name	Yelawolf
background	solo_singer
birth name	Michael Wayne Atha
birth date	December 30, 1979
origin	Gadsden, Alabama, United States
genre	Hip hop
occupation	Rapper, skateboarder
years active	2005–present
label	Ghet-O-Vision, Shady, Interscope, DGC
associated acts	Eminem, Slaughterhouse, Cyhi Da Prynce, Big K.R.I.T., Travis Barker, Wiz Khalifa, Ed Sheeran
website	Yelawolf Official }}

Michael Wayne Atha (born December 30, 1979), better known by his stage name Yelawolf, is an American rapper. He is currently signed to Shady Records, Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment and Interscope Records. He is currently managed by Jeremy "J Dot" Jones and Courtney Sills, key people of Redd Klay Entertainment.

Raised in Gadsden, Alabama, Atha appeared on the reality series ''The Road to Stardom with Missy Elliott'' and released his independent debut album ''Creek Water'' in 2005. Two years later, Atha signed to Columbia Records and released the single "Kickin'" from his unreleased first studio album, before being released from the label later that same year. From 2008 to 2010, Atha released an extended play and four mixtapes with Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment. ''Trunk Muzik'', Atha's fourth mixtape, was also released by Interscope Records, as an extended play called Trunk Muzik 0-60. In 2011, Atha signed to Shady Records and his debut studio album ''Radioactive'' was released on November 21, 2011 to positive reviews. It entered the Billboard 200 at number 27.

Career[link]

Television[link]

He competed on the 2005 reality series ''The Road to Stardom with Missy Elliott.'' In a December 2010 interview with Canadian music website Exclaim!, he stated that his inspiration is OutKast's André 3000. He was also featured in an episode of Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory, alongside rappers Game, and Pharrell Williams. Yelawolf is an actor in addition to his musical career. In February 2011, he appeared on an episode of ''CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'' along with rapper Paul Wall and singer Christina Milian.

Music[link]

Yelawolf signed to Columbia Records in 2007, and recorded his debut studio album titled ''"Fearin' and Loathin' in Smalltown, U.S.A."'' which was never released, but the single "Kickin'" was released with a music video. Later the same year Yelawolf was released from the label by Rick Rubin. In 2010, he made a guest appearance on Bizarre's ''Friday Night at St. Andrews'', as well as albums by Big Boi, Paul Wall, and Juelz Santana. His mixtape, ''Trunk Muzik,'' was his first project with a major label, and was released on November 22, 2010 under Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment and Interscope Records. Yelawolf was also on Missy Elliott's "Road To Stardom" on UPN. Yelawolf was featured on the cover of ''XXL'''s March 2011 issue, alongside fellow rapper Eminem and fellow new Shady Records signees Slaughterhouse. His first studio album, ''Radioactive'', was released November 21st, 2011. Yelawolf was also featured among ''XXL'''s Top 11 Freshmen of 2011, releasing several songs on the magazine's yearly Freshman mixtape, along with Kendrick Lamar, Cyhi Da Prynce, Big K.R.I.T., and others. Eminem, and Jim Jonsin worked together with Yelawolf, for his debut studio album ''Radioactive'', which was released on Interscope and Shady Records. On April 14, Yelawolf revealed that he will release his upcoming album during early September, with producers that include Eminem, Jim Jonsin, KP, Travis Barker, Chuck Inglish, Diplo, The Audibles, Pooh Bear and WillPower (SupaHot Beats). On May 18, Yelawolf announced his first single off ''Radioactive'' will be titled "Gangsta of Love", featuring Cyhi Da Prynce. On June 10, Yelawolf revealed the release date of ''Radioactive'' in London, England before his first performance, saying that it will be released on October 25. In July 1 "Gangsta of Love" was leaked, it only features vocals by Cyhi da Prynce in the outro of the song. The song was produced by Jim Jonsin. On July 7, Yelawolf announced that the leaked unfinished version of "Gangsta of Love" won't be his first single anymore and will not make the final cut on the album. Yelawolf partnered up with the video game ''Driver: San Francisco'' to put out a new music video for his song "No Hands" taken from debut album ''Radioactive''. The video was filmed in San Francisco, California, directed by Erick Peyton. The video was produced by Complex Magazine. Yelawolf was also hailed as one of Esquire Magazine's Best New Rappers of 2011.

On January 24, 2012, Yelawolf released a track with UK singer/rapper Ed Sheeran, called "You Don't Know (For Fuck's Sake)". The song will appear on an EP entitled 'The Slumdon Bridge', which will be released on Valentines Day 2012. On January 31st 2012, a trailer for the EP was released, showing Sheeran and Yelawolf in the studio. During the video, Yelawolf revealed that the EP was recorded in 10 hours, and has three tracks.".

On March 20, 2012, Yelawolf announced his sophomore album under Shady Records will start recording in June, titled ''Love Story''. Guest appearances include Kid Cudi, Eminem and all members of Black Hippy.

Personal life[link]

On March 2, 2012, Yelawolf was hospitalized for a ruptured spleen, which forced him to cancel a few of his upcoming shows. Atha has four children. Atha frequently references Alabama Crimson Tide in his songs and has stated he is a fan of the football team. He is also friends with fellow rapper Wiz Khalifa, professional skateboarder Paul Rodriguez and drummer Travis Barker.

Discography[link]

; Mixtapes

''Stereo''

''Arena Rap''

''Trunk Muzik''

;Extended Plays

''Trunk Muzik 0-60'' (2010)

;Studio albums

''Creek Water'' (2005)

''Radioactive'' (2011)

''Love Story'' (2012)

;Collaborative albums

''The Slumdon Bridge'' (with Ed Sheeran) (2012)

''Country Cousins'' (with Big K.R.I.T.) (2012)

''Phsyco White'' (with Travis Barker) (2012)

References[link]

External links[link]

Website Official

Website Official Brazilian

Yelawolf Blog

Category:1979 births Category:Living people Category:Interscope Records artists Category:Shady Records artists Category:American people of European descent Category:American rappers Category:Native American rappers Category:American musicians of European descent Category:American people of Cherokee descent Category:American people of Native American descent Category:People from Gadsden, Alabama Category:Rappers from Alabama

da:Yelawolf de:Yelawolf et:Yelawolf fr:Yelawolf hr:Yelawolf it:Yelawolf ja:イェラウルフ no:Yelawolf pl:Yelawolf pt:Yelawolf ru:Yelawolf simple:Yelawolf sl:Yelawolf uk:Yelawolf

Name	Lil Jon|background solo_singer
Birth name	Jonathan Smith
Birth date	January 27, 1971
Birth place	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Instrument	Keyboard, synthesizer, drum machine, sampler
Genre	Hip hop, crunk
Occupation	Rapper, songwriter, DJ, producer, Actor,
Years active	1995–present
Notable instruments	Roland TR-808, OpenLabs NeKo, Clavia Nord Lead
Label	BME Universal RepublicTVTLittle Jonathan Inc.
Associated acts	Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz, Ying Yang Twins, Pitbull, The Mr. Move, Too Short, 8Ball & MJG, E-40, Oobie, Yelawolf, LMFAO }}

Jonathan Smith (born January 27, 1971), better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American rapper, music producer, entrepreneur, and international DJ who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Lil Jon formed the group in 1997, and the group released several albums between then and 2004. He then went solo and released a new album in 2010 called ''Crunk Rock''.

Early life [link]

Lil' Jon was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Frederick Douglass High School.

Career[link]

Early career[link]

After working as a DJ for Atlanta night clubs, he started working for So So Def Recordings between 1993 and 2000. The group signed to the Atlanta-based Mirror Image Records and were distributed by Ichiban Records. In 1997, Lil' Jon & the East Side Boyz debuted with ''Get Crunk, Who U Wit: Da Album''. It included singles "Who U Wit?" and "Shawty Freak a Lil' Sumthin'", the latter of which came out in 1998. Both singles charted on the ''Billboard'' Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs chart at No. 70 and No. 62 respectively. In 2000 Jon took part in starting up his own label BME Recordings and signed a distribution agreement with Norcross, Georgia based Southern Music Distribution. There he released his break through album titled ''We Still Crunk''. Among the tracks on that project was the hit single "I Like Dem Girlz", which reached No. 55 on the R&B; chart and No. 3 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart.

After hearing feedback that Lil' Jon was "the new guy" from street team people in the markets where he was attracting his biggest audiences – namely Atlanta, St. Louis, Memphis and Dallas – A&R; at TVT, Bryan Leach, went to one of his Atlanta shows and was blown away by the immense energy of the experience. Leach told HitQuarters: "It was like early Beastie Boys, when they had the energy of a rock group but they were rapping, and ... that energy is what crunk music is all about." Lil' Jon & The East Side Boyz signed to TVT Records in 2001 and debuted there with ''Put Yo Hood Up'', which combined previously released tracks with new ones. The group's first nationally played single was "Bia' Bia'", which featured rappers Ludacris, Too Short, Big Kapp, and Chyna Whyte. "Bia' Bia'" peaked at No. 97 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and No. 47 on the ''Billboard'' R&B; chart.

In 2002, the group released ''Kings of Crunk''. "I Don't Give A..." was its first single; it featured Mystikal and Krayzie Bone and peaked at No. 50 on the R&B; chart. The group's next single, a collaboration with fellow Atlanta hip hop group Ying Yang Twins titled "Get Low", became popular in nightclubs nationwide and reached the top ten of the Hot 100.''Crunk Juice'' followed in 2004, led by "What U Gon' Do" featuring Lil' Scrappy. "What U Gon' Do" peaked at No. 22 on the Hot 100, No. 13 on the R&B; chart, and No. 5 on the rap chart; its follow-up, "Lovers & Friends" featuring Usher and Ludacris, peaked at No. 3 (Hot 100), No. 2 (R&B;), and No. 1 (rap).

Solo career and production [link]

In addition to leading Lil' Jon & The East Side Boyz, Lil' Jon has also produced many hit urban singles. From 2003 to 2005, while still with The East Side Boyz, Lil' Jon produced hits like "Salt Shaker" by Ying Yang Twins, "Yeah!" by Usher, "Freek-a-Leek" by Petey Pablo, "Shorty Wanna Ride" by Young Buck, "Shake That Monkey" by Too Short, "Let's Go" by Trick Daddy, and "Girlfight" by Brooke Valentine. Lil' Jon entered the San Francisco Bay Area hyphy music scene in 2006 with his collaborations with Bay Area rapper E-40: Lil' Jon produced E-40's single "Tell Me When To Go" and had E-40 and Atlanta rapper Sean P on his own "Snap Yo Fingers". In 2006, Lil' Jon severed his negotiation with record label TVT. He vowed never to record for TVT Records again, alleging that TVT owner Steve Gottlieb was shortchanging him. He also began recording a rock music album, ''Crunk Rock''; in May 2006 he began recording in Las Vegas, Nevada because rock band The Killers was recording its upcoming album ''Sam's Town'' there and the East Side Boyz signed a new deal with Rick Robinson aka Double R CEO and Founder of IMG Recordings, which the album got pushed back to 2013.

