Robert James Ritchie, better known as Kid Rock, is an American musician recognized as a singer, rapper, and songwriter. He started his career in the Detroit hip-hop scene and gained mainstream success with a rap rock sound. He later shifted to a country rock performance style. Kid Rock is a self-taught musician, claiming the ability to play every instrument in his backing band. He has also overseen the production of almost all of his albums.
1941: William "Bill" Ritchie Born
In 1941, William "Bill" Ritchie, Kid Rock's father, was born. He owned multiple car dealerships and raised Kid Rock in Romeo, Michigan.
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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. He became an American musician known for blending hip-hop, rock, and country.
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1988: Top Dog Records formed
In 1988, Alvin Williams and Earl Blunt of EB-Bran Productions formed Top Dog Records.
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1988: Clark produced Demos with Kid Rock
In 1988, Clark produced a series of demos with Kid Rock. These demos eventually led to offers from six major record labels, including Atlantic and CBS Records.
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1989: Shareholder in Top Dog Records
In 1989, Kid Rock became a shareholder in an independent record label called "Top Dog" Records. This investment later became a 25% ownership stake.
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1989: Becomes Shareholder of Top Dog Records
In 1989, Kid Rock became a shareholder of the independent record label Top Dog Records, gaining 25% ownership.
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1990: Debut Album Release
In 1990, Kid Rock released his debut album, Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast, on Jive Records, marking the start of his music career as a rapper.
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1990: Signs with Jive Records
In 1990, Kid Rock signed with Jive Records at the age of 17, and released his debut studio album, Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast. Vanilla Ice was allegedly envious of this signing.
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March 1991: Misdemeanor Charges for Alcohol-Related Arrest
In March 1991, Kid Rock faced misdemeanor charges stemming from an alcohol-related arrest in Michigan.
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1991: "Sad but True" Release
In 1991, Metallica released "Sad but True", which Kid Rock sampled in his 2000 song "American Bad Ass".
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1992: Signed with Continuum Records
In 1992, Kid Rock signed with local independent record label Continuum. He met Insane Clown Posse and was featured on their debut album, 'Carnival of Carnage'.
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1993: Recording The Polyfuze Method
In 1993, Kid Rock recorded his second studio album, 'The Polyfuze Method', with producer Mike E. Clark. They worked together to give the album a rock-oriented sound.
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1993: Release of The Polyfuze Method
In 1993, Kid Rock released 'The Polyfuze Method,' which started his development of a more distinctive style, blending rock elements with his hip-hop roots.
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1993: Birth of son, Robert James Ritchie Jr. and breakup.
In the summer of 1993, Kelley South Russell gave birth to Kid Rock's son, Robert James Ritchie Jr. Later in 1993, Ritchie discovered that only one of the two children he believed were his, was actually his. He then raised his son as a single father.
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1994: Rock Band Formation
By 1994, Kid Rock began to incorporate live instrumentation into his performances and formed the rock band Twisted Brown Trucker.
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1996: Release of Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp
In 1996, Kid Rock released 'Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp', showcasing his most rock-oriented sound at that time, further refining his musical style.
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1996: Release of Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp
In 1996, Kid Rock released 'Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp,' his most rock-oriented album to date. He distributed it himself, selling 14,000 copies.
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September 1997: Misdemeanor Charges for Alcohol-Related Arrest
In September 1997, Kid Rock faced misdemeanor charges stemming from an alcohol-related arrest in Michigan.
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1997: Signing with Atlantic Records
In 1997, Jason Flom signed Kid Rock with Atlantic Records. Kid Rock gave him a demo of songs which led to a deal with Atlantic Records, and Kid Rock received $150,000.
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1997: Writes "Cool, Daddy Cool"
In 1997, Kid Rock wrote the song "Cool, Daddy Cool" which included controversial lyrics, performed with Joe C.
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1998: Release of Devil Without a Cause
In 1998, Kid Rock achieved mainstream success with the release of 'Devil Without a Cause', selling 14 million copies and blending hip-hop, country, and rock.
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1998: Sound described by MTV
In 1998, MTV described Kid Rock's sound as having "heavy-metal licks and rap riffs".
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1999: Success of Devil Without a Cause
In 1999, 'Devil Without a Cause' achieved commercial success and Kid Rock performed at MTV VMA and Woodstock 1999. The album sold over 14 million copies.
