History of Kid Rock in Timeline

Kid Rock, born Robert James Ritchie, is an American musician recognized for his genre-bending career. Beginning in hip-hop in Detroit, he gained widespread popularity with a rap rock sound before evolving into country rock. Self-taught, he professes proficiency in various instruments and has significant involvement in the production of his albums.

Sections (4)

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

1941: William "Bill" Ritchie Born

In 1941, William "Bill" Ritchie, Kid Rock's father, was born. He later owned multiple car dealerships, contributing to the family's wealth.

January 17, 1971: Robert James Ritchie Born

On January 17, 1971, Robert James Ritchie, known professionally as Kid Rock, was born in Romeo, Michigan. This marks the start of his life and eventual career as a musician.

Others born on this day/year

1988: Formation of Top Dog Records

In 1988, Alvin Williams and Earl Blunt of EB-Bran Productions formed the independent record label Top Dog Records.

1988: Produced Demos with Clark

In 1988, Clark produced a series of demos with Kid Rock that led to offers from six major record labels.

1989: Shareholder in "Top Dog" Records

In 1989, Kid Rock became a shareholder in the independent record label "Top Dog" Records, eventually acquiring a 25% ownership stake.

1990: Released Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast

In 1990, Kid Rock released his debut album Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast on Jive Records, starting his music career as a rapper.

1990: Biggest Rap Star in Detroit

In 1990, after the release of his debut album, Kid Rock became one of the two biggest rap stars in Detroit along with Esham. To promote the album, Kid Rock toured nationally with Ice Cube, D-Nice, Yo-Yo and Too Short.

1990: Signed with Jive Records

In 1990, with the help of D-Nice, Kid Rock, at age 17, signed with Jive Records, which allegedly caused animosity with Vanilla Ice, who felt he deserved the contract more.

March 1991: Misdemeanor Charges in Michigan

In March 1991, Kid Rock faced misdemeanor charges stemming from alcohol-related arrests in Michigan.

1991: Metallica song "Sad but True"

In 1991, Metallica released "Sad but True", which Kid Rock would sample in 2000 for his song "American Bad Ass".

1992: Signed with Continuum

In 1992, Kid Rock signed with the local independent record label Continuum. During this time, he met Insane Clown Posse through Mike E. Clark.

1993: Recorded "The Polyfuze Method"

In 1993, Kid Rock recorded his second studio album, The Polyfuze Method, with producer Mike E. Clark, to achieve a more rock-oriented sound.

1993: Birth of Son and Breakup with Kelley South Russell

In summer 1993, Kelley South Russell gave birth to Kid Rock's son, Robert James Ritchie Jr. They split up in late 1993 when Ritchie discovered that only one of the two children they raised together was his, and he subsequently raised his son as a single father.

1994: Formed Twisted Brown Trucker

By 1994, Kid Rock began to incorporate more live instrumentation into his performances and formed the rock band Twisted Brown Trucker.

1996: Released Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp

In 1996, Kid Rock released Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp, continuing to develop his unique style.

September 1997: Misdemeanor Charges in Michigan

In September 1997, Kid Rock faced misdemeanor charges stemming from alcohol-related arrests in Michigan.

1997: Writing of "Cool, Daddy Cool"

In 1997, Kid Rock wrote the song "Cool, Daddy Cool" which was later used in the 2001 children's movie Osmosis Jones. The song contained controversial lyrics.

1997: Signed with Atlantic Records

In 1997, after Jason Flom attended one of Kid Rock's performances, Kid Rock signed with Atlantic Records, receiving $150,000 as part of the deal.

1998: Released Devil Without a Cause

In 1998, Kid Rock released Devil Without a Cause, his breakthrough album that sold 14 million copies.

1998: MTV on Kid Rock's Sound

In a 1998 piece, MTV described Kid Rock's sound as having "heavy-metal licks and rap riffs".

1999: Filming of Sex Tape

In 1999, Kid Rock and Scott Stapp, lead singer of the band Creed, were filmed partying and receiving oral sex from groupies in a sex tape.

1999: Cowboy Release

In 1999, Kid Rock released "Cowboy", considered a pioneering song in the country rap genre.

