Associated Press
DETROIT — Black ties and gowns filled a ballroom Saturday in a big-bucks salute to Detroit-style royalty — the King of Motown, the Queen of Soul and the Kid of Rock.
Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, along with Aretha Franklin, Kid Rock and Motown’s original kid, Stevie Wonder, came to Motown’s original hometown for the Motown 50 Golden Gala. The 50th-anniversary event, which fetched $350 and up for a ticket, was a fundraiser for the Motown Historical Museum. The museum was the original home of Motown Records Corp., which Gordy started with an $800 loan.
The event drew about 750 people and many of the big names and behind-the-scenes people from the label, which moved to Los Angeles in 1972.
Detroit’s output included scores of hits, including “My Girl” by The Temptations, “The Tears of a Clown” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye.
“The pleasure is mine to be here,” Gordy said during a pre-concert reception. “I’m thrilled I got the nurturing and all of the things Detroit had to offer me. Motown could not have made it in any other city.”
Gordy was joined on the red carpet earlier in the evening by local and national celebrities and dignitaries, including Otis Williams of the Temptations, which was on the bill; Claudette Robinson of the Miracles; the Rev. Jesse Jackson; comedian Sinbad, the event’s host; and Detroit Mayor and former Detroit Pistons all-star Dave Bing.
The musical mingling of classic Motown artists such as Wonder and The Temptations with non-Motown hometown heroes Franklin and Rock reveals the reverence for and relevance of the label.
Kid Rock performed with Wonder on the Motown great’s songs “Living For The City” and “Superstition,” bringing many of the people in the crowd to their feet.
The pair called up others for the finale — a funky, extended version of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours.”
Before taking the stage, Kid Rock called it a “career milestone.”
He said his mother, who was out of state, sent him a text message: “Who would have thought when we were partying in our barn, playing all those Motown records when you were a kid that you’d be playing the 50th gala?”
The gala is a regular event for the museum, but it took a higher profile this year to mark the 50th anniversary of the label’s founding.
Museum CEO Audley Smith said the facility wants to expand to hold thousands of artifacts and memorabilia that can’t be displayed because of space, but he stressed the museum will maintain the integrity of the well-known Hitsville USA house on West Grand Boulevard.
The gala also included special tributes to Motown alumni who have died, including Michael Jackson. Gordy, at Jackson’s memorial service in July, talked about the 10-year-old prodigy he signed, calling him “the greatest entertainer that ever lived.”
Homecomings are rare these days for Gordy, who lives in California, but bonds remain: His sister, Esther Gordy Edwards, founded the museum now overseen by his great-niece, Robin Terry. He’s also a premier sponsor of the gala.
President Barack Obama sent well wishes via videotape. He said Gordy’s “music made history” and his record company “captured a truly American sound.”
Franklin sang a customized birthday ode to Gordy, who turns 80 on Nov. 28. “Detroit, we’ve waited long enough — Berry’s come home at last,” she sang.
Afterward, Franklin ushered Gordy to the stage, saying “he absolutely revolutionized the music industry, single-handedly.” He was presented a crystal plaque, a large cake and a mass serenade of “Happy Birthday.”
Gordy told the crowd he was inspired by his time spent on a Detroit auto factory floor to make a music company that was like “an assembly line” of talent. “That dream came true.”
Wonder told The Associated Press after the concert that being a part of Gordy’s vision has been a blessing.
“I’m just very, very happy (for) that dream Berry had — him meeting me, hearing me, seeing me, that he saw fit for me to be a part of that dream that became reality.”
Check out the music video below for the 1999 Millennium Promise/NSPCC charity single. A cover of The Rolling Stones’ “It’s Only Rock and Roll (But I Like It)”.
Performed by (in order of appearance): Keith Richards, Kid Rock, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Jones (from Stereophonics), Jon Bon Jovi, Kelle Bryan, Jay Kay (from Jamiriquai), Ozzy Osbourne, Womack & Womack, Lionel Richie, Bonnie Raitt, Dolores O’Riordan (from The Cranberries), James Brown, The Spice Girls, Mick Jagger, Robin Williams, Jackson Browne, Iggy Pop, Chrissie Hynde, Skin (from Skunk Anansie), Annie Lennox, Mark Owen, Natalie Imbruglia, Hugh “Huey” Morgan (from Fun Lovin’ Criminals), Dina Carroll, Gavin Rossdale (from Bush), B.B. King, Joe Cocker, The Corrs, Steve Craddock and Simon Fowler (from Ocean Colour Scene), Ronan Keating, Ray Barretto, Herbie Hancock, Francis Rossi & Rick Parfitt (from Status Quo), S Club 7 and Eric Idle.