MTV News reported in March 2008 that ''Crunk Rock'' was taking more time to complete than Lil' Jon already planned. As part of TVT Records' 2008 bankruptcy auction, Lil' Jon withdrew his multi-million dollar objection to the TVT sale proceedings and agreed to TVT’s transfer of his artist agreement to The Orchard. In return, The Orchard released Lil' Jon from all future obligations and returned the rights to the master recordings of ''Crunk Rock''. Crunk Rock was finally released on June 8, 2010 and it features artists such as LMFAO, Soulja Boy, Ying Yang Twins, Waka Flocka Flame, R.Kelly, and many more. In March 2011, Lil Jon took part in the fourth season of ''The Celebrity Apprentice'' on NBC and was eliminated in the Final Four. In July 2011, in a recent interview has said that he is working on a new studio album called "Party Animal" and has released a song with LMFAO called "Drink".

Musical style and influences [link]

Jason Birchmeier of all music has described Lil' Jon's production as "bass-heavy" and his album ''Put Yo Hood Up'' as having "a long and varied list of guest rappers to accompany the beats". With the guest performers featured on that album much more than the East Side Boyz, Birchmeier remarked: "The end result is an album that resembles a street-level mixtape rather than a traditional artist-oriented album". He was specifically influenced by 2 Live Crew, 8Ball & MJG, OutKast, Geto Boys, UGK, Dr. Dre, and Sir Mix-A-Lot. Alex Henderson, also of allmusic, contrasted Lil' Jon's style of "rowdy, in-your-face, profanity-filled party music" with other Southern rappers', those who "have a gansta/thug life agenda" and those who convey "serious sociopolitical messages". Lil' Jon has also found influence in rock music, having worked with Rick Rubin and Korn. This influence embodies itself in his aggressive delivery and 'yelling' style of rap. He was seen on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of All-Time program wearing a Bad Brains t-shirt and also used to listen to Lynyrd Skynyrd growing up in the South in the 70s. For Trick Daddy's "Let's Go", Lil' Jon sampled the bass line from Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train".

Personal life [link]

In 2004, Lil Jon was married in Puerto Rico. He also has a son named Slade Smith (born in 1998).

Discography [link]

;Solo

''Crunk Rock'' (2010)

''Party Animal'' (TBA)

;With the East Side Boyz

''Get Crunk, Who U Wit: Da Album'' (1997)

''We Still Crunk!!'' (2000)

''Put Yo Hood Up'' (2001)

''Kings of Crunk'' (2002)

''Crunk Juice'' (2004)

Video games [link]

:Tony Hawk's American Wasteland

25 To Life (cameo appearance)

Def Jam: Icon

Need for Speed: Underground "Get Low (song)" song is featured in this game

Def Jam: Icon "Get Low (song)" song in this Game

Filmography [link]

2004: ''Soul Plane''

2005: ''Boss'n Up''

2005: ''Hip-Hop Honeys: Las Vegas''

2006: ''Date Movie''

2006: ''Scary Movie 4''

2007: ''Class of 3000''

2008: ''Smoke and Mirrors''

2009: ''Pimp My Ride International''

2010: ''Freaknik: The Musical'' (voice only)

2011: ''The Celebrity Apprentice 4''

Television Shows [link]

Chappelle's Show (2004) Wild 'n Out (2006)

See also [link]

List of celebrities who own wineries and vineyards

References [link]

External links [link]

Category:1971 births Category:Living people Category:African-American businesspeople Category:African American rappers Category:American dance musicians Category:American hip hop record producers Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Hip hop DJs Category:Crunk musicians Category:Participants in American reality television series Category:Pseudonymous rappers Category:Rappers from Atlanta, Georgia Category:The Apprentice (U.S. TV series) contestants Category:TVT Records artists Category:Universal Records artists Category:Southern hip hop musicians

ar:Ù„Ù?Ù„ جون be:Lil Jon bg:Лил Джон cs:Lil Jon da:Lil Jon de:Lil Jon es:Lil' Jon fa:لیل جان fr:Lil' Jon ko:릴 ì¡´ hr:Lil Jon it:Lil Jon he:ליל ×’'ון hu:Lil Jon nl:Lil' Jon ja:リル・ジョン pl:Lil Jon pt:Lil Jon ro:Lil Jon ru:Lil Jon simple:Lil Jon fi:Lil Jon sv:Lil Jon th:ลิล จอน tr:Lil Jon uk:Ліл Джон zh:Lil Jon

name	Gucci Mane
background	solo_singer
birth name	Radric Davis
birth date	February 02, 1980
Birth place	Birmingham, Alabama
origin	Atlanta, Georgia, United States
genre	Southern hip hop, gangsta rap
occupation	Rapper
years active	2005 – present
label	1017 Brick Squad Records, Asylum, Warner Bros.
associated acts	1017 Brick Squad, Young Money, V-Nasty, Yo Gotti, Soulja Boy, Plies, Usher, Young Jeezy, E-40, French Montana, Maino, Jadakiss, CTE, Lil' Kim, Birdman
website
notable instruments	}}

Radric Davis (born February 2, 1980), better known by his stage name Gucci Mane, is an American rapper. He debuted in 2005 with ''Trap House'' and followed with albums such as ''Hard to Kill'' in 2006, ''Trap-A-Thon'' and ''Back to the Trap House'' in 2007. In 2009, his second studio album ''The State vs. Radric Davis'' was released, and ''The Appeal: Georgia's Most Wanted'' was released in 2010, and is his highest charting album so far. Gucci Mane has released many other mixtapes and independent albums as well.

While serving a six-month jail term for assault in late 2005, Davis was charged with murder, though the charges were later dropped due to a lack of evidence. In 2009, he served a year-long county jail sentence for violating probation for his 2005 aggravated assault conviction.

Biography[link]

Early life[link]

Davis was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and later moved with his single mother to Atlanta. He enjoyed writing poetry as a child, and began rapping at age 14.

2005–2006: ''Trap House'' and ''Hard to Kill''[link]

In 2005, Davis released his independent debut album entitled ''Trap House'', which featured the successful single "Icy" with Young Jeezy. Disputes over the rights to this single caused a rift between the two artists. ''Hard to Kill'' followed in 2006. ''Hard To Kill'' included the hit single "Freaky Gurl". The song peaked at number 12 on the Hot Rap Tracks, number 19 on the Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs, and at number 62 on the Hot 100.

2007: ''Back to the Trap House''[link]

The official remix of Freaky Gurl featuring Ludacris and Lil Kim was included on his 2007 commercial debut album ''Back to the Trap House''. Gucci Mane appeared on OJ da Juiceman's "Make Tha Trap Say Aye" and began working on various mixtapes. Gucci Mane signed to Warner Bros. Records in May 2009.

2009–2010: ''The State vs. Radric Davis''[link]

He appeared on remixes of the songs "Boom Boom Pow" by The Black Eyed Peas, "Obsessed" by Mariah Carey and "5 Star Chick" by Yo Gotti and made a guest appearance on Mario's "Break Up" (he has made 17 guest appearances total in 2009). Gucci Mane's second studio album ''The State vs. Radric Davis'' was released under the label Warner Bros. Records on December 8, 2009. Its first single, "Wasted" featuring Plies, was originally from Mane's 2009 mixtape ''Writing on the Wall''. It peaked at number 36 on the Hot 100, number 3 on the Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs, and number 3 on the Rap Songs making it Gucci Mane's most successful single to date. The second single is "Spotlight" featuring Usher. The third single is "Lemonade". The fourth single is "Bingo", featuring Waka Flocka Flame and Soulja Boy Tell 'Em. On October 2, 2009, Gucci Mane was listed at number 6 on MTV's annual Hottest MC in the Game list.

2010–present: ''The Appeal: Georgia's Most Wanted'' and other projects[link]

After being released from jail, Gucci Mane stated that he would start or change the label name from So Icey Entertainment to 1017 Brick Squad Records. ''The Appeal: Georgia's Most Wanted'', was released on September 28, 2010. The first single from this release was titled "Gucci Time", produced by Swizz Beatz. It premiered on Gucci Mane's official MySpace page on August 6. The single also features Swizz Beatz and was released to US urban radio stations on August 24, 2010.

On March 18, 2011, Gucci Mane released his 10th EP, ''The Return of Mr. Zone 6'', mostly produced by Drumma Boy. It debuted at #18 on the Billboard 200, and is his highest charting EP. The album also debuted at #2 on the Rap albums chart and #8 on the R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums chart. He also released a collaboration album with Waka Flocka Flame named ''Ferrari Boyz'' on August 5, Gucci's first collaboration album. It's first single is "She Be Puttin On" featuring late-fellow Brick Squad labelmate Slim Dunkin. ''Ferrari Boyz'' debuted at #21 on the ''Billboard'' 200. Gucci Mane released another collaboration album, this time with rapper V-Nasty, called ''BAYTL'', on December 13. The album's first single is "Whip Appeal" featuring P2theLA. Three days after the album's release, while traveling to the video shoot of "Push Ups", a song from ''BAYTL'' featuring Slim Dunkin, the latter got into an argument with another person who shot Dunkin dead at an Atlanta recording studio. On February 5, 2012, Gucci Mane released his ''Trap Back'' mixtape. It features guest appearances from Yo Gotti, Rocko, Waka Flocka Flame, Jadakiss, 2 Chainz, and Future, the latter three recently appearing on Young Jeezy's third studio album ''Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition''. The first single is the mixtape's title track. Music videos have been filmed for the songs "Quiet", "Face Card", "In Love With a White Girl" featuring Yo Gotti, "Chicken Room" featuring Rocko, and the title track, and "Sometimes" featuring Future. ''Trap Back'' has been met with positive reviews so far, scoring a 7.8 from Pitchfork Media, a 7.5 from AllHipHop, and an "L" from ''XXL''.

Legal issues[link]

2001[link]

In April 2001, Davis was arrested on cocaine charges and sentenced to 90 days in county jail.

