History of Kid Rock in Timeline
Robert James Ritchie, better known as Kid Rock, is a multi-talented American musician. He initially gained recognition in the Detroit hip hop scene before achieving mainstream success with his unique blend of rap rock. Later, he transitioned his musical style to country rock. A self-taught musician, Kid Rock claims proficiency in playing all instruments within his band and has overseen the production of almost all his albums, showcasing his comprehensive musical abilities.
1941: Birth of Kid Rock's Father
William "Bill" Ritchie, Kid Rock's father, was born in 1941.
January 17, 1971: Birth of Kid Rock
On January 17, 1971, Robert James Ritchie, who would become known as Kid Rock, was born in Romeo, Michigan.
1988: Kid Rock's Demo Tapes
In 1988, Kid Rock worked with producer Mike Clark on demo tapes that attracted attention from major record labels.
1988: Top Dog Records Founded
Top Dog Records was founded in 1988 by Alvin Williams and Earl Blunt of EB-Bran Productions.
1989: Becomes Shareholder in Top Dog Records
In 1989, Kid Rock became a shareholder in Top Dog Records, an independent record label founded by Alvin Williams and Earl Blunt.
1989: Kid Rock Invests in Top Dog Records
Kid Rock became a shareholder in the independent label Top Dog Records in 1989, eventually owning a significant stake.
1990: Signing with Jive Records and "Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast"
At 17, Kid Rock signed with Jive Records, releasing his debut album "Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast" in 1990.
1990: Debut Album "Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast"
In 1990, Kid Rock released his debut album, "Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast," with Jive Records, marking his entrance into the music scene.
1990: Meeting Eminem and National Tour
Kid Rock toured nationally with Ice Cube and others, meeting Eminem during in-store promotions in 1990.
March 1991: Misdemeanor Charge
In March 1991, Kid Rock faced a misdemeanor charge stemming from an alcohol-related arrest in Michigan.
1991: (Event unrelated to provided information on Kid Rock, remove to comply with prompt instructions)
(Event unrelated to provided information on Kid Rock, remove to comply with prompt instructions)
1992: Collaboration with Insane Clown Posse
Kid Rock collaborated with Insane Clown Posse on their debut album, "Carnival of Carnage," in 1992, recording the song "Is That You?"
1993: Birth of Son and Relationship Breakdown
In 1993, Kid Rock's long-term on-and-off relationship with Kelley South Russell ended after the birth of their son, Robert James Ritchie Jr., whom Kid Rock raised as a single father.
1993: Recording "The Polyfuze Method"
Kid Rock recorded his second studio album, "The Polyfuze Method," in 1993.
1993: Release of "The Polyfuze Method"
Kid Rock released his second studio album, "The Polyfuze Method," in 1993, showcasing a developing rock influence with producer Mike E. Clark.
1994: Formation of Twisted Brown Trucker
Kid Rock formed the rock band Twisted Brown Trucker in 1994, incorporating more live instrumentation into his performances.
1996: "Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp" Independently Released
Kid Rock independently released his rock-oriented album "Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp" in 1996, further solidifying his evolving sound.
1996: Release of "Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp" and Stage Presence
Kid Rock released "Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp" in 1996 and developed a more elaborate stage presence with lighting, pyrotechnics, and dancers.
September 1997: Misdemeanor Charge
In September 1997, Kid Rock faced a misdemeanor charge related to an alcohol-related arrest in Michigan.
1997: Signing with Atlantic Records
Kid Rock signed with Atlantic Records in 1997 after impressing label head Jason Flom with his music.
1998: Breakthrough with "Devil Without a Cause"
1998 marked Kid Rock's mainstream breakthrough with the release of "Devil Without a Cause," a multi-platinum album that blended hip-hop, country, and rock.
1998: MTV Article Published
In 1998, MTV published a piece on Kid Rock, describing his unique sound as having "heavy-metal licks and rap riffs."