April 29th, 2010 could go down in your personal history as the craziest weekend of your life. On that Thursday, Kid Rock and his fans will be boarding a ship (the Carnival Inspiration) and preparing for 4 days (4/29 – 5/3) that will rock the seas like they’ve never seen. We are inviting you, to join the 1st ever Kid Rock weekend party, on a boat, cruising through the Caribbean, with all of Kid Rock’s closest artist friends, DJ friends and party friends! Appropriately named the Chillin’ the Most Cruise.
As a member of Kid Rock’s mailing list, you are invited to sign up to be a part of the pre-sale. This means you’ll have the chance to reserve your cabin before the general public which gives you the best choice of cabins and 1st pick of seats to one of Kid Rock’s main lounge concerts. All of the other concerts and activities on board are general admission. Only those in the Kid Rock Congregation & Kid Rock mailing list will have access to the pre-sale, so make sure you reserve your spot to this party before we let it loose to the masses!
Visit www.kidrockcruise.com and sign up now. You will have until 11:59pm August 28th to sign up. You will be emailed your pre-sale booking details (a specific booking date & time, along with a token password) by Tuesday September 1st, for booking starting Wednesday, September 2nd.
A token is a numeric password that will allow you to book your cabin by giving you access to the reservation system before it is available to the public. Each token is valid for ONE cabin reservation. Once your token number is active, it is valid until 11:59pm on September 7, 2009 or until it is used to successfully place a reservation. The event will go on sale to the general public on September 8, 2009 at 10am EST and tokens will no longer be necessary. The token activation times randomly are staggered throughout those who signed up through the mailing list, so we can offer the best customer service possible.
When you activate your token to book your cabin, you will follow the steps to select a cabin type, enter in the information for you and your traveling companion(s), select your Kid Rock main lounge show and seating zone and make your payment. A $149 per person deposit will be required at time of booking.
You may also make your reservation over the phone at 1-877-SIXTHMAN (1-877-749-8462). Please have your token number available when you call. Since we do anticipate heavy call volume, those of you comfortable with completing the process online should consider doing so, as it may be necessary for us to call you back should you call our office to book.
We encourage you to spend some time reading the Frequently Asked Questions page, checking out the cabin types and prices and exploring our ship, the Carnival Inspiration. The more familiar you are with everything, the easier it will be to confirm your spot on Kid Rock’s Chillin’ the Most Cruise! If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact us by email at customerservice@sixthman.net, through our LIVE CHAT feature, or by phone at 877-SIXTHMAN (1-877-749-8462).
Pre-order Uncle Kracker’s new album HAPPY HOUR now! Every order comes with an instant download of the new single “Smile”! Check out the exclusive packages below and get your copy, before it’s too late!
HAPPY HOUR in stores & online Tuesday, September 15th!
– Happy Hour CD
– Instant MP3 download of “Smile”
– 1 Year Fan Club Membership
– Exclusive Videos From Uncle Kracker
– Limited Edition Uncle Kracker T-shirt
– Happy Hour CD
– Instant MP3 download of “Smile”
– 1 Year Fan Club Membership
– Exclusive Videos From Uncle Kracker
– Limited Edition Uncle Kracker T-shirt
– MP3 Download of Entire Happy Hour Album 96 Hours Before Street Date
– Happy Hour Limited Edition 2 Pint Glass Set
– Uncle Kracker Beer Koozie
– Happy Hour CD
– Instant MP3 download of “Smile”
– 1 Year Fan Club Membership
– Exclusive Videos From Uncle Kracker
– Limited Edition Uncle Kracker T-shirt
– MP3 Download of Entire Happy Hour Album 96 Hours Before Street Date
– Happy Hour Limited Edition 2 Pint Glass Set
– Uncle Kracker Beer Koozie
– Limited Edition SIGNED Guitar
– MP3 Download of 8-Track Live Album, Performing Songs From Happy Hour & Other Uncle Kracker Hits
The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF), a leader in innovative music therapy treatments and research, is pleased to announce a special Music Has Power™ Benefit Concert on September 2, 2009 at New York City’s Terminal 5. Kid Rock will headline the event.