2005[link]

On May 10, 2005, Davis was attacked by a group of men at a house in Decatur, Georgia. Davis and his companions shot at the group, killing one. The corpse of one of the attackers, Pookie Loc, was found later behind a nearby middle school. Davis turned himself in to police investigators on May 19, 2005, and was subsequently charged with murder. Davis claimed that the shots fired by him and his party were in self-defense. The DeKalb County district attorney's office dropped the murder charge in January 2006 due to insufficient evidence. The previous October, in an unrelated matter, Davis had pleaded no contest to a charge of aggravated assault for assaulting a nightclub promoter the previous June; at the time the murder charge was dropped, he was serving a six-month county jail sentence for this. Davis was released from jail in late January 2006.

2008[link]

In September 2008, Gucci Mane was arrested for a probation violation for completing only 25 out of 600 community service hours following his 2005 arrest for aggravated assault. He was sentenced to a year in the county jail but was released after six months. He was incarcerated in the Fulton County jail for probation violation and released on May 12, 2010.

2010[link]

On November 2, 2010, Gucci Mane was arrested for driving on the wrong side of the road, running a red light or stop sign, damage to government property, obstruction, no license, no proof of insurance and other traffic charges. He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital.

2011[link]

On January 4, 2011, A judge in the Superior Court of Georgia’s Fulton County ordered rapper Gucci Mane to a psychiatric hospital, according to court documents. The documents reveal that his lawyers filed a Special Plea of Mental Incompetency on Dec. 27 arguing that he is unable “to go forward and/or intelligently participate in the probation revocation hearing.�

On September 13, 2011, Davis was given a six month county jail sentence after pleading guilty to two counts of battery, two counts of reckless conduct and one count of disorderly conduct.

Discography[link]

Studio albums[link]

2007: ''Back to the Trap House''

2009: ''The State vs. Radric Davis''

2010: ''The Appeal: Georgia's Most Wanted''

Collaboration albums[link]

2011: ''Ferrari Boyz'' (with Waka Flocka Flame)

2011: ''BAYTL'' (with V-Nasty)

EPs[link]

2009: ''Wasted: The Prequel''

Compilation albums[link]

2008: ''Hood Classics''

Independent albums[link]

2001: ''La Flare''

2005: ''Trap House''

2006: ''Hard to Kill''

2007: ''Trap-A-Thon''

2009: ''Murder Was the Case''

2011: ''The Return of Mr. Zone 6''

Mixtapes[link]

2006: ''Chicken Talk''

2007: ''Bird Flu (Southern Slang)''

2007: ''Ice Attack''

2007: ''Ice Attack: Part 2''

2007: ''No Pad, No Pencil''

2008: ''EA Sportscenter''

2008: ''Gucci Sosa''

2008: ''Mr. Perfect''

2008: ''The Movie''

2009: ''Bird Flu: Part 2''

2009: ''The Movie: Part 2 (The Sequel)''

2009: ''Guccitendo''

2009: ''Writing's On the Wall''

2009: ''The Burrrprint: 3D (The Movie: Part 3)''

2009: ''The Cold War: Part 1 (Guccimerica)''

2009: ''The Cold War: Part 2 (Great Brrritain)''

2009: ''The Cold War: Part 3 (Brrrussia)''

2010: ''Mr. Zone 6''

2010: ''Jewelry Selection''

2010: ''Gucci Classics''

2010: ''Ferrari Music''

2010: ''Buy My Album''

2010: ''Burrrprint (2) HD''

2011: ''Gucci 2 Time''

2011: ''Writing's On the Wall 2''

2012: ''Trap Back''

2012: ''I'm Up''

Collaboration mixtapes[link]

2007: ''Guapaholics'' (with Shawty Lo)

2008: ''Definition Of A G'' (with Yo Gotti)

2011: ''Brick Squad Mafia'' (with 1017 Brick Squad)

2011: ''Free Bricks'' small>(with Future)

References[link]

External links[link]

Category:1980 births Category:Living people Category:African American rappers Category:American people convicted of assault Category:Asylum Records artists Category:People convicted of drug offenses Category:People from Birmingham, Alabama Category:Rappers from Alabama Category:Rappers from Atlanta, Georgia Category:Warner Bros. Records artists

de:Gucci Mane es:Gucci Mane fr:Gucci Mane ko:구치 메� hr:Gucci Mane it:Gucci Mane hu:Gucci Mane ja:グッ�・メイン pl:Gucci Mane pt:Gucci Mane ru:Gucci Mane simple:Gucci Mane fi:Gucci Mane sv:Gucci Mane

Name	Kid Rock
Landscape	Yes
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Robert James Ritchie
Birth date	January 17, 1971
Birth place	Romeo, Michigan, U.S.
instrument	vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, banjo, slide guitar, steel guitar, lap steel guitar, pedal steel guitar, dobro, keyboards, piano, organ, mellotron, synthesizers, turntables, drums, percussion, talkbox
Genre	Rock, hip hop, rap rock, rap metal, heavy metal, southern rock, blues
Occupation	Musician, singer-songwriter, actor, rapper
Years active	1988–present
Associated acts	Uncle Kracker, Joe C., Champtown, Yelawolf, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Martina McBride, R. Kelly, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Too Short, Ice Cube, Chuck Nice, Run-D.M.C., Aerosmith, Ludacris, Eminem, Methods of Mayhem, LL Cool J, Esham, Hank Williams Jr., The Howling Diablos, T.I., Bob Seger, Zac Brown, Gretchen Wilson, Robert Bradley, Diana Ross, Dope, Monster Magnet, Hed PE, D Nice, Yo-Yo, Limp Bizkit, Staind, Blink-182, Powerman 5000, Professional Murder Music, Metallica, Sevendust, Creed, Korn, System of Down, Buckcherry, Fuel, David Allen Coe, Lit, Tenacious D, Saliva, Puddle of Mudd, Gov't Mule, Jerry Cantrell, Peter Frampton, Whitestarr, Dicky Betts, Peter Wolf, Bon Jovi, Paradime, Allison Moorer, Osama bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahiri, Mohammed Omar, Pamela Anderson
Label	Atlantic, Jive, Top Dog
Website	}}

Robert James "Bob" Ritchie (born January 17, 1971), known by his stage name Kid Rock, is an American singer-songwriter, musician, multi-instrumentalist and rapper with five Grammy Awards nominations. Kid Rock released several studio albums that mostly went unnoticed before his 1998 record ''Devil Without a Cause'', released with Atlantic Records, sold 11 million albums behind the hits, "Bawitdaba", "Cowboy", and "Only God Knows Why". In 2000, he released ''The History of Rock,'' a compilation of remixed and remastered versions of songs from previous albums as well as the hit single, "American Bad Ass" and the previously unreleased "Abortion".

Kid Rock released the follow-up in 2001, ''Cocky''. After a slow start, his country-flavored hit "Picture" with Sheryl Crow resurrected the album and it went gold as a single and pushed the album's sales over 5 million. It was followed by 2003's self-titled release, which went platinum in the USA and reached No. 8 on the Billboard charts. In 2006 he released ''Live Trucker'', a greatest hits live album that went mostly unnoticed.

He made his comeback in 2007. Kid Rock released ''Rock n Roll Jesus'', which produced a hit in "All Summer Long". It was his first worldwide smash hit, charting No. 1 in eight countries across Europe and in Australia. ''Rock N Roll Jesus'' sold 5 million albums worldwide and was certified triple platinum in the U.S. He released ''Born Free'' on November 16, 2010. It was announced on June 16, 2011 that "Born Free" was certified platinum by the 'Recording Industry Association Of America' (RIAA) for selling more than one million copies. This gives Kid Rock his sixth Platinum album certification and gives him a career tally of 23 million albums sold.

His sales are not aided by iTunes, as he has boycotted sales of his music on the service. This also affects his singles' chart positions without digital downloads added in (for example, "All Summer Long" only peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100). The only Kid Rock album available on iTunes is "Grits Sandwiches For Breakfast" because Jive Records owns the rights to the album.

Early life[link]

Robert James "Bob" Ritchie was born on January 17, 1971 in Romeo, Michigan to William "Bill" Ritchie, a car dealer who owned several local dealerships, and Susan Ritchie. His family also owned a six-acre orchard and Ritchie regularly helped pick apples and cared for the family's horses. He has three siblings: two are older, brother William "Billy" Ritchie and sister Carol Ritchie; and one is younger, sister Jill Ritchie who is an actress. Ritchie found small-town life dull; he became interested in rap music, learned how to breakdance and participated in talent shows in the Detroit area. At age eleven he joined a breakdance crew called the Furious Funkers, and taught himself to work a cheap belt-driven turntable. In high school, Ritchie DJed at parties for beer. He eventually joined Bo Wisdom of Groove Time Productions, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan to perform basement parties for thirty dollars a night. He was then given his stage name; club goers dubbed him "Kid Rock" after they had enjoyed watching "that white kid rock."

Ritchie eventually ran away to Mt Clemens at 15 and stayed with his friend Chris Pouncy. He was forced to sell drugs out of a car wash he worked at by a local drug gang known as the "Best Friends". A man in the neighborhood, angered by the actions, organized a rap group to keep the neighborhood kids out of trouble. It was composed of The Blackman (founder of the group), Champtown, KDC, Chris "Doc Roun-Cee" Pouncy and Bob. They were known as "The Beast Crew". Rock befriended producer D-Nice of the legendary hip-hop group Boogie Down Productions. When Rock opened for BDP one night, D-Nice invited an A&R; representative from Jive Records to see him perform. This meeting led to a demo deal, which developed into a full record contract.

Against his parents' wishes, Rock signed the deal at age seventeen. Despite his new record deal, he had a falling out with The Beast Crew when he signed over fellow member Champtown (the two have become friends again since). They left his vocals on the tracks of their debut underground album "Chapter 1: He Don't Want Us No More," against his wishes. Rock later became part of the Straight From The Underground Tour alongside several heavyweights of rap including Ice Cube, Too Short, D-Nice, Mac Dre, and Yo-Yo.

Career[link]

Early career [link]

On December 30, 1990 Kid Rock released his debut album ''Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast''. As noted by Insane Clown Posse member Violent J, this album made Kid Rock one of the two biggest rap stars in Detroit in 1990, along with local independent rapper Esham. Though Jive Records did not push the album it gained infamy when radio station WSUC-FM (90.5) of Cortland, NY was fined $23,700 by the FCC for playing the song Yo Da-Lin In the Valley then the largest fine against a radio station. Kid Rock's career had begun to decline towards the end of 1990. Jive Records released Kid Rock from his contract in 1991. Once back in Detroit he became friends with Uncle Kracker after battling his brother in a freestyle rapping competition; Uncle Kracker became Kid Rock's DJ.