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1999: Sex tape recorded
In 1999, Kid Rock was recorded in a sex tape that California pornographic film company Red Light District attempted to distribute in 2006.
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1999: "Cowboy" Pioneered Country Rap
In 1999, Kid Rock's single "Cowboy" was released. It is considered a pioneering song in the country rap genre, pushing the boundaries of music.
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May 2000: Release of The History of Rock
In May 2000, Kid Rock released the compilation album The History of Rock, with the single "American Bad Ass".
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2000: Dating Jaime King
In 2000, Rolling Stone reported that Kid Rock was dating model Jaime King.
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2000: Grammy Nomination for Best New Artist
In 2000, despite being in the music industry for over 10 years, Kid Rock was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. This year was also marked by the death of his friend and collaborator, Joe C.
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2000: Describes lyrical themes in Rolling Stone
In a 2000 Rolling Stone interview, Kid Rock explained that a fundamental theme in the lyrics of his songs is that "there's still a lot of good left in people, no matter what they do".
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November 2001: Release of Cocky
In November 2001, Kid Rock released his fifth studio album, Cocky. The album was dedicated to Joe C and became a hit, with "Picture" being the most successful single.
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2001: Displayed Confederate Flag at Concerts
From 2001 to 2006, Kid Rock displayed Confederate flags in his concerts.
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2001: Film Appearances
In 2001, Kid Rock appeared in the comedy film Joe Dirt and voiced a character in the animated film Osmosis Jones. He also recorded "Cool Daddy Cool" for the latter's soundtrack with Joe C. before his death.
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2001: Files Lawsuit for Top Dog Records
In 2001, Kid Rock filed a lawsuit to gain full control over the Top Dog record label.
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2001: Release of Cocky
In 2001, Kid Rock released 'Cocky', an album that continued his blend of hip-hop, country, and rock, further solidifying his unique sound.
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2001: "Cool, Daddy Cool" used in movie
In 2001, the Kid Rock song "Cool, Daddy Cool" was used in the children's movie Osmosis Jones.
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April 2002: Engagement to Pamela Anderson
In April 2002, Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson became engaged.
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2002: Recorded Stacy Keibler's Theme Song
In 2002, Kid Rock covered ZZ Top's "Legs" for WWE Diva Stacy Keibler's theme song. The song was featured on the album WWF Forceable Entry.
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2002: Performs in Tribute to Jam Master Jay
In 2002, Kid Rock performed alongside Chuck D and Grandmaster Flash in tribute to slain DJ Jam Master Jay.
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2002: Cocky Tour and Opening for Aerosmith
In 2002, Kid Rock performed on the Cocky Tour and opened for Aerosmith. Uncle Kracker started his solo career full-time and was replaced by Paradime.
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2002: Release of "Picture"
In 2002, Kid Rock released "Picture", which became one of his best-selling singles, highlighting a shift towards a more country-influenced sound.
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2003: Breakup with Pamela Anderson
In 2003, Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson ended their relationship.
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2003: Gained Full Control of Top Dog Records
In 2003, Kid Rock filed a lawsuit and gained full control over the Top Dog record label.
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2003: Receives full ownership of Top Dog Records
In 2003, Kid Rock received full ownership of the Top Dog record label.
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2003: Self-Titled Album Release and Tribute
In 2003, Kid Rock released his self-titled sixth album, shifting his music further away from hip-hop. He also contributed to a Waylon Jennings tribute album.
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2004: Criticism for Super Bowl XXXVIII Performance
Kid Rock's performance at Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 drew criticism for cutting a hole in an American flag and wearing it as a poncho.
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January 2005: Performs at George W. Bush Inaugural Address
In January 2005, Kid Rock performed at the inaugural address of reelected president George W. Bush, sparking criticism due to the nature of his songs.
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September 2005: Fills in for Lynyrd Skynyrd
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.
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2005: Charged with Assault
In 2005, Kid Rock was charged with assaulting a DJ in a strip club.
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July 2006: Marriage to Pamela Anderson
In July 2006, Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson reconciled and were married.
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2006: Displayed Confederate Flag at Concerts
From 2001 to 2006, Kid Rock displayed Confederate flags in his concerts.
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2006: Lawsuit over sex tape
In 2006, Kid Rock and Scott Stapp filed lawsuits to stop the distribution of a 1999 sex tape.
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July 2007: Rolling Stone Cover
In July 2007, Kid Rock was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine for the second time. The album's third single, "All Summer Long", became a global hit.