The Bronx-based Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, a member of the Beth Abraham Family of Health Services, is a nonprofit, 501 (c) (3) agency founded on the idea that music has unique powers to heal, rehabilitate, and inspire — and that we can use music therapy to restore and improve our physical, emotional, and neurological health. The Institute is dedicated to advancing scientific inquiry on music and the brain and to developing clinical treatments to benefit people of all ages and was founded with the help of renowned neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks. Past Music Has Power events have featured appearances and performances by Beastie Boys, Chris Martin, Gwyneth Paltrow, Dustin Hoffman, Moby, Rob Thomas, the B-52’s, Kris Kristofferson, Rufus Wainright, Bruce Hornsby, Vanessa Carlton and many others. Ticket information is as follows:
American Express Presale Wednesday, August 5th at 10AM through Friday, August 7th at 10PM. Tickets for the American Express presale available by phone 800.745.3000 or at ticketmaster.com.
Many of Kid Rock’s fans have been waiting for this concert “All Summer Long.”
(For those unfamiliar with Kid Rock’s music, that’s a song from his album, “Rock N Roll Jesus.”)
“[I love] just his energy. He’s a bad boy,” said Connie Fagerli, 42, of Downingtown.
On Friday night, Kid Rock stepped onto the stage at the Hersheypark Stadium to perform for a crowd of more than 12,000.
“It’s about time,” said Wendy Kauffman, 46, of Middletown. “I just couldn’t believe they booked [Kid Rock].”
“He’s controversial,” Kauffman added. “They’re very docile around here.”
Kid Rock’s music is classified as a blend of classic rock, country and, at times, hip-hop. The Hershey venue offers solid rock and country shows, with acts Blink-182, Creed and Keith Urban scheduled for August, said Vikki Hultquist, director of event booking, marketing and ticketing for Hershey Entertainment.
But there have been fewer offerings for hip-hop fans, with a performance by 50 Cent at the Giant Center a couple of years ago being the most recent, she said.
Friday’s concert with Lynyrd Skynyrd was Kid Rock’s first appearance at Hershey, and his only stop in Pennsylvania with his current tour, Hultquist said.
“It’s good to be back in Pennsylvania,” he told the audience.
Among his fans, Kid Rock is admired for his edge, his talent and his rebelliousness. They describe his music as different, fun and honest.
“He writes his own music, his stories are real, and he puts on a hell of a show,” said Jake Warchola, 46, of Virginia.
“He just does a little bit of everything,” said Lonnie Coy, 31, of Morgantown. “A little rock, a little rap, blues.”
Those diverse styles attract a diverse fan base. Friday’s concert-goers arrived in sedans, campers and limos. They wore cowboy hats and Michael Kors.
“I don’t think there is a ‘typical Kid Rock fan,’ ” Coy said.
“My dad listens to him, and my nephew listens to him. There’s a 40-year age gap there,” said Becky Sluder, 31, of Morgantown.
Zac Cutchall of Carlisle has been a fan of Kid Rock since he was in elementary school. The 23-year-old owns every CD since “Devil without a Cause,” which was released in 1998, but Friday’s show was his first Kid Rock concert. He was hoping to hear live versions of some of his favorite songs, “So Hott” and “Warrior.”
Warchola saw Kid Rock perform in Erie in 2000. He said he’s been a fan of the musician for almost 10 years, attracted by Kid Rock’s musical versatility as much as his appeal as a regular guy.
“He’s just one of us. When you watch his show, you walk out and you’re energized and you feel good,” Warchola said.
Head over to eBay right now to bid on an Epiphone guitar, signed by Kid Rock. The money they raise with the auction will go towards Human Rights Watch, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières and Oxfam America to help the people dying in the crisis in Darfur.
Statement regarding the arrest of bus driver Joseph Devlin: While it is regrettable that this incident occurred while on the Rock and Rebels tour, Mr. Devlin is employed by Roberts Brothers Coach Company, and not by Kid Rock. We have been informed that he has been terminated.”
Grand funk…american band
The boss…born in the usa
Mellencamp…pink houses
Zac brown…toes
Seger….night moves
Tom petty….even the losers
Eagles…take it to the limit
Skynrd…simple man
Martha reeves…dancin in the street
Whiskey falls….falling into you
Travis tritt….great day to be alive
Jamey johnson…high cost of living
Keb mo….. The beginning
KID ROCK AND DRINKS AMERICAS ANNOUNCE “AMERICAN BADASS BEER COMPANY™” TO BE BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY
AMERICAN BADASS BEER™ WILL BE LAUNCHED AT KID ROCK’S JULY 17-18TH WEEKEND SHOWS AT COMERICA PARK
Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd. (OTC BB: DKAM) (“Drinks Americas” or the “Company”) announced today that on July 4th it will commence brewing and filling kegs for the launch of Kid Rock’s “AMERICAN BADASS BEER COMPANY™”. Kid Rock plans to launch kegs of his new American style lager at Detroit’s Comerica Park in time for concert dates July 17th and 18th. AMERICAN BADASS BEER™ will be available at kiosks within the park during the concerts and rolling out in Michigan in the coming weeks followed by a number of Midwest market openings.