In late 1991 Kid Rock was picked up by an independent record label called Continuum Records. Though Insane Clown Posse's Violent J disliked Kid Rock's rapping style, he paid Kid Rock to appear on Insane Clown Posse's first album, ''Carnival of Carnage'' in 1992, in an attempt to gain notice for the album. Kid Rock showed up to record the song "Is That You?" intoxicated, but re-recorded his vocals and record scratching the following day. In March 1993, Continuum released his second album ''The Polyfuze Method'', which featured a more rap rock-oriented sound with Kid Rock teaching himself how to play several different instruments including guitar, drums, keyboard and organ. The album saw some local college radio success at Central Michigan University with the tracks "Back From The Dead" and "Balls In Your Mouth". He released "U Don't Know Me" as the first single from the album, but it failed to chart, and the music video received little airplay on major music video channels. Kid Rock re-released "Back From The Dead" as a single to mainstream radio, but that too failed as a single. The album has sold around 15,000 copies.

He released an EP called ''Fire It Up'' in December 1993. The EP featured the song "I Am the Bullgod" which wouldn't be a hit until six years later. Continuum didn't see a future with Kid Rock after this and released him from his contract in 1994.

He moved back to Detroit where his on again off again relationship with Kelly South resulted in a son Robert James Ritchie Jr. Kid Rock released monthly demo tapes dubbed The Bootleg Series which featured demos of him and other up-and coming rappers and garage rock bands in the Detroit area. Around the same time Kid Rock formed his back up band Twisted Brown Trucker, later recruiting Joseph "Joe C." Calleja whom he met at a 1994 concert as part of the group. In 1995 Rock took a job as a janitor at Whiterooms Studios to pay studio fees. When he wasn't working, Kid Rock recorded the material that eventually made up his fourth album ''Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp'', which Rock released on his own label Top Dog Records. During the recording process he met piano player Jimmie Bones who joined the band soon after. The album was released on February 12, 1996. A loan from his father aided the release and Kid Rock sold 6,000 copies from the trunk of his car including after his concerts.

Lava/Atlantic Records A&R; man Andy Karp was interested, after seeing Kid Rock in Cleveland in December 1996 and again in March 1997. Following a two song demo tape containing "Somebody's Gotta Feel This" and "I Got One For Ya" [Jason Flom] supported Karp in signing Kid Rock for $100,000. However, when recording sessions began Atlantic wanted more of a rock sound and didn't initially like "Cowboy," "Devil Without A Cause" and "Only God Knows Why." They asked Rock to take out the "I'm going platinum" line on the tile track's chorus but he refused. The conflict slowed down production, however ''Devil Without a Cause'' was completed on schedule with Rock mostly playing all the instruments himself.

''Devil Without a Cause'' to ''Cocky'' (1997–2002)[link]

In 1997, Kid Rock added drummer/vocalist Stefanie Eulinberg to his band, joining Kenny Olson, Jason Krause, Jimmie Bones, Uncle Kracker, Misty Love, Shirley Hayden and Joe C.. On August 18, 1998, Atlantic released ''Devil Without a Cause'' behind the single "Welcome 2 The Party." Kid Rock went on the Vans Warped Tour to support the album, performing one of his first New York City shows at Luna Lounge on the Lower East Side during the CMJ convention.

Sales of "Welcome 2 The Party" and ''Devil'' were slow, though the 1998 Warped Tour in Northampton, Massachusetts stimulated regional interest in Massachusetts and New England. This led to substantial airplay in the summer and fall of 1998 on rock staples in Massachusetts WZLX and WAAF for the single "I Am The Bullgod." In December 1998, while DJ'ing at a club he met and became friends with MTV host Carson Daly. He performed on ''MTV Fashionably Loud'' in Miami, then on MTV's ''Wanna B A VJ'' doing "My Name Is Rock" and was the DJ for ''TRL'' on the Spring Break Special as well as a judge on ''Say What Karaoke''. This raised his profile so by April 1999 ''Devil Without a Cause'' had achieved a gold disc. In May 1999 the single "Bawitdaba" off the album was released to radio outlets, and by June, ''Devil'' had gone platinum. Kid Rock went on his first major tour, Limptropolis, with Limp Bizkit and Staind. By the time he made his career defining performance at Woodstock 1999 on July 24, 1999, he was double platinum. The following single "Cowboy" was an even bigger hit. It was a mix of southern rock, country and rap that made the Top 40. Rock's next single, the rock ballad "Only God Knows Why", was the biggest hit off the album charting at No 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. By the time the final single "Wasting Time" was released the album had sold 7 million albums, ''Devil Without A Cause'' was certified 11 times platinum by the RIAA on April 17, 2003.

Rock was nominated as Best New Artist at the 2000 Grammy Awards, but lost to Christina Aguilera. He was nominated for "Bawitdaba" for Best Hard Rock Performance, but lost to Metallica's "Whiskey in the Jar."

After reacquiring the rights to his early material in 2000, Rock released ''The History of Rock'', a collection of remixed and re-recorded songs from ''The Polyfuze Method'' and ''Early Mornin Stoned Pimp''. "American Bad Ass", one of two new tracks, was released as a single. It sampled the Metallica track "Sad But True".

On May 27 Kid Rock appeared on ''Saturday Night Live'' performing "American Bad Ass" and an acoustic version of "Only God Knows Why" that featured Phish's Trey Anastasio. Kid Rock joined Phish later in the year in Las Vegas, Nevada, for a set of cover songs.

A 2000 tour in which David Allan Coe performed as an opening act for Kid Rock was the subject of criticism from journalist Neil Strauss, who alleged that Coe's songs were racist.

From June 30 to August 22, 2000, Kid Rock joined the Summer Sanitarium Tour with Metallica, Korn, Powerman 5000, and System of a Down. Kid Rock filled in for James Hetfield of Metallica, singing vocals on the songs "Enter Sandman", "Sad But True", and "Nothing Else Matters" and the turntables for "Fuel", for three shows after Hetfield injured his spine riding a jet ski on Lake Lanier the day before the July 7 Atlanta concert.

On November 16, 2000 Joseph "Joe C" Calleja died in his sleep from Coeliac disease in Taylor, MI. The disease stunted his growth and forced him to take 60 pills a day. Joe C's final song was "Cool Daddy Cool" for the ''Osmosis Jones'' soundtrack. The band made a cameo in the movie as the band playing in the club scene. Kid Rock was referred to as Kidney Rock to go along with the cartoon aspect of being a cell in the body of Frank played by Bill Murray.

In early 2001, Rock inducted Aerosmith into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and performed "Sweet Emotion" at the induction ceremony. The same year, Rock landed his first acting role in the David Spade white trash comedy ''Joe Dirt''. His character was Robbie a redneck bully to Joe Dirt who was chasing after Joe's unaware love interest Brandy.

"American Bad Ass" was nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance at the 2001 Grammy Awards. Losing out to Rage Against The Machine's "Guerilla Radio". ''The History of Rock'' would go on to be certified double platinum.

In November, Kid Rock blessed us with ''Cocky'', which was marketed as the official follow up to ''Devil Without a Cause''. With the era of rap metal on the decline, Kid Rock included several southern rock and country ballads on the album. The first single, "Forever", featured his standard brash rap-rock sound, but lacked the selling power of "Devil Without A Cause". The songs "Lonely Road of Faith"and "You Never Met a Motherfucker Quite Like Me" were released as singles, but were only minor hits, and the album struggled to reach platinum a year later. Rock had problems with the release of "Picture", a country-influenced duet with Sheryl Crow: his label felt it was wrong for his image, and was not keen to spend more money promoting a flagging album; then, when they agreed to release it, Sheryl Crow's label initially refused to give permission. Rock, meanwhile, made a radio version with Allison Moorer, which was gaining airplay. Crow's label caved and their version was finally released. When "Picture" was released it introduced Kid Rock to a wider audience, and was ultimately the most successful single on the album. The song would chart at number 4 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and number 17 on Country radio. The song remains his most successful pop song in the U.S. to date.

On December 14, 2001, CMT aired an episode of ''Crossroads'' featuring Rock with Hank Williams, Jr. The episode drew 2.1 million viewers, a record on CMT. He would perform for troops in January 2002 on an MTV USO Special at Germany's Ramstein Air Base along with Ja Rule and Jennifer Lopez.

At the end of 2002, Uncle Kracker left the band to pursue a solo career, and Detroit underground rapper Paradime replaced him. Kid Rock made his second movie, ''Biker Boyz'', with Laurence Fishburne.

''Kid Rock'' to ''Rock n Roll Jesus'' (2003–2009)[link]

In 2003, Kid Rock returned with an eponymous album, almost stripping away the accustomed rap metal sound he had created, opting for southern rock and several country ballads in the wake of "Picture"'s success. The album's lead single was a cover of Bad Company's "Feel Like Makin' Love". A media blitz accompanied the single capped off by the VH-1 special called ''A Kid Rock Christmas'', which aired on December 14, 2003. He would release "Cold and Empty", "Jackson, Mississippi" and "I Am" I Am (Kid Rock song) to minor success on radio. The David Allan Coe-penned "Single Father", became his second charting country song, although like the other singles it was minor hit at #50. The album would go on to go platinum.

Kid Rock was involved in the halftime show controversy at Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Texas on February 1, 2004. He was criticized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars for desecrating the American flag, by wearing one slit in the middle as a poncho.

The following month, Kid inducted Bob Seger into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 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.

He performed the theme song for Spike TV's ''Striperella'', which featured Pamela Anderson in 2003, the song was entitled "Erotica". He appeared in cartoon form on some episodes.

On February 28, 2006, Kid Rock released his first live album, ''Live Trucker'', comprising songs from his homestead performances in Clarkston (on September 1, 2000, and August 26 through August 28, 2004), and Detroit's Cobo Hall (March 26, 2004). The album contained the last two performances of Joe C. on "Devil Without a Cause" and "Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp," as well as Kid duetting with country star Gretchen Wilson on "Picture."

He brought Bob Seger back from semi-retirement during his pre-Super Bowl concerts on February 2 and 3, 2006 in Detroit. The two performed a version of Seger's "Rock 'n' Roll Never Forgets" on both nights. Kid Rock would appear on Bob Seger's album, ''Face the Promise'', on a Vince Gill cover of "Real Mean Bottle," a tribute to country legend Merle Haggard. He would make a cameo in the movie ''Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector'' and was in an episode of ''CSI: New York'' in 2006.

He inducted Lynyrd Skynyrd into the 2006 Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and performed "Sweet Home Alabama" with them.

''Rock n Roll Jesus'' was released on October 9, 2007, becoming Kid Rock's first album to go number 1, selling 172,000 copies in its first week. He made the cover of ''Rolling Stone'' magazine for the second time, and appeared for the first time on ''Larry King Live'' to discuss the new album.

