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 known for blending hip-hop, rock, and country influences. He started in the Detroit hip-hop scene and gained mainstream recognition with a rap rock sound before transitioning to country rock. A self-taught musician, Kid Rock claims proficiency in playing all instruments used by his backing band. He has been heavily involved in the production of 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, father of Robert James Ritchie (Kid Rock), was born.

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January 17, 1971: Robert James Ritchie Born

On January 17, 1971, Robert James Ritchie, known professionally as Kid Rock, was born in Romeo, Michigan.

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1989: Shareholder in Top Dog Records

In 1989, Kid Rock became a shareholder in Top Dog Records, an independent record label.

April 2002: Engagement to Pamela Anderson

In April 2002, Kid Rock and actress Pamela Anderson got engaged.

July 2006: Marriage to Pamela Anderson

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

2008: Support for Barack Obama

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

2012: Campaigning for Mitt Romney

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

2015: Endorsement of Ben Carson

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

February 2016: Approval of Donald Trump's campaign

In February 2016, Kid Rock voiced approval for Donald Trump's campaign for the same office.

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

On July 12, 2017, Kid Rock shared a photo of a "Kid Rock for US Senate" yard sign on Twitter, later clarifying it was a hoax and donating funds raised from merchandise to voter registration.

November 2017: Engagement to Audrey Berry

In November 2017, Kid Rock became engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Audrey Berry. The couple met not long after he and Anderson finalized their divorce in 2007.

November 2017: Firing of Publicist

In November 2017, Kid Rock fired his publicist, Kirt Webster, after Webster was accused of sexual misconduct.

March 31, 2025: Visit to the Oval Office

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.