J. Patrick Kenny, CEO of Drinks Americas, said, “We are very excited about the launch date, the beer and all the work that has been put into making Kid Rock’s AMERICAN BADASS BEER™ a success. Based on orders alone we are off to a very good start. We will let the beer speak for itself as people begin to taste this great product.”
MTV have picked Kid Rock to be part of their new programming called ‘World Stage’. Kid Rock’s performance at last years ‘Rock Am Ring’ in Germany will air globally on MTV this Friday, May 22nd. The show will go out across the world at these times below:
Detroit Rock Review, have posted their view on TY Stone’s first EP produced by Kid Rock under the Top Dog/Atlantic Records music label, titled “4 On The Floor”. To read their view, CLICK HERE.
Head over to RollingStone.com to check out an exclusive interview with Kid Rock. He discusses everything from the upcoming tour, new album and the Bad Ass Beer? Click HERE to read right now!
The world’s most original Rock Superstar, the “Son of Detroit”, Kid Rock talks candidly to Edwards & Lee (Chuck Edwards & Linda Lee) on 99.5 WYCD about his upcoming stadium shows at Comerica Park. Listen as he answers some VERY personal questions…..some which may surprise you!
Click here to see pictures of Kid Rock at the Barnstable Brown Party Celebrating The 135th Kentucky Derby at Barnstable Brown House on May 1, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky.
KID ROCK TURNS A NIGHT INTO A WEEKEND; ADDS SECOND SHOW AND MORE FOR SUMMER CONCERTS AT DETROIT’S COMERICA PARK
Detroit, MI – May 1st, 2009 –Not one to throw a small party, Kid Rock has announced a second performance at Comerica Park on Saturday, July 18th, following the 27 minute sell-out of all 35,000 tickets for the July 17th engagement. The weekend party will expand out to the streets each day to include chili cook-offs, an auto show, and a 2nd stage that will host several “Battle of the Bands” contest winners. Special guests will differ for the two shows, with July 17th featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd and Robert Randolph and the Family Band, and the July 18th show featuring Alice in Chains and Cypress Hill. What are sure to be Detroit’s biggest concert events of the summer also offer this summer’s best concert ticket deal, Six Pak Party Deck Tickets for only $99.
The Live Nation promoted show, which is presented by Red Stag by Jim Beam, has tickets priced at $69.50, $46.50, $30 and $99 for a 6 pack of party deck tickets that go on sale Saturday, May 9th at 10 am. Tickets will be available at Tickets.com, The Comerica Park box office, select Meijer stores or charge by phone at 866-66-TIGER. VIP packages are also available. For additional Kid Rock tour information go to www.livenation.com.
Kid Rock’s “Rock ‘N Roll Jesus” debuted at #1 in 2007 and became the #1 selling rock album of 2008. Sales of the record continue to grow towards triple platinum, aided by a pair of Grammy nominations and an amazing performance on the telecast featuring his expanded 11-piece Twisted Brown Trucker Band, who will once again accompany him on tour.
Kid Rock will perform at this year’s New York State Fair on September 5th at 7:30pm. Tickets go on sale Saturday, May 9th at the Fair’s box office, at all Ticketmaster outlets and online at ticketmaster.com. Admission to the fair is free on the day of the show with the purchase of a grandstand ticket to the concert. There will be a limit of eight tickets per person for the first week of the ticket sale.
Click here to watch a clip Ty Stone posted on his myspace page of him recording at Harmonie Park in Detroit, MI. While your there be sure to add Ty Stone as a friend on your Myspace page.
Head over to realdetroitweekly.com to read an exclusive interview with Paradime (Kid Rock’s DJ) and Trick Trick. The guys talk about the Detroit music scene and so much more! Check it out now!
Timothy B. Schmit is putting the finishing touches on “Expando,” his first solo album in eight years. The singer/bassist told Billboard.com that the album, which he plans to release in the fall, is comprised of all new songs and features a guest list that includes the pairing of Dwight Yoakam and Kid Rock plus Graham Nash, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Keb’ Mo’, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and others.
Check out Rev Run’s Words Of Wisdom from TODAY – Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Good morning. While being on tour with Mr Ritchie (Kid Rock) I discovered a great book… “You’ve got talent .. Now what?”