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2007: Fistfight with Tommy Lee and Battery Charge
In 2007, Kid Rock got into a fistfight with Tommy Lee at the MTV Video Music Awards and was charged with assault. He was also arrested and charged with battery after fighting with a Waffle House customer.
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2007: Release of Rock n Roll Jesus
In 2007, Kid Rock released 'Rock n Roll Jesus', marking a shift towards a country rock style in his musical output.
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2007: Tours for the USO
In 2007, Kid Rock toured for the United Service Organizations.
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2007: Stopped Displaying Confederate Flag
Kid Rock stopped displaying the Confederate flag at his concerts since 2007.
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2008: "Warrior" for National Guard
In 2008, Kid Rock recorded and made a music video for the song "Warrior" for a National Guard advertising campaign.
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2008: Records "Warrior" for National Guard Campaign
In 2008, Kid Rock recorded and made a music video for the song "Warrior" for a National Guard advertising campaign.
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2008: Release of "All Summer Long"
In 2008, Kid Rock released "All Summer Long", which became one of his best-selling singles and contributed to his growing mainstream success.
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2008: Kid Rock Supports Obama
In 2008, Kid Rock supported newly elected President Barack Obama, calling his election "a great thing for black people."
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2010: Release of Born Free
In 2010, Kid Rock released his country-oriented eighth studio album, Born Free, produced by Rick Rubin, and featuring guest appearances by Sheryl Crow and Bob Seger.
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2011: NAACP Honor and Confederate Flag 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 announced he would distance himself from it.
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2011: NAACP Honor and Confederate Flag Controversy
In 2011, Kid Rock was honored by the NAACP, sparking protests stemming from his past display of the Confederate flag in his concerts.
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2012: Kid Rock Campaigns for Mitt Romney
In 2012, Kid Rock campaigned for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who used his song "Born Free" as his campaign theme.
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2012: Performs in Honor of Beastie Boys
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.
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2012: Beastie Boys Tribute and Rebel Soul Release
In 2012, Kid Rock performed in honor of Beastie Boys and released his ninth studio album, Rebel Soul. He also introduced his alter ego, Bobby Shazam.
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2013: Criticizes Republican Lawmakers
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.
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2013: "Best Night Ever" Tour
In 2013, Kid Rock performed on the "Best Night Ever" tour. He motioned to charge no more than $20 for his tickets.
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2014: Becomes a Grandfather
In 2014, Kid Rock became a grandfather when his son's girlfriend gave birth to a daughter.
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2015: Kid Rock Endorses Ben Carson
In 2015, Kid Rock publicly endorsed Ben Carson for the Republican nomination for President of the United States in the 2016 election.
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2015: Confederate Flag Protests and "Kiss My Ass" Comment
In 2015, following the Charleston church shooting, activists urged Kid Rock to renounce the Confederate flag, which he had displayed in concerts from 2001 to 2006. Kid Rock responded with a dismissive email.
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2015: Detroit Free Press describes Kid Rock's reinvention
In 2015, the Detroit Free Press said that Kid Rock reinvented "his persona from scrappy hip hop street kid to swaggering rock-rap showman."
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February 2016: Kid Rock Approves Donald Trump's Campaign
In February 2016, Kid Rock voiced approval for Donald Trump's campaign for President of the United States.
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September 2016: "Fuck Colin Kaepernick" Allegation
In September 2016, Kid Rock was criticized for allegedly saying "man, fuck Colin Kaepernick" during a live performance of his song "Born Free".
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July 12, 2017: Kid Rock Senate Hoax
On July 12, 2017, Kid Rock shared a photo teasing a "Kid Rock for US Senate" campaign, which later turned out to be a hoax.
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October 2017: Kid Rock Ends Senate Run Speculation
In October 2017, Kid Rock clarified that his potential Senate run was a joke and that he had never intended to run for Senate.
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November 2017: Engaged to Audrey Berry
In November 2017, Kid Rock became engaged to longtime girlfriend Audrey Berry.
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November 2017: Fired Publicist After Allegations
In November 2017, Kid Rock fired his publicist, Kirt Webster, after Webster was accused of sexual misconduct.
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January 2018: All-Star Game Headliner
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.
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March 2018: Joins Lynyrd Skynyrd's Final Tour
In March 2018, Kid Rock joined Lynyrd Skynyrd's final tour before the Southern rock band retired.