1999: Devil Without a Cause Success

In 1999, Kid Rock's album Devil Without a Cause achieved commercial success, becoming certified Gold and Platinum, and Kid Rock performed at Woodstock 1999.

May 2000: Released The History of Rock

In May 2000, Kid Rock released the compilation album The History of Rock, which sampled Metallica's 1991 song "Sad but True", peaking at No. 20.

July 7, 2000: Performed with Metallica

On July 7, 2000, Kid Rock filled in on vocals for an injured James Hetfield and performed with Metallica at their Summer Sanitarium Tour in Atlanta.

2000: Kid Rock's faith in people

According to an 2000 interview with Kid Rock, there is good left in people, and he has a lot of faith in them.

2000: Dating Jaime King

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

2000: Nominated for Grammy

In 2000, despite being in the music industry for over 10 years, Kid Rock was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Also that year, Joe C, friend and collaborator, died.

November 2001: Released "Cocky" Album

In November 2001, Kid Rock released his fifth studio album, Cocky, which was dedicated to Joe C., featuring the hit single "Picture".

2001: Appeared in Films

In 2001, Kid Rock appeared in the comedy film Joe Dirt and voiced a character in the animated film Osmosis Jones.

2001: Start of Relationship with Pamela Anderson

In 2001, Kid Rock began dating actress Pamela Anderson.

2001: Lawsuit for Control of Top Dog Records

In 2001, Kid Rock filed a lawsuit to gain full control over the Top Dog record label.

2001: "Cool, Daddy Cool" in Osmosis Jones

In 2001, Kid Rock's song "Cool, Daddy Cool" was featured in the children's movie Osmosis Jones.

2001: Start of Confederate Flag Display

Kid Rock displayed the confederate flag from 2001 to 2006.

April 2002: Engagement to Pamela Anderson

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

2002: Covered "Legs" for WWE Diva Stacy Keibler

In 2002, Kid Rock covered ZZ Top's "Legs" as the theme song for WWE Diva Stacy Keibler.

2002: Tribute to Jam Master Jay

In 2002, Kid Rock performed alongside Chuck D and Grandmaster Flash in tribute to slain DJ Jam Master Jay.

2002: Cocky Tour and Aerosmith Opening

In 2002, Kid Rock performed on the Cocky Tour and opened for Aerosmith with Run-DMC on the Girls of Summer Tour. Also during this time, Uncle Kracker began his solo career full-time.

2002: Picture Release

In 2002, Kid Rock released "Picture", one of his best-selling singles.

2003: Breakup with Pamela Anderson

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

2003: Full Ownership of Top Dog Records

In 2003, Kid Rock received full ownership of the Top Dog record label as a result of a lawsuit.

2003: Released Self-Titled Album and Tribute

In 2003, Kid Rock released his self-titled album, further shifting from hip-hop, and contributed to a Waylon Jennings tribute album.

2003: Gained Full Control of Top Dog Records

In 2003, Kid Rock won a lawsuit to gain full control over the Top Dog record label, resulting in his full ownership.

2004: Criticism for Super Bowl Performance

Kid Rock's performance at Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 drew criticism from Veterans of Foreign Wars and Senator Zell Miller for cutting a hole in an American flag and wearing it as a poncho; Ritchie was accused of "desecrating" the flag.

January 2005: Performance at George W. Bush Inauguration

In January 2005, Kid Rock performed at the inaugural address of reelected president George W. Bush, sparking criticism from conservative groups, due to singing about "how he sexually exploits every girl and then asks them if he can do it with their moms".

September 2005: Performance with Lynyrd Skynyrd at Hurricane Katrina Benefit

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.

2005: Assault Charge at Strip Club

In 2005, Kid Rock was charged with assaulting a DJ in a strip club.

2005: Nashville as Part-Time Home

Kid Rock has called Nashville a part-time home since 2005, and also splits time between his native Detroit and Alabama.

July 2006: Marriage to Pamela Anderson

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

2006: Lawsuit to Stop Distribution of Sex Tape

In 2006, California pornographic film company Red Light District attempted to distribute a 1999 sex tape in which Kid Rock and Scott Stapp, lead singer of the band Creed, are seen partying and receiving oral sex from groupies; both Rock and Stapp filed with the California courts to sue the pornographers to stop the tape's distribution.

