Kid Rock

Background

Robert James Ritchie, professionally known as Kid Rock, is no new name in the rock music industry. Besides music, he has also ventured into business. Ritchie was born on January 17, 1971, in Romeo, Michigan. Through his determination, he became a self-taught musician at a very young age.

Ritchie began his music career under the alias Kid Rock as a D.J. and rapper. He released his debut album “Grits Sandwich for Breakfast” in 1990 under Jive Records. In 1993, he made an independent release, “The Polyfuze Method,” and another one, “Early morning Stoned Pimp.” Two years later, he had a breakthrough album, “Devil Without a Cause,” which sold 14 million copies globally. In 2001, he released a follow-up album, “Cocky,” which was noted for having a blend of country, rap, heavy metal, and rock. Ritchie started hiring pyrotechnics and background dancers for his shows. He gained stage confidence, so much so that he performed dressed as a 1970s pimp with a possibly loaded pistol in his pants.

In the summer of 1993, he became a father and named his son after him, Robert James Ritchie Jr. Ritchie and his spouse Kelley South Russell raised a total of three children together, two of which he believed to be his flesh and blood. The couple split up after Ritchie discovered that only one of the two sons was his. He moved on to date model Jaimie King. Later, he dated actress Pamela Anderson, getting engaged in April 2002. They ended their relationship in 2003. In 2014, Ritchie became a grandfather.