The album's first two singles were successful on rock radio in "So Hott" and "Amen". The album's third single "All Summer Long", became a global hit. It utilized a mash up of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" and Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London". "All Summer Long" would chart at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"Rock n Roll Jesus" returned to the Top 10 for 17 straight weeks. Both "Roll On" and the title track were released as follow-up singles. The album's final single was "Blue Jeans and a Rosary" which was a minor country hit at No. 50.

In 2008, Kid Rock recorded "Warrior" for a National Guard advertising campaign. Kid Rock performed on VH1 ''Storytellers'' on November 27, 2008, giving an insight to how he wrote some of his hit songs. On April 5, 2009 he performed a 5-song medley at WrestleMania XXV.

He was nominated for best rock album and best male pop/rock performance for "All Summer Long" at the 2009 Grammys. He lost to Coldplay's ''Viva La Vida'' for best Rock Album and John Mayer's "Say" for Best Male Pop/Rock Performance. He achieved his first country award winning for Best Wide Open Country Video for "All Summer Long" at the 2009 CMT Awards.

On May 22 Kid Rock's June 8, 2008 concert at Germany's Rock AM Festival was aired on every MTV affiliate around the world on their debut show "World Stage".

At the 2008 Download Festival Kid Rock was meant to appear between Seether and Disturbed on the Main Stage but pulled out at the last minute. It was first announced that this was due to illness. Rock later claimed he left the festival grounds after becoming dissatisfied with the amenities. But, the following year, Download's booker theorized that it had been due to a broken heart.

On July 3, 2009 "Rock N Roll Jesus" was certified triple platinum by the RIAA. Two weeks later, Kid Rock performed at Comerica Park on July 17 and 18, 2009.

''Born Free'' (2009–present)[link]

In April 2010 Kid Rock started the Born Free era off with a spring cruise dubbed "The Chillin The Most Cruise". Then he followed that up by hosting the CMT Awards in June and performed "Cowboy".

Kid Rock released ''Born Free'' on November 16, 2010 and it debuted at No 5 selling 189,000 copies in its first week. The album was produced by Rick Rubin and featured David Hidalgo and Matt Sweeney on guitar as well as Chad Smith on drums and Benmont Tench on keys and piano. The album became his first album without a parental advisory sticker on it. The album's lead single was the patriotic "Born Free." It peaked at No 14 on the mainstream rock charts, it also charted on the country and hot ac chart. It was the theme song to the 2010 MLB playoffs on TBS as well as WWE's Tribute To The Troops Special. The album reached gold status on December 15, 2010. The follow up single was the southern working man's anthem "God Bless Saturday", which peaked at no 37 on the mainstream rock tracks. It is the secondary theme song for College Gameday on ESPN. The third single was "Collide", Sheryl Crow rejoined him along with Bob Seger (on piano). They then went on a joint tour together the song peaked at No 26 on the hot ac chart and no 51 on the country chart. The next single "Purple Sky" a cover of Jason Boland would fail to chart. In November 2011, Kid Rock released "Care" a protest song about current politics in D.C. There were multiple versions released for the single. The album version feat. Martina McBride and T.I., the international single feat. Mary J. Blige. The last version which was released when Martina McBride's label wouldn't let her in on the music video, and the video was shot with the Pistol Annie's Angeleena Pressley. Id peaks no 26 on the hot ac chart and no 58 on the country chart. An ep was released in the Detroit area along with the album called the Racing Father Time EP feat. It included remixes of Slow My Roll and Lonely Road Of Faith along with "The Midwest Fall" and "Forty". Born Free went platinum in July 2011.

On January 15, 2011 Kid Rock celebrated his 40th birthday with a performance at Ford Field in Detroit. The marathon concert featured Uncle Kracker, Peter Wolfe, Rev Run, Sheryl Crow, Cindy Crawford, Jimmie Johnson and Anita Baker. He also returned to Comerica Park on August 12 and 13.In December he went a 12 city club tour and donated proceeds to various charities in each city to support his single "Care". Kid Rock became the first musician to play in a recorded concert for television at Elvis Presley's Graceland on November 28, 2011 when PBS taped an episode for their Live from the Artists Den series that will air beginning February 24, 2012. He performed "Born Free" at a Michigan Rally for Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney in February as well. On May 12, 2012 he will perform a benefit concert with the Detroit Orchestra, in hopes to raise 1 million dollars.

On December 7, 2011 Kid Rock joined Metallica on-stage at The Fillmore San Francisco during the ''30 Years of Metallica'' celebration (Day 2) to perform Seger's "Turn the Page". On April 14, 2012 he along with Travis McCoy, Black Thought,?uestlove and The Roots performed a medley of Beastie Boys classics at the 2012 Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony.

Kid Rock is currently in the studio for his successor to ''Born Free''. He stated to Billboard.com that he had 16 ideas written and is hoping for a fall release. He made mention of a "very dark" ballad for the album. He described it has a greatest hits album with new songs.

Musical style and influences[link]

Kid Rock's musical style ranges from Midwest hip hop and heavy metal to country rock and rap rock. His influences include Warren Zevon, Jim Croce, Hank Williams, Jr., Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, David Allan Coe, Bob Seger, Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, Whodini, Too Short, Eric B. & Rakim, Esham, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Die Antwoord.

Kid Rock has influenced such artist and groups as Uncle Kracker,Paradime,Ty Stone,Jocaine and 75 North, Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson and Jason Aldean. His son released his debut EP "Wanted Dead Or Alive" under the stage name "Bandit" adapting his father's pre fame rap flow.

Twisted Brown Trucker[link]

Twisted Brown Trucker is Kid Rock's band, formed in 1994 in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The original lineup included Kenny Olson on lead guitar, Uncle Kracker on turntables, Andy Gould and George Metropolous on guitar, Paul Anthony on bass and Bob Ebeling on drums. The band's first involvement was on the 1994 demo of "Dark & Gray" on his Bootleg Series Tapes, they would make three more appearances on the tapes in Watch Me Come, Only a Dog and Box #10. Trucker became both Rock's studio and live band in 1997.

Chris Peters was the studio guitarist for The Polyfuze Method and Fire It Up. Matt O'Brien (Bass) and Kenny Tudrick (Guitar, Drums) were studio musicians for Devil Without a Cause. Kenny Tudrick also played on 2007's "New Orleans" off Rock N Roll Jesus and co-wrote Rock N Roll Jesus.

Kenny Olson went on to form numerous bands for more creative outlets. A Pack of Wolves, The Flask, Five Star Carni, The Motorfly's, and most recent (2010) 7 Day Binge. He has also made appearances on many other recordings such as the song "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know" which can be found on the Les Paul & Friends CD as well as a version of "Little Wing" with Chaka Khan on "The Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix" among numerous others.

Tudrick is with the band Detroit Cobras, who he was with before touring on Kid Rock's 'Live' Trucker tour.

Percussionist Larry Frantangelo won a Detroit Music Award in 2009 for Outstanding Urban/Funk Musician.

;Current members

Jimmie "Bones" Trombly â€“ keyboards, piano, organ, harmonica, backing vocals (1996–present)

Marlon Young â€“ lead & rhythm guitar (1996–1997, 2007–present)

Jason Krause â€“ rhythm & lead guitar (1997–present)

Stefanie Eulinberg â€“ drums, percussion, backing vocals (1998–present)

Paradime â€“ turntables, programming, keyboards (2002–present)

Aaron Julison â€“ bass guitar, backing vocals (2003–present)

Shannon Curfman â€“ backing vocals & guitar (2010–present)

''with:''

Larry Frantangelo â€“ percussion (2007–present)

David McMurray â€“ saxophone (2007–present)

Jessica Wagner;– backing vocals (2007–present)

Tyra Juliette -backing vocals (2007–present)

;Former members

Barbara Payton- backing vocals (2007–2009, on and off)

Stacy Michelle- backing vocals (2007–2009)

Kenny Olson â€“ lead guitar (1994–2005)

Uncle Kracker â€“ turntables (1994–2002)

Joe C â€“ backing vocals (1994–2000)

Andy Gould â€“ rhythm guitar (1994–1995)

George Metropolous â€“ rhythm guitar (1994–1995)

Paul Anthony â€“ bass (1994–1995)

Bob Ebeling â€“ drums (1994–1995)

Bill Keros â€“ drums (1995)

Eric Hogemeyer â€“ drums (1995)

Jeff Hall â€“ rhythm guitar (1995–1996)

Chris Zuccaro â€“ drums (1995–1998)

Ray Echlin â€“ bass (1996)

Lonnie Motley â€“ bass (1996–1998)

Chris Lebroux â€“ bongos (1997)

Thornetta Davis â€“ backing vocals (1997–1998)

Mike Bradford â€“ bass (1998–2001)

Misty Love â€“ backing vocals (1998–2001)

Shirley Hayden â€“ backing vocals (1998–2001)

Bobby East â€“ bass (2001–2003)

Smith Curry â€“ dobro (2004–2005)

Karen Newman â€“ backing vocals (2004–2005)

Lauren Creamer â€“ backing vocals (2004–2005)

Kenny Tudrick â€“ lead guitar (2005–2006)

Personal life[link]

Marriage to Pamela Anderson[link]

In 2001 Kid Rock began dating actress Pamela Anderson, after the two met at a VH1 tribute to Aretha Franklin. By April 2002, he and Anderson were engaged, but the engagement was later called off. They later got married in a surprise wedding in July 2006 after it was reported Anderson was pregnant. They divorced five months later because Rock wanted to live in Detroit and Anderson wanted to stay in Los Angeles. It has been suggested that his no-show at the Download Festival 2008 was due to a broken heart.

Kid Rock has stated in numerous interviews that he is a lover of hunting and fishing. He has hunted with his good friend Hank Williams Jr. several times. When Rock and Pamela Anderson divorced, it was rumored that Rock's hunting passion was the cause of the relationship's end, Anderson being a keen animal rights activist.

Rock later claimed, however, that the divorce was due to Anderson openly criticizing his mother and sister in front of his son from a previous relationship, Robert Jr., which Rock took offense to. Rock has actively raised Robert Jr., born in 1993, as a single father since birth, and continues to live with him in Michigan. On July 6, 2011, Kid Rock appeared on CNN's ''Piers Morgan Tonight'' show where he said he has no regrets about anything he has done in the past. He declined to say whether his marriage to Pamela Anderson had taught him any lessons.

Legal troubles[link]

Kid Rock has had multiple run-ins with law enforcement:

In March 1991 and September 1997, Kid Rock was arrested in Michigan for alcohol related incidents.

In February 2005, he was arrested on assault charges for punching DJ Jay Campos in 'Christies Cabaret' strip club. Rock pleaded no contest and was sued for $575,000 by Campos.

Kid Rock was cited for assault on Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee on September 9, 2007 at MTV's Video Music Awards, and pled guilty.