2006: End of Confederate Flag Display

Kid Rock displayed the confederate flag from 2001 to 2006.

July 2007: Featured in Rolling Stone Magazine

In July 2007, Kid Rock was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine for the second time. Also, he released his album, Rock n Roll Jesus, which was his first release to chart #1 on the Billboard 200.

2007: Altercation with Tommy Lee and Battery Charge

In 2007, Kid Rock got into a fistfight with Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee at the MTV Video Music Awards and was charged with assault. A month later, he was arrested and charged with battery after fighting with a Waffle House customer. He pleaded no contest to one count and was fined $1,000, as well as being required to perform 80 hours of community service and complete a six-hour anger management course.

2007: Rock n Roll Jesus Release

In 2007, Kid Rock shifted his musical output towards country rock with the release of his album Rock n Roll Jesus.

2007: USO Tour

In 2007, Kid Rock toured for the United Service Organizations.

2007: Meeting Audrey Berry

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

2007: Confederate Flag Concerts Stopped

Kid Rock stopped displaying the Confederate flag at his concerts in 2007.

2008: National Guard Advertising Campaign

Also in 2008, Kid Rock recorded and made a music video for the song "Warrior" for a National Guard advertising campaign.

2008: Recorded "Warrior" for National Guard

In 2008, Kid Rock recorded the song "Warrior" and made a music video for a National Guard advertising campaign.

2008: All Summer Long Release

In 2008, Kid Rock released "All Summer Long", one of his best-selling singles.

2008: Supported Barack Obama's election

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

2010: Released "Born Free"

In 2010, Kid Rock released his country-oriented eighth studio album, Born Free, which was produced by Rick Rubin and featured guest appearances.

2011: NAACP Controversy

In 2011, Kid Rock was honored by the NAACP, sparking protests due to his past display of the Confederate flag. He stated he never flew the flag with hate and loves America, Detroit, and black people. He distanced himself from the flag that year.

2011: NAACP Honor and Confederate Flag Controversy

In 2011, Kid Rock 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.

2012: Campaigned for Mitt Romney

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

2012: Performance at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

In 2012, Kid Rock performed alongside Travie McCoy and the Roots in honor of Beastie Boys, during the band's induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2012: Beastie Boys Tribute and New Album

In 2012, Kid Rock performed in honor of the Beastie Boys during their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. He also released his ninth studio album, Rebel Soul, introducing his alter ego, Bobby Shazam.

2013: Criticism of Republican Lawmakers in New York

In 2013, Kid Rock criticized Republican lawmakers in New York for passing laws which made it difficult for him to keep concert ticket prices low.

2013: "Best Night Ever" Tour

In 2013, Kid Rock performed on the "Best Night Ever" tour, where he motioned to charge no more than $20 for his tickets (equivalent to $27 in 2024).

2014: Becoming a Grandfather

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

2015: Detroit Free Press on Kid Rock's Reinvention

A 2015 piece by the Detroit Free Press said that Kid Rock reinvented "his persona from scrappy hip hop street kid to swaggering rock-rap showman."

2015: Endorsed Ben Carson for President

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

2015: Protests over Confederate Flag Display and Response

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. He was urged to renounce the Confederate flag, which he had displayed in concerts from 2001 to 2006. He responded by telling protesters to "kiss my ass". The same day, the National Action Network protested Chevrolet for sponsoring Ritchie's tour.

February 2016: Approved of Donald Trump's campaign

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

September 2016: Alleged Criticism of Colin Kaepernick

In September 2016, Kid Rock was criticized for allegedly saying "man, fuck Colin Kaepernick" during a live performance of his song "Born Free".

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

On July 12, 2017, Kid Rock shared a "Kid Rock for US Senate" yard sign on Twitter, later clarifying it was a hoax and donating $122,000 raised from merchandise to a voter registration group.

October 2017: Ended Senate run speculation

In October 2017, Kid Rock ended speculation about a potential Senate run, clarifying that it was a joke and donating the raised funds to a College Republican group.

November 2017: Engagement to Audrey Berry

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

November 2017: Fired Publicist

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

January 2018: NHL All-Star Game Headliner

In January 2018, the NHL announced Kid Rock as the headlining entertainer for their January 28 All-Star Game, sparking negative online responses.