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April 6, 2018: Inducted 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.
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September 21, 2018: Greatest Hits Album Release
On September 21, 2018, Kid Rock released his first greatest hits album titled Greatest Hits: You Never Saw Coming.
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2018: WWE Hall of Fame Speech
During his speech at the 2018 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, Kid Rock stated that he wanted to "body slam some Democrats."
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November 30, 2019: Kid Rock's Intoxicated Rant and Controversy
On November 30, 2019, Kid Rock, while intoxicated at his Nashville restaurant, made inappropriate and inflammatory statements about Oprah Winfrey and Joy Behar, sparking controversy.
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December 2019: Kid Rock Closes Detroit Restaurant
In December 2019, following backlash from his November 30, 2019 comments, Kid Rock decided to close the Detroit branch of his restaurant, stating he prefers to be "celebrated, not tolerated."
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March 29, 2020: "Quarantine" Single Release
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.
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June 2021: Kid Rock's Homophobic Slur Controversy
In June 2021, Kid Rock faced controversy for using a homophobic slur onstage during a tirade against fans, later defending his remarks and "reaffirming his love for his homosexual friends."
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November 18, 2021: Releases "Don't Tell Me How To Live"
On November 18, 2021, Kid Rock released "Don't Tell Me How To Live", featuring the band Monster Truck, as the first single from his upcoming triple album. The song features a rap rock sound reminiscent of his Devil Without a Cause album.
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December 17, 2021: Releases "Ala-Fuckin-Bama"
On December 17, 2021, Kid Rock released a cover of Trace Adkins' "Ala-Freaking-Bama", which he titled "Ala-Fuckin-Bama".
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January 25, 2022: Releases "We the People", "Rockin'" and "The Last Dance"
On January 25, 2022, Kid Rock released the single "We the People", which criticizes the media, Anthony Fauci, face masks, COVID-19 restrictions, and Big Tech. He also released "Rockin'" and "The Last Dance" on the same day.
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January 28, 2022: Announces Bad Reputation Tour and mask/vaccination policy
On January 28, 2022, Kid Rock announced that he would not perform at venues that require masks and proof of vaccination on his upcoming Bad Reputation Tour, and would cancel shows at such places.
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March 10, 2022: Announces New Album "Bad Reputation"
On March 10, 2022, Kid Rock announced his upcoming twelfth studio album, Bad Reputation, which includes his five previously released singles.
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June 2022: Kid Rock Defends Controversial Comments
In June 2022, during an interview with Tucker Carlson, Kid Rock stated he had no apologies regarding his controversial statements made on November 30, 2019.
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June 30, 2022: Kid Rock's Anti-Pride Month Meme
On June 30, 2022, Kid Rock posted a meme on Truth Social and Twitter criticizing those who are anti-gun and celebrating Pride Month, leading to accusations of homophobia.
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July 2022: Accusations of Homophobia
In July 2022, Kid Rock faced further accusations of homophobia following his June 30, 2022 meme posted on Truth Social and Twitter.
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January 2023: Collaborates on "No Limits"
In January 2023, Kid Rock collaborated with Fueled by 808, Austin Mahone, and Jimmie Allen on the single "No Limits".
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April 3, 2023: Kid Rock's Bud Light Boycott
On April 3, 2023, Kid Rock posted a video of himself shooting Bud Light cans in protest of their advertising campaign with a transgender influencer, contributing to a significant boycott and sales drop for the brand.
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2023: "Best Night Ever" Ticket Cost (Adjusted for Inflation)
In 2023, the inflation-adjusted equivalent of the $20 ticket price for the "Best Night Ever" tour in 2013 would be approximately $26.
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2023: Equivalent Payment for ICP Album Appearance (Adjusted for Inflation)
In 2023, the inflation-adjusted equivalent of the $600 Kid Rock allegedly demanded for appearing on ICP's album in 1992 would be approximately $1,303, according to Violent J's claim.
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July 18, 2024: Kid Rock Performs at Republican National Convention
On July 18, 2024, Kid Rock performed "American Bad Ass" with modified lyrics at the 2024 Republican National Convention to support Trump.
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2024: Death of William "Bill" Ritchie
In 2024, William "Bill" Ritchie, Kid Rock's father, passed away. He was a significant influence in Kid Rock's life, providing a stable upbringing and a large property where Kid Rock developed his early interests.
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