In October 2007, Kid Rock was involved in a brawl at a Waffle House in Atlanta and charged with simple battery. He pleaded nolo contendere ("no contest") to one count, was fined $1,000, required to perform 80 hours of community service and complete a 6-hour course on anger management.

Sex tape[link]

Kid Rock and Scott Stapp, singer of the band Creed, appear in a sex tape from 1999 in which the two have sex with four groupies in a mobile home. California pornography company Red Light District planned to release the tape in 2006, but both Rock and Stapp filed with the California courts to sue Red Light District and stop the tape's distribution.

Politics[link]

In 2011, Kid Rock agreed to allow Mitt Romney's GOP campaign to officially make use of his music in campaign events. Kid Rock later endorsed Mitt Romney's candidacy and performed on Romney's behalf at campaign event(s). By May 2012, Kid Rock was still the first of only a handful of high-profile musicians to endorse Mitt Romney, including Ted Nugent and Lee Greenwood.

Activism[link]

Kid Rock has been involved with many charitable organizations but his main support has gone to Operation Homefront. Kid Rock has frequently partnered with Jim Beam to make large donations to the organization. He is close friends with Tony Stewart as he helps with charity events, and Kid Rock narrated ''Tony Stewart: Smoke'', a documentary of Stewart's 2002 championship season. Kid Rock has performed for American service men and women in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Kosovo, and has performed for U.S. servicemembers in Great Britain at R.A.F. bases such as RAF Lakenheath.

Discography[link]

1990: ''Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast''

1993: ''The Polyfuze Method''

1996: ''Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp''

1998: ''Devil Without a Cause''

2000: ''The History of Rock''

2001: ''Cocky''

2003: ''Kid Rock''

2006: ''Live Trucker''

2007: ''Rock n Roll Jesus''

2010: ''Born Free''

2012: TBA

Tours[link]

1989: Straight From the Underground Tour (opened for Ice Cube, Too $hort, D Nice and Yo-Yo)

1998: Lollapalooza Tour

1998: Vans Warped Tour

1998–99: White Thrash on Dope Tour (with Monster Magnet and Hed PE)

1999: Destroy Your Liver Tour

1999: Limptropolis Tour (with Limp Bizkit and Staind)

1999: European Tour (with Blink-182)

1999: Between the Legs Tour (with Powerman 5000, Professional Murder Music)

1999-00: Millennium Tour (with Metallica, Sevendust and Creed)

2000: Summer Sanitarium Tour (with Metallica, Korn, System of a Down, Powerman 5000)

2000: The History of Rock Tour (with Dope)

2001: The American Bad Ass Tour (with Buckcherry, Fuel and David Allan Coe)

2002: The Cocky Tour (with Lit, Tenacious D and Saliva)

2002: Girls of Summer Tour (opening for Aerosmith with Run-D.M.C.)

2004: Rock n Roll Pain Train Tour (with Puddle of Mudd, Gov't Mule, Jerry Cantrell)

2005: Lazy Muthafuga Tour (only 6 concert dates)

2006: 'Live' Trucker Tour (with Ty Stone, Peter Frampton (opened in Auburn Hills, Michigan) and Whitestarr)

2007–2008: Rock n Roll Revival Tour (with Reverend Run, Dicky Betts, Duane Betts, Peter Wolf, Lynyrd Skynyrd, in a revue style)

2008: Rock n Roll Revival Tour: European Tour

2008: Rock n Rebels Tour (with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Backdoor Slam)

2008: European Tour (with Finger Eleven)

2008: All Summer Long Tour (4 nights at Pine Knob with Uncle Kracker & Rev Run)

2009: Rock n Rebels Tour II (with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights, Black Stone Cherry, Alice in Chains, Cypress Hill, Robert Randolph and the Family Band)

2010: The Circle Tour (opening for Bon Jovi)

2011: Born Free Tour Pt 1 (with Ty Stone, Randy Houser,Jamey Johnson)

2011: Born Free Tour :Canadian Leg

2011: Born Free Tour Pt 2 (with Sheryl Crow)

2011: Care Tour

Filmography[link]

''The Howard Stern Show'' (8 episodes, 1999–2008)

''Saturday Night Live'' (Musical Guest, 2000)

''The Simpsons'' (1 episode, 2000)

''WWF Raw is War'' (Musical Guest, 2000)

''Joe Dirt'' (2001)

''All Access: Front Row, Backstage. Live! (IMAX)'' (Musical Performance)(2001)

''Osmosis Jones'' (Voice, 2001)

''Kid Rock: Lonely Road of Faith'' (2001)

''King of the Hill'' (2002)

''Punk'd'' (1 episode, 2003)

''Biker Boyz'' (2003)

''Stripperella'' (You Only Lick Twice, 2003)

''CMT Outlaws'' (2003)

''South Park'' (2004)

''CSI: NY'' (1 episode, 2005)

''Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector'' (2005)

''Motorcycle Mania 3'' (2005)

''Coors Light Mountain Jam'' (2005)

''Stacked'' (1 episode, 2002)

''The 2006 Billboard Music Awards'' (2006)

''VH1 Storytellers'' (2008)

''WrestleMania XXV'' (Musical Guest, 2009)

''2010 Spike Guy Choice Awards'' (Presenter, 2009)

''Top Gear (U.S. TV series)'' (1 episode, 2010)

''Late Night with Jimmy Fallon'' (1 episode, 2011)

''Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives'' (1 episode, 2011)

Awards and nominations[link]

Grammy Awards

*2000 Best New Artist (Nominated)

*2000 Best Hard Rock Performance for "Bawitdaba" (Nominated)

*2001 Best Hard Rock Performance for "American Bad Ass" (Nominated)

*2009 Best Rock Album for ''Rock n Roll Jesus'' (Nominated)

*2009 Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "All Summer Long" (Nominated)

Academy of Country Music

*2003, Vocal Event of the Year: "Picture" (Nominated)

American Music Awards

*2008, Favorite Male Pop/Rock Artist (Nominated)

*2003, Favorite Male Pop/Rock Artist: (Winner)'''

*2003, Favorite Pop/Rock Album: ''Cocky'' (Nominated)

*2001, Favorite Male Pop/Rock Artist: (Winner)'''

*2000, Favorite Alternative Artist: (Nominated)

*2000, Favorite Pop/Rock New Artist: (Nominated)

Billboard Music Awards

*1999 Best New Artist (Winner)

*1999 Best Hard Rock Performance for "Bawitdaba" (Winner)

*1999 Best New Hard Rock Artist (Winner)

MTV Video Music Awards

*2001, Best Male Video: "Cowboy" (Nominated)

*2001, Best Rock Video: "Cowboy" (Nominated)

*2000, Best Male Video: "Bawitdaba" (Nominated)

*2000, Best New Artist: "Bawitdaba" (Nominated)

Teen Choice Awards

*2003, Choice Love Song: "Picture" (Nominated)

*2003 Choice Hookup Song: "Picture" (Nominated)

Detroit Music Awards

*1999

**Outstanding National Album for ''Devil Without a Cause'' (Winner)

**Outstanding National Single for "I Am the Bullgod" (Winner)

**Outstanding National Single for "Bawitdaba" (Nominee)

**Outstanding National Hip Hop Writer/Producer (Winner)

*2000

**Outstanding National Album for ''History of Rock'' (Nominee)

**Outstanding National Single for "American Bad Ass" (Winner)

**Outstanding National Single for "Cowboy" (Nominee)

**Outstanding National Duet for "Higher" with Robert Bradley (Winner)

**Outstanding National Spokesperson (Winner)

*2001

**Outstanding National Album for ''Cocky'' (Nominated)

**Outstanding National Single for "Forever" (Nominated)

*2003

**Outstanding National Single for "Picture" (Nominated)

*2004

**Outstanding National Album for Kid Rock (Nominated)

**Outstanding National Single for "Cold and Empty" (Nominated)

**Outstanding National Single for "Jackson, Mississippi" (Nominated)

*2006

**Outstanding National Album for ''Live Trucker'' (Nominated)

*2008

**Outstanding National Album for ''Rock n Roll Jesus'' (Winner)

**Outstanding National Single for "So Hott" (Nominated)

**Outstanding National Single for "Amen" (Nominated)

*2009

**Outstanding National Single for ''All Summer Long'' (Winner)

**Outstanding National Single for ''Roll On'' (Nominated)

MTV European Music Awards

*2008 Most Attictive Track for "All Summer Long" (Nominated)

BMI Songwriting Award

*2002 "Picture" (Winner)

CMT Music Awards

*2003 Choice Male Video for "Picture" (Nominated)

*2009 Video of The Year for "All Summer Long" (Nominated)

*2009 Wide Open Country Video of the Year for "All Summer Long" (Winner)

World Music Awards

*2008 Worlds Best Male Pop Artist (Winner)

*2008 Worlds Best Pop/Rock Artist (Winner)

People's Choice Awards

*2009 Best Rock Song for "All Summer Long" (Winner)

Kid's Choice Awards

*2009 Favorite Male Singer (nominated)

Echo Award (Germany)

*2009 Hit Of The Year for "All Summer Long" (Winner)

Other ventures and honors[link]

He has his own clothing line called Made in Detroit which he purchased from its creator, Detroit designer Robert Stanzler, in 2003. Stanzler, a longtime friend of Kid Rock, is mentioned by name in Rock's song "Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp". Wayne State University named a scholarship after Kid Rock for musicians. Kid Rock is using his clothing line to fund it. He was Grand Marshal of the Krewe of Endymion Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans on February 21, 2009 and was accompanied by The Chee-Weez, a local area cover band.

He released his own beer called Bad Ass Beer on July 17, 2009 released over the entire midwestern part of the U.S.

Kid Rock is a steadfast loyal supporter of the United States military. He gave proceeds of a concert to the families affected by the bombing of the USS Cole in 2000. He has quietly made numerous trips with the USO, and on his own, to play concerts for soldiers overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. He also made his album ''Born Free'' available to military members to download for free.

