Uncle Kracker found success after winning a deejay competition at a Mount Clemens club and joined hometown friend Kid Rock’s band Twisted Brown Trucker as turntable DJ.
Double Wide was released as his debut album and received rave reviews for its soothing sound; proving a smash hit in its time.
What is his real name?
Matthew Shafer, better known by his stage name Uncle Kracker, hails from Detroit where he was raised listening to country and Motown music. An active family man and community volunteer, Matthew has made substantial charitable efforts over time.
Uncle Kracker first became widely recognized as a deejay for Kid Rock before embarking on his own solo musical career with 2000’s Double Wide album and its singles “Follow Me” and Dobie Gray’s “Drift Away”, both reaching #1 on Billboard charts.
Uncle Kracker enjoys living in Nashville when not touring, where his children pose both blessings and obstacles on the road. According to Buzzfeed, having them can be “both the biggest blessing and biggest nuisance at the same time”. Uncle Kracker likened life on tour with camping: an experience similar to being out in nature.
How did he get his stage name?
He earned his stage name while serving as a turntablist for Kid Rock’s backing group Twisted Brown Trucker, where Kid would often refer to him as Uncle Kracker during live performances – this earned him his moniker and has stuck.
He went on to release five albums and chart numerous hits, such as his top 20 hit “Follow Me.” Additionally, he collaborated on tours with Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top.
His innovative mix of upbeat anthems and heartfelt ballads have resonated with audiences worldwide, leading to millions of album sales. Additionally, he is well known for using his platform to make positive contributions towards society at large.
How did he break into the music industry?
Uncle Kracker (real name Matt Shafer) was born in Mount Clemens, Michigan to Sunny Shafer who owned gas stations and Shafer was exposed to both country music and Motown influences during his upbringing. Shafer met Kid Rock (aka Bob Ritchie) for the first time at an all-ages DJ contest when both were 13 years old – an encounter which would cement his musical career and ultimately inspire many other acts in later years.
They became friends and co-workers, with Kracker eventually becoming lead singer of Twisted Brown Trucker. His major label debut album Double Wide hit double platinum status with hits such as Follow Me and his remake of Dobie Gray’s 1970s pop soul hit Drift Away; subsequent year’s No Stranger To Shame went gold, yielding hits such as In A Little While and his remix of Kenny Chesney’s country hit Smile; since 2009 Kracker has committed fully to country music for his recordings.
What is his style of music?
Matthew Shafer, also known by his stage name Uncle Kracker, first gained recognition by playing as DJ for Kid Rock’s Twisted Brown Trucker band from their hometown. Although lacking musical training himself, Uncle Kracker knew how to entertain crowds despite having no prior musical education.
His major-label debut Double Wide was an instantaneous hit in 2000, producing top 10 hits such as “Follow Me”. Subsequent releases spanned numerous country music albums until 2012’s Midnight Special saw him return to country music as his primary genre of choice.
No matter the genre he’s performing in, Kracker delivers an electrifying show filled with energy and audience interaction. An accomplished songwriter, such as Kenny Chesney himself has written songs with Kracker’s help that became hits. People want a fun time when listening to Kracker; that is exactly what his blend of country, pop and hip-hop provides them.
Who is he working with?
Uncle Kracker (real name Matthew Shafer), originally an integral member of Kid Rock’s Twisted Brown Trucker Band as the DJ, first established himself solo with his double Platinum debut Double Wide in 2000. It featured his unique blend of country, pop and rock combined with hip-hop influences.
Kid Rock has gained notoriety as a multi-platinum artist for writing catchy tunes that appeal to multiple listeners, such as “Follow Me” and his cover of Dobie Gray’s “Drift Away.” Additionally, Kid Rock used his songwriting talents on seven of the RIAA diamond-certified Devil Without A Cause tracks himself – helping build up an enthusiastic following across all demographics.
Songfacts caught up with him while on tour with southern-rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top, to learn his approach to live performance. Comparing touring to camping, he noted it is essential to make the most out of every experience regardless of its challenges.