1999: "Devil Without a Cause" Success, MTV VMA Appearance, Woodstock 1999, and The Simpsons
Kid Rock's album "Devil Without a Cause" achieved commercial success, he appeared on the MTV VMAs, performed at Woodstock 1999, and made his voice acting debut on The Simpsons in 1999.
1999: Release of "Cowboy"
Kid Rock released "Cowboy" in 1999, a song considered influential in shaping the country rap genre.
1999: Sex Tape Filmed
A sex tape involving Kid Rock and Scott Stapp was filmed in 1999.
May 2000: Release of "The History of Rock"
Kid Rock released the compilation album "The History of Rock" in May 2000.
July 7, 2000: Performing with Metallica
Kid Rock filled in for an injured James Hetfield of Metallica on July 7, 2000, in Atlanta, performing both Metallica's songs and his own.
2000: Relationship with Jaime King
In 2000, Rolling Stone reported Kid Rock was in a relationship with model Jaime King.
2000: Rolling Stone Interview
In a 2000 interview with Rolling Stone, Kid Rock shared insights into his lyrical themes, highlighting his belief in the good in people and his tendency to use straightforward language in his music.
2000: Grammy Nomination and Loss of Joe C.
Kid Rock was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2000, a year also marked by the loss of his friend and collaborator Joe C.
November 2001: Release of Cocky Album
Kid Rock released his fifth studio album, "Cocky," in November 2001. The album, dedicated to the late rapper Joe C., featured the hit single "Picture" with Sheryl Crow, expanding his audience.
2001: Release of "Cocky" Album
Continuing his success, Kid Rock released "Cocky" in 2001, further solidifying his unique blend of musical genres.
2001: American Bad Ass Nominated for Grammy, Film Appearances, and Collaboration with Joe C.
In 2001, Kid Rock's song "American Bad Ass" was nominated for a Grammy Award. He also made appearances in the films "Joe Dirt" and "Osmosis Jones." Additionally, he collaborated with rapper Joe C. on the song "Cool Daddy Cool" for the "Osmosis Jones" soundtrack.
2001: Relationship with Pamela Anderson Begins
Kid Rock began dating actress Pamela Anderson in 2001.
2001: Start of Confederate Flag Display
Kid Rock began displaying the Confederate flag at his concerts in 2001, a practice that would later spark significant controversy.
2001: Lawsuit for Top Dog Records Ownership
Kid Rock filed a lawsuit in 2001 to gain full control of Top Dog Records.
April 2002: Engagement to Pamela Anderson
Kid Rock and actress Pamela Anderson got engaged in April 2002 after dating for a year.
2002: Tribute Performance for Jam Master Jay
Kid Rock performed alongside Chuck D and Grandmaster Flash in 2002, paying tribute to the slain DJ Jam Master Jay.
2002: Kid Rock Covers "Legs" for WWE
In 2002, Kid Rock recorded a cover of ZZ Top's "Legs" for WWE Diva Stacy Keibler's entrance theme. The song was also included on the album "WWF Forceable Entry."
2002: Cocky Tour and Departure of Uncle Kracker
Kid Rock embarked on the "Cocky Tour" in 2002, supporting his album of the same name. He also opened for Aerosmith and Run-DMC on their "Girls of Summer Tour." This year marked Uncle Kracker's transition to a full-time solo career, leading to Paradime joining Kid Rock's band.
2002: Release of Hit Single "Picture"
In 2002, Kid Rock released "Picture," one of his most successful singles.
2003: Breakup with Pamela Anderson
Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson ended their relationship in 2003.
2003: Gains Full Ownership of Top Dog Record Label
Kid Rock filed a lawsuit in 2003 to obtain complete control of the Top Dog record label. The lawsuit resulted in him gaining full ownership of the label.
2003: Releases Self-Titled Album and Collaborates on Waylon Jennings Tribute
Kid Rock released his sixth studio album, self-titled "Kid Rock," in 2003, which marked a shift away from his hip-hop roots. He also collaborated with Kenny Chesney on a cover of "Luckenbach, Texas" for the Waylon Jennings tribute album "I've Always Been Crazy."
