How to Hire UNCLE KRACKER For Your Event!
aka: Matthew Shafer
Based in: Tennessee
Based in: Nashville
Hire: Uncle Kracker
Uncle Kracker, born Matthew Shafer on June 6, 1974, in Mount Clemens, Michigan, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and DJ. He first gained fame as a DJ for Kid Rock‘s Twisted Brown Trucker band, but he eventually carved out a successful solo career with his unique blend of genres, including rock, country, pop, hip-hop, and blues.
Early Life and Career
Uncle Kracker grew up in Michigan and developed an early interest in music. He met Kid Rock in a nightclub in 1987, and the two quickly became friends. Their partnership would prove pivotal for Shafer’s career. He became the DJ for Kid Rock, contributing to the success of Kid Rock‘s breakout album, Devil Without a Cause (1998). His involvement in this album brought him significant exposure and led to the launch of his solo career.
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Solo Career and Debut Album
Uncle Kracker released his debut solo album, Double Wide, in 2000. The album was a commercial success, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard 200. It featured the hit single “Follow Me,” which became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and received substantial radio airplay. The song’s laid-back vibe and catchy chorus made it a staple on both pop and adult contemporary radio stations.
Subsequent Albums and Evolution
His second album, No Stranger to Shame (2002), continued his success, featuring the hit single “Drift Away,” a cover of the classic Dobie Gray song. The single topped the Adult Contemporary chart for a record 28 weeks and became one of Uncle Kracker‘s signature songs. This album marked a shift towards a more country-oriented sound, reflecting his evolving musical interests.
Over the years, Uncle Kracker released several more albums, including Seventy Two and Sunny (2004) and Happy Hour (2009). “Smile,” a single from Happy Hour, became another major hit, charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts. This song further solidified his reputation as a versatile artist capable of crossing over between genres.
Collaborations and Later Career
Uncle Kracker has collaborated with a variety of artists across different genres, including Kenny Chesney, with whom he recorded the duet “When the Sun Goes Down,” which became a No. 1 hit on the country charts. His friendship and collaborations with Kid Rock have also remained constant throughout his career. Uncle Kracker toured with Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top on their Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour, which commenced on July 21, 2023, in West Palm Beach, Florida, and concluded on September 17 in Camden, New Jersey.
Personal Life
Uncle Kracker has experienced both highs and lows in his personal life. He has faced legal issues, including an arrest in 2007 on charges related to a bar altercation, but he has since moved past these challenges. He is known for his down-to-earth personality and his ability to connect with fans through his relatable lyrics and genre-blending music.
Legacy and Influence
Uncle Kracker‘s ability to seamlessly blend rock, pop, country, and hip-hop has made him a unique figure in the music industry. His hits like “Follow Me,” “Drift Away,” and “Smile” have left a lasting impact on both the pop and country music scenes. He continues to tour and perform, maintaining a loyal fan base that appreciates his diverse musical offerings.
Uncle Kracker‘s career is a testament to his versatility and his ability to adapt to changing musical trends while staying true to his roots. His contributions to music, particularly in the early 2000s, have made him a memorable and influential figure in the industry.
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