Of A Down.
Kid Rock and Jonathan Davis filled in on vocals for an injured James Hetfield in Atlanta on July 7, 2000.
The History Of Rock was certified double platinum and Kid Rock embarked on 2000s History Of Rock and 2001's American Bad Ass Tour's.
He subsequently raised his son as a single father. In 2000, Rolling Stone reported that Ritchie was dating model Jaime King.
The History Of Rock was certified double platinum and Kid Rock embarked on 2000s History Of Rock and 2001's American Bad Ass Tour's.
American Bad Ass was nominated for the Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance in 2001, losing out to Rage Against the Machine's "Guerrilla Radio".
He was replaced by underground Detroit rapper Paradime. In 2001, Kid Rock filed a lawsuit to gain full control over the Top Dog record label, resulting in his receiving full ownership of the label in 2003. In 2002, Kid Rock covered ZZ Top's "Legs" to serve as WWE Diva Stacy Keibler's theme song; it also appeared on the album WWF Forceable Entry.
He began dating actress Pamela Anderson in 2001 and they became engaged in April 2002, but ended their relationship in 2003.
In 2001, he filed a lawsuit to gain full control over the Top Dog record label, resulting in his receiving full ownership of the label in 2003.
In 2015, following the Charleston church shooting, the Michigan chapter of the National Action Network protested outside of the Detroit Historical Museum which honored Ritchie; activists urged Ritchie to renounce the Confederate flag, which he had displayed in concerts from 2001 to 2006.
The album became a hit, spurred by the crossover success of the single "Picture", a country ballad featuring Sheryl Crow which introduced Kid Rock to a wider audience and was ultimately the most successful single on the album. In support of the album, Kid Rock performed on the Cocky Tour in 2002 and opened for Aerosmith with Run DMC on The Girls Of Summer Tour During this period, Uncle Kracker began his solo career full-time.
He was replaced by underground Detroit rapper Paradime. In 2001, Kid Rock filed a lawsuit to gain full control over the Top Dog record label, resulting in his receiving full ownership of the label in 2003. In 2002, Kid Rock covered ZZ Top's "Legs" to serve as WWE Diva Stacy Keibler's theme song; it also appeared on the album WWF Forceable Entry.
He began dating actress Pamela Anderson in 2001 and they became engaged in April 2002, but ended their relationship in 2003.
Ritchie also founded Kid Rock's Made in Detroit restaurant and bar, which specializes in Southern-style cuisine. In 2002, Ritchie performed alongside Chuck D and Grandmaster Flash in tribute to slain DJ Jam Master Jay.
He was replaced by underground Detroit rapper Paradime. In 2001, Kid Rock filed a lawsuit to gain full control over the Top Dog record label, resulting in his receiving full ownership of the label in 2003. In 2002, Kid Rock covered ZZ Top's "Legs" to serve as WWE Diva Stacy Keibler's theme song; it also appeared on the album WWF Forceable Entry.
Entertainment Weekly described the album's sound as a "blend of low-rider hip-hop and strip-mall heavy metal". His 2003 self-titled album saw his sound shift once again, being described by critics as [rock], swamp rock and outlaw country.
He began dating actress Pamela Anderson in 2001 and they became engaged in April 2002, but ended their relationship in 2003.
In 2001, he filed a lawsuit to gain full control over the Top Dog record label, resulting in his receiving full ownership of the label in 2003.
His performance at the Super Bowl XXXVIII, in 2004, drew criticism from Veterans of Foreign Wars and Senator Zell Miller for wearing the American flag with one slit in the middle, as a poncho; Ritchie was accused of "desecrating" the flag. In January 2005, Ritchie performed at the inaugural address of reelected president George W.
Burnside's final studio album, A Bothered Mind. In September 2005, Kid Rock filled in for Johnny Van Zant, the lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd, on the band's hit "Sweet Home Alabama" at the Hurricane Katrina benefit concert. In 2006, Kid Rock stopped displaying the Confederate flag at his concerts.
His performance at the Super Bowl XXXVIII, in 2004, drew criticism from Veterans of Foreign Wars and Senator Zell Miller for wearing the American flag with one slit in the middle, as a poncho; Ritchie was accused of "desecrating" the flag. In January 2005, Ritchie performed at the inaugural address of reelected president George W.
Burnside's final studio album, A Bothered Mind. In September 2005, Kid Rock filled in for Johnny Van Zant, the lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd, on the band's hit "Sweet Home Alabama" at the Hurricane Katrina benefit concert. In 2006, Kid Rock stopped displaying the Confederate flag at his concerts.
They later reconciled and were married in July 2006.
In 2015, following the Charleston church shooting, the Michigan chapter of the National Action Network protested outside of the Detroit Historical Museum which honored Ritchie; activists urged Ritchie to renounce the Confederate flag, which he had displayed in concerts from 2001 to 2006.
Starting with his 2007 album Rock n Roll Jesus, his musical output has tended to be in the country and rock styles. ==Early life== Kid Rock was born Robert James Ritchie in Romeo, Michigan, on January 17, 1971, the son of Susan and William Ritchie, who owned multiple car dealerships.
In July 2007, Kid Rock was featured in the cover of Rolling Stone magazine for the second time.