2003: Gains Full Ownership of Top Dog Records
Kid Rock won the lawsuit and gained full ownership of Top Dog Records in 2003.
2004: Super Bowl XXXVIII Performance Controversy
Kid Rock's performance at Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 sparked criticism from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Senator Zell Miller for wearing the American flag as a poncho with a slit in the middle, which they deemed disrespectful.
January 2005: Performance at George W. Bush's Inauguration
Kid Rock performed at the inauguration of re-elected President George W. Bush in January 2005, drawing criticism from conservative groups due to his lyrics.
September 2005: Hurricane Katrina Benefit Concert
Kid Rock filled in for Johnny Van Zant, the lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd, performing "Sweet Home Alabama" at the Hurricane Katrina benefit concert in September 2005.
2005: Assault Charge
In 2005, Kid Rock was charged with assaulting a DJ at a strip club.
July 2006: Marriage to Pamela Anderson
Kid Rock married Pamela Anderson in July 2006 after previously ending their engagement in 2003.
2006: End of Confederate Flag Display
Kid Rock stopped displaying the Confederate flag at his concerts in 2006, though its use during this period continued to draw criticism in later years.
2006: Sex Tape Lawsuit
Kid Rock and Scott Stapp, lead singer of Creed, filed lawsuits in 2006 against Red Light District, a California pornographic film company, to stop the distribution of a 1999 sex tape.
July 2007: Rock n Roll Jesus Tops Charts, Features Hit Single "All Summer Long"
Kid Rock's seventh studio album, "Rock n Roll Jesus," achieved #1 on the Billboard 200 in July 2007. The album, which sold over 5 million copies, included the global hit "All Summer Long," a mash-up of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" and Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London."
2007: End of Confederate Flag Display
By 2007, Kid Rock had already stopped displaying the Confederate flag at his concerts, predating his public distancing from it in 2011.
2007: Altercation with Tommy Lee and Arrest
In 2007, Kid Rock was involved in a highly publicized fight with Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee at the MTV Video Music Awards. Following this, he faced legal trouble again after a fight at a Waffle House, leading to charges and a fine.
2007: Divorce from Pamela Anderson Finalized
Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson's divorce was finalized in 2007.
2007: USO Tour
Kid Rock embarked on a tour for the United Service Organizations in 2007, demonstrating his support for US troops.
2007: "Rock n Roll Jesus" and Country Rock
Kid Rock released "Rock n Roll Jesus" in 2007, marking a shift in his musical style towards country rock.
2008: Support for Barack Obama
In 2008, Kid Rock expressed his support for Barack Obama's election, viewing it as a positive development for Black Americans.
2008: National Guard Collaboration
In 2008, Kid Rock recorded "Warrior" for a National Guard advertising campaign, further highlighting his patriotic stance.
2008: Records "Warrior" for National Guard Campaign
Kid Rock recorded and filmed a music video for the song "Warrior" in 2008 as part of an advertising campaign for the National Guard.
2008: Release of "All Summer Long"
Kid Rock released "All Summer Long" in 2008, another highly successful single.
2010: Releases Country Album Born Free
In 2010, Kid Rock released his eighth studio album, "Born Free." Produced by Rick Rubin, the album had a country music focus and featured collaborations with Sheryl Crow and Bob Seger.
2011: NAACP Honor and Confederate Flag Controversy
Kid Rock was honored by the NAACP in 2011, which drew criticism due to his past use of the Confederate flag at concerts. During the ceremony, he addressed the issue, stating his love for America, Detroit, and Black people, and his publicist announced his official distancing from the flag.
2011: NAACP Honor and Confederate Flag Controversy
Kid Rock's honor by the NAACP in 2011 was met with protests due to his past use of the Confederate flag at concerts. He clarified his stance, stating his love for America and denying hateful intent. This year marked his official distancing from the flag, which he had already stopped displaying in concerts since 2007.
2012: Support for Mitt Romney
Kid Rock actively campaigned for Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election, with Romney even using Rock's song "Born Free" as his campaign theme.