References[link]

Sources[link]

Christe, Ian (2003). ''Sound of the Beast: The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal''. HarperCollins. ISBN 0-380-81127-8

External links[link]

Kid Rock at Imeem.com

Kid Rock Interview on ''The Hour'' with George Stroumboulopoulos

"Kid Rock: 'I was the kid with the vial full of rocks…'. 11 August 2008 thrashhits.com

Category:1971 births Category:Midwest hip hop musicians Category:American male singers Category:American rock singers Category:Atlantic Records artists Category:Living people Category:People from Macomb County, Michigan Category:Rap rock musicians Category:Rappers from Detroit, Michigan Category:World Music Awards winners

bg:Ð?ид Рок cs:Kid Rock da:Kid Rock de:Kid Rock es:Kid Rock fa:کید راک fr:Kid Rock it:Kid Rock lv:Kid Rock nl:Kid Rock ja:キッド・ロック no:Kid Rock pl:Kid Rock pt:Kid Rock ru:Ð?ид Рок simple:Kid Rock sk:Kid Rock fi:Kid Rock sv:Kid Rock th:คิด ร็อà¸? tr:Kid Rock

name	Waylon Jennings
background	solo_singer
birth name	Waylon Arnold Jennings
birth date	June 15, 1937
Birth place	Littlefield, Texas, United States
death date	February 13, 2002
Death place	Chandler, Arizona, United States
instrument	Vocals, guitar, bass, piano, mandolin
genre	Country, outlaw country, country rock, progressive country
occupation	Singer-songwriter, musician
years active	1958–2002
label	RCA Victor, MCA, Epic
associated acts	Jessi Colter, Willie Nelson, The Highwaymen, Buddy Holly
website
notable instruments	Fender Telecaster 150px|altA signature penned in black inkSignature of Waylon Jennings }}

Waylon Arnold Jennings (; June 15, 1937 – February 13, 2002) was an American country music singer, songwriter, and musician. Jennings began playing guitar at eight and began performing at twelve on KVOW radio. He formed a band, ''The Texas Longhorns''. Jennings worked as a D.J on KVOW, KDAV, KYTI and KLLL. In 1958, Buddy Holly arranged Jennings' first recording session, of "Jolie Blon" and "When Sin Stops (Love Begins)". Holly hired him to play bass. During the ''Winter Dance Party Tour'', in Clear Lake, Iowa, Holly chartered a plane to arrive to the next venue. Jennings gave up his seat in the plane to J. P. Richardson, who was suffering from a cold. The flight that carried Holly, Richardson and Ritchie Valens crashed, on the day later known as The Day the Music Died. Following the accident, Jennings worked as a D.J in Coolidge, Arizona and Phoenix. He formed a rockabilly club band, ''The Waylors''. He recorded for independent label Trend Records, A&M; Records before succeeding with RCA Victor after achieving creative control of his records.

During the 1970s, Jennings joined the Outlaw movement. He released critically acclaimed albums ''Lonesome, On'ry and Mean'' and ''Honky Tonk Heroes'', followed by hit albums ''Dreaming My Dreams'' and ''Are You Ready for the Country''. In 1976 he released the album ''Wanted! The Outlaws'' with Willie Nelson, Tompall Glaser and Jessie Colter, the first platinum country music album. The success of the album was followed by ''Ol' Waylon'', and the hit song "Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)". By the early 1980s, Jennings was struggling with a cocaine addiction, which he quit in 1984. Later he joined the country supergroup The Highwaymen with Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash. During that period, Jennings released the successful album, ''Will the Wolf Survive''. He toured less after 1997, to spend more time with his family. Between 1999 and 2001, his appearances were limited by health problems. On February 13, 2002, Jennings died from complications of diabetes.

Jennings also appeared in movies and television series. He was the narrator for ''The Dukes of Hazzard''. In 2001 he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, which he chose not to attend until later on. In 2007 he was posthumously awarded the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award by the Academy of Country Music.

Early life[link]

Waylon Jennings was born in Littlefield, Texas, the seat of Lamb County, the son of Lorene Beatrice (née Shipley) and William Albert Jennings. His original birth name was Wayland, meaning land by the highway, but it was changed after a Baptist preacher visited Jennings' parents and congratulated his mother for naming him after the Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas. Lorene Jennings, who had been unaware of the college, changed the spelling to Waylon. Jennings later expressed in his autobiography "I didn't like Waylon. It sounded corny and hillbilly, but it's been good to me, and I'm pretty well at peace with it right now." When Jennings was eight, his mother taught him to play guitar with the tune "Thirty Pieces of Silver". Jennings used to practice with the guitars of his relatives, until his mother bought him a used Stella, and later ordered a Harmony Patrician. Jennings never learned to read music, but he practiced to seek a career in music and avoid a possible future picking cotton and other temporary jobs.

Music career[link]

Beginnings in music[link]

The twelve-year-old Jennings auditioned for a spot on KVOW in Littlefield, Texas. Owner J.B. McShan, along with Emil Macha, recorded Jennings' performance. McShan liked his style, and hired him for a weekly thirty-minute program. Following this successful introduction, Jennings formed his own band. He asked Macha to play bass for him, and gathered other friends and acquaintances to form ''The Texas Longhorns''. The style of the band, a mixture of country & western and bluegrass, often was not well received. At seventeen, Jennings and band recorded a demo of the songs "Stranger in My Home" and "There'll Be a New Day" at KFYO radio in Lubbock, Texas. In addition to performing on air for KVOW, Jennings later worked as a D.J for the station. Jennings dropped out of high school in tenth grade to pursue music. His early influences were Bob Wills, Floyd Tillman, Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams, Carl Smith and Elvis Presley. He moved to Lubbock, where he initially worked for KDAV, and later for KLLL, Jennings' show was successful in both venues.

While working in KDAV, Jennings met Buddy Holly, during the broadcasts of ''Sunday Party''. Holly, who wanted to start in record production, arranged a session for Jennings. On September 10, Jennings recorded the songs "Jolie Blon" and "When Sin Stops (Love Begins)", with Holly and Tommy Allsup on guitars with saxophonist King Curtis. The single was released on Brunswick in 1959 with limited success. Holly then hired Jennings to play electric bass for him during his "Winter Dance Party Tour". After a show in Clear Lake, Iowa, Holly chartered a plane for himself, Allsup and Jennings to avoid a long bus trip to Fargo, North Dakota. Allsup lost a coin toss to Ritchie Valens for his seat on the plane, while Jennings gave up his seat to J. P. Richardson, who was suffering from a cold and complaining about how uncomfortable a long bus trip was for a man of his size. Holly jokingly told Jennings, "I hope your ol' bus freezes up!". Jennings replied, "Well, I hope your ol' plane crashes!" During the early morning hours of February 3, 1959, later known as The Day the Music Died, the charter crashed outside Clear Lake, killing all on board. Jennings and Allsup continued the tour for two more weeks, featuring Jennings as the lead singer. Jennings later admitted that he felt severe guilt and responsibility for the crash, and that his words would haunt him for the rest of his life.

He later returned to KLLL and performed regionally. He released recordings under Trend Records, and experienced moderate success with his single "Another Blue Day".

Phoenix and the Nashville Sound[link]

In 1961, Jennings lived briefly in Coolidge, Arizona working in radio, before moving to Phoenix, where he formed a rockabilly band, ''The Waylors''. Jennings and his band performed at a newly opened nightspot called ''JD's''. The band earned a small fan base, eventually signing with the independent label Trend Records. The recordings were not successful and Jennings began working as a record producer. In 1963, he moved to Los Angeles, California where he signed a contract with Herb Alpert of A&M; Records.

His records had little success, because A&M;'s main releases were folk music rather than country. He had a few hits on local radio in Phoenix, including Ian Tyson's "Four Strong Winds" and "Just To Satisfy You" (co-written with Don Bowman). He also recorded an album on BAT called ''JD's''. After 500 copies were sold at the club, another 500 copies were pressed by the Sounds label. He also played lead guitar for Patsy Montana on a 1964 album. Alpert tried to shift Jennings' style from country to pop, but Jennings refused. After his only single, "Sing the Girl a Song, Bill", Alpert released Jennings.

Singer Bobby Bare, who covered Jennings' songs "Four Strong Winds" and "Just To Satisfy You", recommended Jennings to producer Chet Atkins, who signed Jennings to RCA Victor in 1965. In 1966, Jennings released his debut album for RCA ''Folk-Country'', followed by ''Leavin' Town'', and ''Nashville Rebel''. Nashville rebel was the soundtrack to an independent film of the same name, starring Jennings. In 1967, Jennings released a hit single, "Just to Satisfy You". During an interview, Jennings remarked that the song was a "pretty good example" of the influence of his work with Buddy Holly and rockabilly music. During the next years, Jennings produced mid-chart albums that sold well, including ''Just to Satisfy You'', that included the same-named hit single of 1967.

In 1972, Jennings released ''Ladies Love Outlaws''. The single that headlined the album became a hit for Jennings, and was his first approach to Outlaw Country. Jennings was accustomed to performing and recording with his own band, The Waylors; a practice that was not encouraged by powerful Nashville producers. Over time, however, Jennings felt limited by the Nashville sound's lack of artistic freedom. The music style publicized as "Countrypolitan" was characterized by orchestral arrangements, and the absence of traditional country music instruments. The producers did not let Jennings play his own guitar, or select material to record.

Outlaw Country[link]

In an interview Jennings recalled the restrictions of the Nashville establishment, "They wouldn't let you do anything. You had to dress a certain way: you had to do everything a certain way [...] They kept trying to destroy me.... I just went about my business and did things my way [...] You start messing with my music, I get mean" In 1972, his recording contract was nearing an end. Hepatitis-afflicted Jennings accepted an offer from Neil Reshen to renegotiate his recording and touring contracts. At a meeting in a Nashville airport, Jennings introduced Reshen to Willie Nelson. By the end of the meeting, Reshen had become manager to both singers. Jennings' new deal gained him a $75,000 advance and artistic control. Reshen advised Jennings to keep the beard that he had grown in the hospital, in order to match the image of outlaw country. By 1973, Nelson had returned to music, finding success with Atlantic Records. Now based in Austin, Texas, Nelson had made inroads into the rock and roll press by attracting a diverse fan base that included the rock music audience. Atlantic Records was now attempting to sign Jennings, but Nelson's rise to popularity persuaded RCA to renegotiate with Jennings before losing another potential success.

He followed with ''Lonesome, On'ry and Mean'' and ''Honky Tonk Heroes'' in 1973, the first albums recorded and released under his creative control. The albums were commercial and critical successes. More hit albums followed, with ''The Ramblin' Man'' and ''This Time'', in 1974, and ''Dreaming My Dreams'', in 1975. In 1976, Jennings released ''Are You Ready for the Country'', Jennings wanted the record to be produced by Los Angeles producer Ken Mansfield. Although RCA denied the request, Jennings and ''The Waylors'' went to Los Angeles and recorded with Mansfield at his expense. After a month, Jennings presented the master tape to Chet Atkins who decided to release it. The album hit number one on ''Billboard'''s country albums three times the same year, topping the charts for ten weeks. It was named country album of the year in 1976 by ''Record World Magazine'' and it was certified gold by the RIAA. In 1976 Jennings released the album ''Wanted! The Outlaws'', recorded with Willie Nelson, Tompall Glaser and Jessie Colter for RCA. The album was the first country music album certified platinum. The following year, RCA issued ''Ol' Waylon'', an album that produced a hit duet with Nelson, "Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)." The album ''Waylon and Willie'' followed in 1978, producing the hit single, "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys". Jennings released ''I've Always Been Crazy'', also in 1978. The same year, at the peak of his success, Jennings began to feel limited by the outlaw movement. The "outlaw image" restricted the repertoire he could record, as well as the material that audiences expected from him. Jennings referred to the over-exploitation of the image in the song "Don't You Think This Outlaw Has Gone a Bit Out of Hand?", denouncing that the movement had become a "self-fulfilling prophecy". In 1979 he released ''Greatest Hits'', which was certified gold the same year, and in 2002 was certified quintuple platinum.