In 2007 and 2008, Ritchie toured for the United Service Organizations.
In 2007 and 2008, Ritchie toured for the United Service Organizations.
Also in 2008, Ritchie recorded and made a music video for the song "Warrior" for a National Guard advertising campaign. A philanthropist, Ritchie oversees The Kid Rock Foundation, a charity which raises funds for multiple causes, including campaigns which sent "Kid Rock care packages" to U.S.
During the ceremony, Kid Rock elaborated on his display of the flag, stating, "[I] never flew the flag with hate in my heart [...] I love America, I love Detroit, and I love black people." Kid Rock's publicist announced that 2011 was the year he officially distanced himself from the flag. The following year, Kid Rock performed alongside Travie McCoy and The Roots in honor of the Beastie Boys, during the band's induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Instead of getting paid for the show, he gets a percentage of concession and ticket sales. In 2011, Ritchie was honored by the NAACP, which sparked protests stemming from his past display of the Confederate flag in his concerts.
During the ceremony, Kid Rock elaborated on his display of the flag, stating, "[I] never flew the flag with hate in my heart [...] I love America, I love Detroit, and I love black people." Ritchie's publicist announced that 2011 was the year he officially distanced himself from the flag.
In 2012, Kid Rock performed alongside Travie McCoy and The Roots in honor of the Beastie Boys, during the band's induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In January 2015, Ritchie was criticized by fans for appearing in a photograph holding up a dead cougar that was killed on a hunting trip with Ted Nugent.
One of the songs on the album, "Cucci Galore", introduced Kid Rock's alter ego, Bobby Shazam. In 2013, Kid Rock performed on the "Best Night Ever" tour, where he motioned to charge no more than $20 for his tickets.
Ritchie later claimed that the divorce was due to Anderson openly criticizing his mother and sister in front of his son. In 2014, Ritchie became a grandfather when his son's girlfriend gave birth to a daughter.
Subsequently, after leaving Warner Bros., Kid Rock signed with the country label Broken Bow Records. In 2015, following the Charleston church shooting, the Michigan chapter of the National Action Network protested outside of the Detroit Historical Museum which honored Kid Rock; activists urged Kid Rock to renounce the Confederate flag.
In 2012, Kid Rock performed alongside Travie McCoy and The Roots in honor of the Beastie Boys, during the band's induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In January 2015, Ritchie was criticized by fans for appearing in a photograph holding up a dead cougar that was killed on a hunting trip with Ted Nugent.
In 2015, following the Charleston church shooting, the Michigan chapter of the National Action Network protested outside of the Detroit Historical Museum which honored Ritchie; activists urged Ritchie to renounce the Confederate flag, which he had displayed in concerts from 2001 to 2006.
In September 2016, Ritchie was criticized for allegedly saying "Man, fuck Colin Kaepernick." during a live performance of his song "Born Free". In November 2017, Ritchie fired his publicist, Kirt Webster, after Webster was accused of sexual misconduct.
The same day, the National Action Network protested Chevrolet for sponsoring Kid Rock's tour. On July 12, 2017, Kid Rock shared a photo of a "Kid Rock for US Senate" yard sign on Twitter.
Instead of getting paid for the show, he gets a percentage of concession and ticket sales. In November 2017, Kid Rock fired his publicist, Kirt Webster, after Webster was accused of sexual misconduct. On December 22, 2017, Kid Rock was sued by Ringling Bros.
In November 2017, he became engaged to longtime girlfriend Audrey Berry. Ritchie is an ordained minister and collects guns. === Public image === In 1989, Ritchie became a shareholder of the independent record label Top Dog Records, formed by Alvin Williams and Earl Blunt of EB-Bran Productions, in 1988; Ritchie's investment in the company gave him 25% ownership.
In September 2016, Ritchie was criticized for allegedly saying "Man, fuck Colin Kaepernick." during a live performance of his song "Born Free". In November 2017, Ritchie fired his publicist, Kirt Webster, after Webster was accused of sexual misconduct.
and Barnum & Bailey Circus (which closed seven months earlier) for using their slogan "Greatest Show on Earth" as the name of his 2018 tour.
After the lawsuit, Kid Rock changed the tour's name to American Rock N' Roll Tour. In January 2018, the National Hockey League announced Kid Rock as the headlining entertainer for their January 28 All-Star Game, sparking negative online responses from hockey fans.
On April 6, 2018, Ritchie was inducted into the Celebrity Wing of the WWE Hall of Fame during the weekend of Wrestlemania 34. On November 30, 2019, Ritchie drew controversy after he was recorded making a series of inappropriate statements while intoxicated at his restaurant in Nashville, including rude comments about Oprah Winfrey.
On April 6, 2018, Ritchie was inducted into the Celebrity Wing of the WWE Hall of Fame during the weekend of Wrestlemania 34. On November 30, 2019, Ritchie drew controversy after he was recorded making a series of inappropriate statements while intoxicated at his restaurant in Nashville, including rude comments about Oprah Winfrey.
After receiving major pushback for his comments, Ritchie decided to close the Detroit branch of his restaurant in December 2019, located at the Little Caesar's Arena.
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Page generated on 2021-08-05