2012: Beastie Boys Tribute and Release of Rebel Soul
Kid Rock joined Travie McCoy and The Roots in 2012 to pay tribute to the Beastie Boys during their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He also released his ninth studio album, "Rebel Soul," aiming for a "greatest hits" feel with new tracks, including "Cucci Galore," introducing his alter ego Bobby Shazam.
2012: Beastie Boys Tribute
Kid Rock joined Travie McCoy and the Roots in 2012 for a performance honoring the Beastie Boys at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.
2013: Criticism of Ticket Pricing Laws
In 2013, Kid Rock expressed his disapproval of New York's Republican lawmakers for passing legislation that he believed hindered his ability to maintain affordable concert ticket prices for his fans.
2013: "Best Night Ever" Tour
Kid Rock went on his "Best Night Ever" tour in 2013, aiming to keep ticket prices affordable at $20.
2014: Becomes a Grandfather
Kid Rock became a grandfather in 2014 when his son's girlfriend gave birth to a daughter.
January 2015: Dead Cougar Photo Controversy
Kid Rock faced backlash from fans in January 2015 after a photo surfaced of him posing with a dead cougar from a hunting trip with Ted Nugent.
2015: Protests and Response to Confederate Flag Display
Following the Charleston church shooting in 2015, the National Action Network protested Kid Rock's honor at the Detroit Historical Museum, demanding he renounce the Confederate flag he'd displayed at concerts from 2001 to 2006. His dismissive response to protesters and continued support from Chevrolet further fueled the controversy.
2015: Endorsement of Ben Carson
In 2015, Kid Rock publicly endorsed Ben Carson for the Republican presidential nomination, showcasing his conservative leanings.
2015: Detroit Free Press Article Published
In 2015, the Detroit Free Press published an article on Kid Rock's career, highlighting his shift from a "scrappy hip-hop street kid to swaggering rock-rap showman."
February 2016: Support for Donald Trump
In February 2016, Kid Rock voiced his support for Donald Trump's presidential campaign, aligning himself with the future president's populist message.
September 2016: Colin Kaepernick Comments
During a September 2016 performance, Kid Rock allegedly made derogatory remarks about Colin Kaepernick, adding fuel to the ongoing national conversation surrounding Kaepernick's protests.
July 12, 2017: Mocked US Senate Run
On July 12, 2017, Kid Rock shared a picture of a "Kid Rock for US Senate" yard sign on Twitter. Though he initially denied running, citing his upcoming album and tour, he later revealed it was a hoax. He donated $122,000 from merchandise sales to a voter registration group.
October 2017: Kid Rock Ends Senate Run Speculation
In October 2017, Kid Rock revealed in an interview with Howard Stern that he never intended to run for the U.S. Senate. He stated that the campaign was a joke, sparked by encouragement from a Michigan state legislator. Despite this, he expressed surprise at the significant interest his potential candidacy garnered.
November 2017: Engagement to Audrey Berry
In November 2017, Kid Rock got engaged to his long-time girlfriend, Audrey Berry, whom he met in suburban Detroit.
November 2017: Fires Publicist Kirt Webster
Kid Rock terminated his professional relationship with publicist Kirt Webster in November 2017, following allegations of sexual misconduct against Webster.
January 2018: Headlines NHL All-Star Game, Sparks Mixed Reactions
The NHL's announcement of Kid Rock as the headlining performer for their All-Star Game in January 2018 was met with negative feedback from some hockey fans, while others, including Jeremy Roenick, defended the choice.
March 2018: Joins Lynyrd Skynyrd's Farewell Tour
Kid Rock agreed to join Lynyrd Skynyrd's final tour in March 2018, alongside other artists such as Hank Williams Jr. and Bad Company, as the Southern rock band announced their retirement.
April 6, 2018: WWE Hall of Fame Induction
Kid Rock's cultural influence was recognized on April 6, 2018, with his induction into the Celebrity Wing of the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania 34 weekend.
September 21, 2018: Releases First Greatest Hits Album
Kid Rock released his first greatest hits compilation, "Greatest Hits: You Never Saw Coming," on September 21, 2018.
