Childhood and Education Journey of Kid Rock in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Kid Rock, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Kid Rock, born Robert James Ritchie, is an American musician recognized for his versatile career spanning hip-hop, rap rock, and country rock. Starting in Detroit's hip-hop scene, he achieved mainstream success by blending genres. As a self-taught musician, he plays all instruments for his band and has produced the majority of his albums.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1941: William "Bill" Ritchie's Birth

In 1941, William "Bill" Ritchie, Kid Rock's father, was born.

Others born on this day/year

January 17, 1971: Robert James Ritchie Born

On January 17, 1971, Robert James Ritchie, known professionally as Kid Rock, was born. He is an American musician, singer, rapper, and songwriter.

Others born on this day/year

1993: Birth of Son and End of Relationship with Kelley South Russell

In the summer of 1993, Kelley South Russell gave birth to Kid Rock's son, Robert James Ritchie Jr. In late 1993, the couple split up after Ritchie discovered that only one of the three children they were raising together was his. He subsequently raised his son as a single father.

2000: Dating Jaime King

In 2000, Rolling Stone reported that Kid Rock was dating model Jaime King.

2001: Dating Pamela Anderson

In 2001, Kid Rock began dating actress Pamela Anderson.

April 2002: Engagement to Pamela Anderson

In April 2002, Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson became engaged.

2003: End of First Relationship with Pamela Anderson

In 2003, Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson ended their first relationship.

2005: Nashville Home

Since 2005, Kid Rock has considered Nashville as a part-time home, also splitting his time between Michigan and Alabama.

July 2006: Marriage to Pamela Anderson

In July 2006, Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson reconciled and got married.

2007: Meeting Audrey Berry

In 2007, Kid Rock met Audrey Berry not long after he and Pamela Anderson finalized their divorce.

2008: Obama Support

In 2008, Kid Rock supported newly elected President Barack Obama, stating that Obama's election was "a great thing for black people."

2011: NAACP Honor and Confederate Flag Controversy

In 2011, Kid Rock was honored by the NAACP, which led to protests due to his past use of the Confederate flag at his concerts. During the ceremony, Kid Rock defended his use of the flag, stating he never flew it with hate, and that he loves America, Detroit, and black people. His publicist announced that 2011 was the year he officially distanced himself from the flag.

2012: Romney Campaign Support

In 2012, Kid Rock campaigned for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney; the candidate used Kid Rock's song "Born Free" as his campaign theme.

2014: Becoming a Grandfather

In 2014, Kid Rock became a grandfather when his son's girlfriend gave birth to a daughter.

2015: Ben Carson Endorsement

In 2015, Kid Rock publicly endorsed Ben Carson for the Republican nomination for President of the United States in the 2016 election.

February 2016: Trump Campaign Approval

In February 2016, Kid Rock voiced approval for Donald Trump's campaign for President of the United States.

December 2016: "Dumbfuckistan" T-Shirt Controversy

In December 2016, Kid Rock sparked controversy for selling T-shirts supporting Trump at concerts, including one showing a map of the United States which labelled the states which had voted against Trump as "Dumbfuckistan".

July 12, 2017: "Kid Rock for US Senate" hoax

On July 12, 2017, Kid Rock posted a photo of a "Kid Rock for US Senate" yard sign on Twitter. He later clarified that it was a hoax, as he had an upcoming album release and tour. He donated $122,000, raised from merchandise sales, to a voter registration group. He also released the singles "Po-Dunk" and "Greatest Show on Earth" in July.

November 2017: Engagement to Audrey Berry

In November 2017, Kid Rock became engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Audrey Berry.

July 18, 2024: Republican National Convention Performance

On July 18, 2024, Kid Rock performed his song "American Bad Ass" at the 2024 Republican National Convention with modified lyrics to show his support for Trump.

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2024: Death of William "Bill" Ritchie

In 2024, William "Bill" Ritchie, Kid Rock's father, passed away.

March 31, 2025: White House Appearance for Executive Order Signing

On March 31, 2025, Kid Rock was in the Oval Office for the signing of an executive order to help curb ticket scalping and bring "common sense" changes to the way live events are priced.