March 2018: Performed on Lynyrd Skynyrd's Final Tour

In March 2018, Kid Rock announced he would perform on Lynyrd Skynyrd's final tour before the Southern rock band retired.

April 6, 2018: Induction into WWE Hall of Fame

On April 6, 2018, Kid Rock was inducted into the Celebrity Wing of the WWE Hall of Fame during the weekend of WrestleMania 34.

September 21, 2018: Released Greatest Hits Album

On September 21, 2018, Kid Rock released his first greatest hits album titled Greatest Hits: You Never Saw Coming.

2018: Speech at WWE Hall of Fame

During his 2018 speech at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, Kid Rock stated that he wanted to "body slam some Democrats."

November 30, 2019: Controversial Statements at Nashville Restaurant

On November 30, 2019, Kid Rock drew controversy after he was recorded making a series of inappropriate and inflammatory statements while intoxicated at his restaurant in Nashville, including about Oprah Winfrey and Joy Behar.

December 2019: Closure of Detroit Restaurant

In December 2019, Kid Rock decided to close the Detroit branch of his restaurant, located at the Little Caesar's Arena, after receiving major pushback for his comments in November.

March 29, 2020: Released "Quarantine" as DJ Bobby Shazam

On March 29, 2020, Kid Rock released his first single under the name "DJ Bobby Shazam", entitled "Quarantine", with proceeds going to fight COVID-19.

June 2021: Controversy for using offensive language onstage

In June 2021, Kid Rock faced controversy for using a homophobic slur during a performance, later defending his remarks while claiming to love his "homosexual friends".

November 18, 2021: Release of "Don't Tell Me How To Live"

On November 18, 2021, Kid Rock released "Don't Tell Me How To Live," featuring Monster Truck, as the first single from his upcoming triple album. The song had a rap rock sound reminiscent of his "Devil Without a Cause" album.

December 17, 2021: Release of "Ala-Fuckin-Bama"

On December 17, 2021, Kid Rock released a cover of Trace Adkins' "Ala-Freaking-Bama," titled "Ala-Fuckin-Bama."

January 25, 2022: Release of "We The People", "Rockin'" and "The Last Dance"

On January 25, 2022, Kid Rock released the single "We the People," criticizing the media, Anthony Fauci, masks, COVID-19 restrictions, and Big Tech. On the same day, he also released the singles "Rockin'" and "The Last Dance".

January 28, 2022: Announcement of Mask/Vaccination Policy for Bad Reputation Tour

On January 28, 2022, Kid Rock announced that he would not perform at venues requiring masks and proof of vaccination for his upcoming Bad Reputation Tour, and would cancel shows at such places.

March 10, 2022: Announcement of "Bad Reputation" Album

On March 10, 2022, Kid Rock announced his upcoming twelfth studio album, "Bad Reputation", which would include his five previously released singles.

June 2022: Defense of Controversial Statements

In a June 2022 interview with Tucker Carlson, Kid Rock said he had nothing to apologize for regarding the incident.

June 30, 2022: Posted controversial meme on social media

On June 30, 2022, Kid Rock posted a meme on Truth Social and Twitter that was seen as homophobic and anti-gun, causing further controversy.

July 2022: Accusations of homophobia

In July 2022, Kid Rock faced further accusations of homophobia after his June 30, 2022 post on Truth Social and Twitter.

January 2023: Collaboration on "No Limits" Single

In January 2023, Kid Rock collaborated with Fueled by 808, Austin Mahone, and Jimmie Allen on the single "No Limits".

April 3, 2023: Bud Light shooting video

On April 3, 2023, Kid Rock posted a video of himself shooting Bud Light cans in response to their partnership with a transgender influencer, leading to a boycott and sales drop.

July 18, 2024: Performance at the 2024 Republican National Convention

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.

2024: Equivalent to $1,344 in 2024

In 1992, Kid Rock demanded $600 to record his guest appearance on ICP's album, equivalent to $1,344 in 2024.

2024: "Best Night Ever" Tickets Equivalent to $27 in 2024

In 2013, Kid Rock performed on the "Best Night Ever" tour, where he motioned to charge no more than $20 for his tickets, which is equivalent to $27 in 2024.