2018: Political Views and WWE Hall of Fame Speech
During his 2018 WWE Hall of Fame speech, Kid Rock expressed his desire to "body slam some Democrats," showcasing his often-controversial blend of political views and entertainment persona.
November 30, 2019: Inflammatory Statements and Restaurant Closure
Kid Rock's intoxicated rant in November 2019 at his Nashville restaurant, targeting figures like Oprah Winfrey and Joy Behar, led to significant backlash. The controversy resulted in the closure of his Detroit restaurant and his unapologetic stance on the incident.
December 2019: Detroit Restaurant Closure
Following the controversy surrounding his comments in November 2019, Kid Rock closed his Detroit restaurant, citing a preference for places where he's "celebrated, not tolerated."
March 29, 2020: Releases "Quarantine" as DJ Bobby Shazam
On March 29, 2020, Kid Rock, using the name "DJ Bobby Shazam," released "Quarantine," a single with an old-school hip hop sound. Proceeds were donated to COVID-19 relief efforts.
June 2021: Homophobic Slur Onstage
Kid Rock sparked outrage in June 2021 by using a homophobic slur towards fans filming his performance. His subsequent defense, while claiming to love his gay friends, further fueled accusations of homophobia.
November 18, 2021: Releases "Don't Tell Me How To Live"
Kid Rock released the single "Don't Tell Me How To Live," featuring Monster Truck, on November 18, 2021, as a taste of his upcoming triple album. The song's rap rock style harked back to his "Devil Without a Cause" era.
December 17, 2021: Releases "Ala-Fuckin-Bama"
On December 17, 2021, Kid Rock released his take on Trace Adkins' "Ala-Freaking-Bama," retitling it "Ala-Fuckin-Bama."
January 25, 2022: Releases Politically Charged Single "We the People"
Kid Rock released the single "We the People" on January 25, 2022, featuring lyrics critical of the media, Anthony Fauci, COVID-19 restrictions, and Big Tech, set to the chant "Let's Go Brandon." He also released the singles "Rockin'" and "The Last Dance" on the same day.
January 28, 2022: Announces Intention to Cancel Shows at Venues with COVID-19 Mandates
During the announcement of his "Bad Reputation Tour" on January 28, 2022, Kid Rock stated that he would not perform at, and would cancel shows at venues requiring masks and proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
March 10, 2022: Announces Twelfth Studio Album, Bad Reputation
Kid Rock announced his twelfth studio album, "Bad Reputation," on March 10, 2022. The album, containing his five previously released singles, was released digitally on March 21 and physically on April 6.
June 2022: Unapologetic Stance on 2019 Incident
In a June 2022 interview, Kid Rock remained defiant, expressing no remorse for his inflammatory statements from the 2019 Nashville incident.
June 30, 2022: Anti-Gun Control and Pride Month Comments
On June 30, 2022, Kid Rock posted a meme linking gun control opposition to celebrating the Fourth of July and juxtaposing it with Pride Month, attracting accusations of homophobia.
July 2022: Continued Accusations of Homophobia
Kid Rock continued to face accusations of homophobia in July 2022, following his controversial social media posts in June.
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."
April 3, 2023: Bud Light Boycott
On April 3, 2023, Kid Rock posted a video of himself shooting Bud Light cans, expressing his outrage at their campaign featuring transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. His actions contributed to a significant boycott of Bud Light, highlighting his influence within conservative circles.
2023: (Event unrelated to provided information on Kid Rock, remove to comply with prompt instructions)
(Event unrelated to provided information on Kid Rock, remove to comply with prompt instructions)
2023: Signs with Warner Bros. Records, Releases First Kiss, and Joins Broken Bow Records
Kid Rock signed with Warner Bros. Records in 2023, releasing his self-produced album "First Kiss" which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. He later left Warner Bros. and signed with country label Broken Bow Records.
2024: Death of Kid Rock's Father
William "Bill" Ritchie, Kid Rock's father, passed away in 2024.