Later years[link]

In the mid-1980s, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Nelson and Jennings formed a successful group called The Highwaymen. Aside from his work with The Highwaymen, Jennings' released a gold album ''WWII'' (1982) with Willie Nelson. In 1985 Jennings joined with USA for Africa to record "We Are the World", but he left the studio due to a dispute over the song's lyrics that were sung in Swahili. By this time, his sales decreased. After the release of ''Sweet Mother Texas'', Jennings signed with Music Corporation of America. The debut release with the label, ''Will the Wolf Survive'' (1985), peaked at number one in ''Billboard's'' Country albums in 1986. Jennings' initial success tailed off, and in 1990, he signed with Epic Records. His first release, ''The Eagle'', became his final top ten album. In 1993, in collaboration with Rincom Children's Entertainment, Jennings recorded an album of children's songs, ''Cowboys, Sisters, Rascals & Dirt'', which included "Shooter's Theme", a tribute to his 14-year-old with the theme of "a friend of mine".

Despite low record sales, Jennings attracted large audiences in live appearances. In 1997, after the ''Lollapalooza tour'', he decreased his tour schedule and became centered on his family.

In 1998, Jennings teamed up with Bare, Jerry Reed and Mel Tillis to form The Old Dogs. The group recorded a double album of songs penned entirely by Shel Silverstein. In mid 1999, Jennings assembled what he referred to as his "hand-picked dream team" – and formed Waylon & The Waymore Blues Band. Consisting primarily of former Waylors, the thirteen-member group performed a limited number of concerts from 1999 to 2001. In January 2000, Jennings recorded what would become his final album at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium, ''Never Say Die: Live''.

Music style and image[link]

Jennings was characterized by his "powerful" singing voice, noted by his "rough-edged quality", as well as his phrasing and texture. Accompanying his vocals, he played guitar. He was recognized for his "spanky-twang" playing. To create his sound, he used a mixture of thumb and fingers during the rhythmic parts, while using picks for the lead runs. He combined hammer-on and pull-off riffs, with eventual upper-fret double stops and modulation effects. Jennings played a 1953 Fender Telecaster, which was purchased used by ''The Waylors''. Jennings' bandmates adorned his guitar with a distinctive leather cover, that featured a black background with a white floral work. Jennings did further customizing work on the guitar, by filing down the frets to lower the strings on the neck to obtain the slapping sound. His signature image was characterized by his long hair and beard, as well as his black hat and the black leather vest he wore during his appareances.

Movies and television[link]

In 1966, Jennings starred in the movie Nashville Rebel, an independent production shot in Nashville. Jennings portrayed Alvin Grove, a local singer on his way to stardom. Jennings next appeared in the movies ''All American Cowboy'', and ''The Oklahoma City Dolls''. Outside the music industry, Jennings was known as the primary voice of the narrator/balladeer on the television series ''The Dukes of Hazzard'' and its predecessor, the 1975 film, ''Moonrunners''. The theme song, "Good Ol' Boys", an original Jennings composition, became one of the most well-known television theme songs in American television history. In 1986 he appeared in the movie ''Stagecoach'', portraying Hatfield, alongside Cash, Nelson and Kristofferson.

Jennings made an appearance on ''Xuxa'', ''Married... with Children'', and played a truck driver in the 1985 film, ''Sesame Street Presents Follow That Bird''. Jennings sang "Ain't No Road Too Long" in the movie with Big Bird and the other ''Sesame Street'' characters. In 2000, he provided the voice of Judge Thatcher in the animated adaptation of Tom Sawyer. In an episode of ''The Angry Beavers'' entitled ''The Legend of Kid Friendly'' that aired in April 1999, Jennings provided the voice for the narrator/singer. In 2001, Jennings voiced a character in an episode of ''Family Guy'' for a ''Dukes of Hazzard'' parody (his last televised appearance). The episode was entitled "To Love and Die in Dixie". The episode originally aired that November. He also narrated a watch fight in an earlier episode, "Chitty Chitty Death Bang".

Personal life[link]

Jennings was married four times, and had six children. He was first married to Maxine Caroll Lawrence in 1956 at age 18, with whom he had four children Terry Vance Jennings (born January 21, 1957), Julie Rae Jennings (born August 12, 1958), Buddy Dean Jennings (born March 21, 1960), and Deana Jennings. Jennings married again on December 10, 1962 to Lynne Jones, adopting a child Tomi Lynne. They divorced in 1967. He next married Barbara Rood. He composed the song "This Time" about the trials and tribulations of his marriages and divorces. He married for the fourth and final time in Phoenix, Arizona, on October 26, 1969 to Jessi Colter. Colter and Jennings had one son, Waylon Albright "Shooter" Jennings (born May 19, 1979). Colter had one daughter, Jennifer, from her previous marriage. Jennings' grandson, William "Struggle" Harness, became a rap/hip hop artist, based out of Nashville.

In 1997, he stopped touring to be close to his family. To set an example about the importance of education to his son Waylon Albright, Jennings earned a GED.

Addiction and recovery[link]

Jennings started to consume amphetamines at the time he lived with Johnny Cash during the mid-1960s. Jennings later stated, "Pills were the artificial energy on which Nashville ran around the clock". In 1977, Jennings was arrested by federal agents for conspiracy and 'possession of cocaine with intent to distribute'. A private courier warned the Drug Enforcement Administration about the package sent to Jennings by a New York colleague that contained twenty-seven grams of cocaine. The DEA and the police went to Jennings' recording studio. They found no evidence, because while they were waiting for a search warrant, Jennings flushed the cocaine. The charges were later dropped and Jennings was released. The episode was recounted in Jennings' song "Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Outta Hand?"

During the early 1980s, his cocaine addiction intensified. Jennings claimed to have spent US$1500 daily to satisfy his addiction, draining his personal finances and leaving him bankrupt with debt of up to US$2.5 million. Though he insisted on repaying the debt and did additional tours to earn the funds, his work became less focused and his tours deteriorated. Jennings decided to quit his addictions, leased a home in the Phoenix, Arizona area and spent a month detoxing himself, intending to start using cocaine again in a more controlled fashion afterward. In 1984 he quit cocaine. By Jennings' own admission in interviews, his son, Shooter Jennings, was the main inspiration to quit permanently.

Illness and death[link]

Jennings' health had been bad for years prior to his death. Jennings quit cocaine, and his habit of smoking six packs of cigarettes daily. In 1988 he underwent heart bypass surgery. By 2000 his diabetes worsened, and the pain reduced his mobility, forcing Jennings to end most touring. Later the same year he went under surgery to improve his leg circulation. In December 2001 his left foot was amputated at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. On February 13, 2002, Jennings died in his sleep of diabetic complications in Chandler, Arizona. Jennings was buried in the Mesa City Cemetery, in Mesa, Arizona. At the funeral ceremony, on February 15, Colter sang "Storms Never Last" for the attendees, who included Jennings' close friends and fellow musicians.

Legacy[link]

Between 1966 and 1995, 54 Jennings' albums charted, with 11 reaching number one. Meanwhile between 1965 and 1991, 96 singles charted, with 16 number ones. In October 2001, Jennings was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. In one final act of defiance, he did not attend the ceremony and opted instead to send son Buddy Dean Jennings. On July 6, 2006, Jennings was inducted to Hollywood's Rock Wall in Hollywood, California. On June 20, 2007, Jennings was posthumously awarded the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award by the Academy of Country Music.

Discography[link]

Awards[link]

Country Music Association AwardsAcademy of Country Music

Year !! Award !! Organization
1970	Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal	[[Grammy Awards
1975	Country Music Association Awards>Male Vocalist of the Year
1976	Album of the Year w/ Jessi Colter, Willie Nelson & Tompall Glaser for "Wanted	The Outlaws"	Country Music Association
1976	Country Music Association Awards>Vocal Duo of the Year w/ Willie Nelson
1976	Country Music Association Awards>Single of the Year w/ Willie Nelson for "Good-Hearted Woman"
1979	Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal>Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal w/ Willie Nelson for "Mammas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys"
1985	Single of the Year w/ the other members of The Highwaymen for "Highwayman" || Academy of Country Music
2001	Country Music Hall of Fame induction
2003	CMT Greatest Men of Country Music, Rank #5 >
2006	Hollywood's RockWall induction
2007	Academy of Country Music>Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award
2007	Lifetime Achievement Award

See also[link]

Outlaw country

Academy of Country Music

List of country musicians

Country Music Association

List of best-selling music artists

Inductees of the Country Music Hall of Fame

References[link]

Bibliography[link]

Journals[link]

Further reading[link]

Denisoff, R. Serge. ''Waylon: A Biography'' (1983). Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press. ISBN 0-87049-387-6.

Smith, John L. (compiled by) ''The Waylon Jennings Discography'' (1995). Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-313-29745-2.

External links[link]

Waylon Jennings : February 15, 2002 - Fresh Air from WHYY (RealAudio)

USA Today obituary

Waylon Jennings' Gravesite

Category:1937 births Category:2002 deaths Category:American country guitarists Category:American country singers Category:American country singer-songwriters Category:American male singers Category:Country Music Hall of Fame inductees Category:South Plains College alumni Category:Deaths from diabetes Category:Grammy Award winners Category:People from the Texas South Plains Category:People self-identifying as substance abusers Category:Musicians from Texas Category:RCA Victor artists Category:American amputees Category:The Highwaymen (country supergroup) members

cs:Waylon Jennings da:Waylon Jennings de:Waylon Jennings et:Waylon Jennings es:Waylon Jennings fr:Waylon Jennings hr:Waylon Jennings it:Waylon Jennings nl:Waylon Jennings no:Waylon Jennings pl:Waylon Jennings pt:Waylon Jennings ru:ДженнингÑ?, Ð’Ñ?йлон simple:Waylon Jennings fi:Waylon Jennings sv:Waylon Jennings tr:Waylon Jennings uk:Вейлон ДженнінгÑ?