Author..-John Maxwell… While looking at Kid perform night after night for hours and hours and rehearse during the day.. I said to myself whoa this dude is amazingly talented! THEN as I saw the work ethic, I came to the conclusion That having talent is just the beginning.. God gives us talent and its up to us to cherish and develop it, so we can serve others and make God proud.. This dude would do whatever it took to rock the house and give the world a good time… Props to Kid! In conclusion I say… Practice Practice Practice! I read a quote that’s fitting for this word of wisdom.. If I miss a day of practice, I know it.. If I miss two days of practice my manager knows it. If I miss three days of practice my audience knows it… Develop your craft everyone! Practice!
Congrats to Kid Rock for bringing home the ‘Outstanding National Single’ for “All Summer Long” at the Detroit Music Awards last night. Top Dog’s own Ty Stone also won in the “Outstanding Rock / Pop Artist / Group” and “Outstanding Acoustic Artist / Group” categories!
Kid Rock’s latest album is still selling strong, with sales going up 12% this week, moving over 11,000 units, bringing the grand total to over 2.9 million albums sold. Thanks to all the fans for the support!
Special congrats to Kid Rock for being nominated twice for CMT Awards for ‘Video of the Year’ and ‘Wide Open Country Video of the Year’ for ‘All Summer Long.’ Click HERE to vote Kid Rock to win!!
OPENING DAY 2009
Friday, April 10 – Rangers @ 1:05 p.m.
The Detroit Tigers will honor the life and career of George Kell during an on-field, pregame ceremony at 12:35 p.m. Kell, who was a third baseman, played for the Tigers from 1946-52 and also was a Tigers broadcaster from 1959-63 and 1965-1996. Kell passed away on March 24.
In addition, 2009 Opening Day will also feature traditional events such as the National Anthem, a Military Flyover and Ceremonial First Pitches. The National Anthem will be performed by members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and will be followed by a Military Flyover showcasing four F-15C Aircrafts from the 95th Fighter Squadron of Tyndall Air Force Base.
There will also be three Ceremonial First Pitches which will take on special meaning as the resiliency of Michiganders is highlighted. Detroit Native Kid Rock will show his support for Detroit and the Big Three automakers as he delivers the Ceremonial First Pitch Baseballs to Loretta Abiodun, David Edgar and Pete Reyes.
· Abiodun, who is representing General Motors, has worked for the company 35 years and currently works at the Detroit Hamtramck Assembly Plant in the Quality/Communications department.
· Edgar, who is representing Chrysler, has worked for the company 34 years and currently works at the Warren Stamping Plant as a Sheet Metal Worker.
· Reyes, who is representing Ford, has worked for the company 22 years and currently works at the Product Development Center in Dearborn as the Chief Engineer of the all new Taurus. Eli Bayless
Kid Rock introduced the comedian on stage in Detroit, Michigan, for the free show, which aimed to boost morale in an area dogged by high unemployment rates.
“What a great night for the state of Michigan and the people of Detroit,” Kid Rock told the crowd at The Palace Of Auburn Hills.
The star, who is from Detroit, introduced Jay, who bounded on stage and embraced the rocker.
The first row then rushed toward the stage and Jay went down the line slapping and shaking hands, just as he does every night before his Tonight Show monologue begins.
Jay failed on several occasions to get his set started, because the roar of the crowd and a chant of “Thank you, Jay!” drowned out his words.
The NBC late-night star, an avid car collector whose love of autos has brought him to Detroit from time to time, said he wanted to do some good for an area struggling with a high jobless rate and imploding auto industry.
Michigan’s unemployment rate was at 12 per cent in February, the highest in the nation.
“These are the hardest-working people in the world, and I think they’re getting screwed,” Jay told reporters before the show. “And it doesn’t seem fair.”
He initially only planned a single show, but heavy demand prompted organisers to add a Wednesday night performance of what was being billed as Jay’s Comedy Stimulus Plan. In all, there will be 30,000 tickets distributed.
Ty Stone recently revealed on his Myspace Blog that he’s going to be releasing a new EP with tracks produced by KID ROCK this Spring! Stay tuned for details…
It was announced today that Kid Rock has purchase the naming rights to the home of the Detroit Tigers for an undisclosed sum. Kid Rock and The Michigan Brewing Company, in a separate negotiation, are proud to announce that Kid Rock’s forthcoming new line of beer will become the official beer of the Detroit Tigers.
Says Kid Rock, “This has been a dream of mine for a long time, and with the banks in trouble it seemed like the right time for me to reach out to the fine people at Comerica Bank. Since they relocated to Dallas after opening the stadium here, they were very open to the idea of making this deal. I’ve never been more excited for opening day, and I’m proud to be able to add my name to the legacy of my favorite baseball team.”
