Growing up in the small rural town of Romeo, north of Detroit, US, Ritchie found a love for hip hop, finding the music and lifestyle to provide an escape from the banality of small town life, creating his own rap music as well as breakdancing. Influenced by Beastie Boys' fusion of rap and rock, Ritchie developed his own style under the name of Kid Rock, eventually gaining a record contract with Jive Records in 1990, after impressing through a support slot performance for Boogie Down Productions. His debut album, "Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast" arrived shortly after, which was heavily indebted to Beastie Boys "License to Ill," achieving notoriety through the profanity-heavy single, "Yodelin' in the Valley." Kid Rock toured with Too Short and Ice Cube following the album's release, although Jive Records dropped him from their roster shortly after.
A move to Brooklyn, US, helped to reignite his career, signing to Continuum for 1993's "The Polyfuze Method," which moved towards a harder rock sound. The release received mixed reviews yet gave Ritchie the encouragement to continue making music. Another album, "Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp," arrived in 1996, with Kid Rock forming a band shortly after, having returned to Detroit, US. The band featured Joseph Calleja (vocals), Kenny Olson (guitar), Jason Krause (guitar), Jimmy Bones (keyboards), Stefanie Eulinberg (drums), Uncle Kracker (DJ/Turntablist) and Misty Love and Shirley Hayden (backing vocals).
With the rise in popularity of Nu-Metal, Kid Rock received interest from Atlantic Records, who decided to sign the artist for his 1998 release, "Devil Without a Cause." Extensive airplay on MTV helped bolster Kid Rock's popularity, becoming a superstar with a Top Five, Multi-Platinum selling album. Ritchie also became famous for his much publicized relationship with Pamela Anderson, receiving significant interest from the tabloid press.
Kid Rock returned in 2001 with "Cocky," featuring the hit single, "Forever." Rock gained a number one album with "Rock N Roll Jesus" in 2007, selling 172,000 copies in its first week. The hit single, "All Summer Long" became a massive success, a mashup of Lynyrd Skynyrd's classic, "Sweet Home Alabama." 2010's "Born Free" also charted well at number five, an album that featured a number of artists, including Bob Seger, Trace Adkins, Zac Brown, Sheryl Crow and T.I. Kid Rock continued to tour relentlessly, not returning to the studio until 2012, for "Rebel Soul."
Gilbert was originally signed to Colt Ford's label, Average Joe's Entertainment where he released the singles "Modern Day Prodigal Son" and "Halfway to Heaven" alongside others.
Since being signed with Big Machine Records he released two albums, which was a deluxe version of "Halfway to Heaven" and the album "Just As I Am".
In 2009 he released his debut album which was "Modern Day Prodigal Son", which got good recognition in the Country music scene.
In 2011 he did the Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown Tour and Taste of Country Christmas Tour. The following year he headlined for Hell on Wheels.
His singles "Country Must Be Country Wide" and "You Don't Know Her Like I Do" both got to number one on the Hot Country Songs chart.
Gilbert during his career also helped to write the single's "My Kinda Party" and "Dirt Road Anthem" for Jason Aldean.
His second album "Just As I Am" was released in May 2014. The main single was called "Bottoms Up", which reached number one. The second single on the album called "Small Town Throwdown" featured Thomas Rhett and Justin Moore from his record label. The third and popular single on the album was called "One Hell of an Amen".
I LOVE Kid Rock! I have seen him several times, and it never gets old. The energy from a KR show is crazy. The crowd is on their feet the entire show. He really knows how to work a crowd, energize the arena. He performs new music as well as his old school. His band, The Twisted Brown Trucker Band is amazing! They always put on a great show. It doesn't matter if it is a smaller venue, like the Ryman in Nashville, or an outdoor venue like the Beale street music festival. Kid Rock kills it at every event! I can't wait to see him again in August & October! Always a great show! True performer!
Brantley Gilbert put on an amazing show at Jam in the Valley. His music is a perfect balance of rock and country. Songs like "Bottoms Up" and "Kick it in the Sticks" keep the show full of fun and energy. At this particular show he even brought out country star Colt Ford to sing, "Dirt Road Anthem", a song they recorded together that is featured on Brantley Gilbert's second album. Brantley Gilbert's bad boy, "country outlaw" attitude is so much fun to watch as he is performing. He has a way of interacting with the crowd throughout the entire show; whether he is having everyone sing along or coming out to the crowd to shake hands and high five. At one particular point during the show Brantley Gilbert pulled my 8 year old son up on stage to sing "Bottoms Up" with him. Watching Brantley Gilbert singing with him on stage and getting the crowd into the song at the same time was so entertaining. I have seen Brantley Gilbert twice, and to be honest I cannot wait to see him again. I would totally recommend anyone who enjoys music and/or concerts to go to a Brantley Gilbert concert. You will not be disappointed.
I’ve listened to TDR for a couple years now was glad to see the new album which is great. They sound like a great rock band with influences from Hank Jr to Lynyrd S it’s the southern rock we listen to today from the 70 an 80’s with new lyrics an just an awesome rock band the way I think of rock. Something you can dance to slow and fast as well as sing along. Thank You TDR! For keeping rock n Roll alive.