These Uncle Kracker facts might surprise you!
Perhaps you remember the platinum-selling artist serving as DJ for Kid Rock’s backing group Twisted Brown Trucker but it’s more likely that you remember him for his own career flowing from rap-rock to country-pop.
Well, there’s still more to know about Uncle Kracker, so keep on reading below.
1. His name is not really Uncle Kracker.
Born in Mount Clemens, Michigan, on June 6, 1974, Uncle Kracker’s real name is Matthew Shaffer.
Now, that makes us wonder why Uncle Kracker called Uncle Kracker.Â
He was actually only thirteen when Kid Rock nicknamed him as “Kracker.” “Somebody wanted to call Kid Rock’ Kracker,'” he explained. “He knew what it meant, but I didn’t, so that’s when it started.”
However, rock band Cracker objected, so he added “Uncle” to his name.
2. He always wanted to be a veterinarian.
Uncle Kracker loved animals growing up, that he wanted to be a veterinarian. He owns two American bulldogs but also said he wants to have a turtle and a chimpanzee.
3. He loves to draw too!
At some point in his life, Uncle Kracker wanted to be an artist, too, as he loved drawing. In fact, every time he’s around some kids, they always ask him to draw something. “Not to toot my own horn, but I’m pretty good at drawing,” the singer said.
4. His original debut project did not come to life.
Uncle Kracker signed his first record deal when he was only fifteen and made a rap record. Unfortunately, after he entirely recorded his debut album, the record label folded, and his first project never came to life.
5. He is best friends with Kid Rock.
When Uncle Kracker’s brother Mike Shafer joined a turntables competition in a nightclub in Clawson, Michigan, he competed against a then-unknown musician, Kid Rock – which eventually led to the Uncle Kracker and Kid Rock’s friendship.
In 1994, Kid Rock asked Uncle Kracker to be the man behind the turntables in his Twisted Brown Trucker band – though Kracker knew nothing about using turntables. Kid Rock then taught him how to do so, even teaching him how to rap and perform.
During shows, Uncle Kracker would scratch records while trading lines with Rock. The two would even hang out every day in Kid Rock’s basement to write songs.
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Even when Uncle Kracker already rose to fame, he would still collaborate with Kid Rock from time to time.
6. He is a father of five.
When Uncle Kracker appeared on the Sam Alex Show in June 2020, the musician announced that there would be a new addition to his family – another baby boy.
Kracker has three daughters from his then-wife, Melanie Haas. “Then I have a four-year-old boy. And one on the way, another boy,” he said.
Uncle Kracker and his second wife welcomed their baby boy in November that year.
7. He was once arrested for a second-degree forcible sex offense charge.
In 2007, police detained Uncle Kracker after a twenty-six-year-old woman alleged him of committing a sexual act against her at a downtown nightclub. Though he vehemently denied the incident, saying “there was no sexual anything involved,” Uncle Kracker pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of misdemeanor assault to avoid a trial.
He was sentenced to a year of probation and was released on a $75,000 bond.
8. He has charted songs in almost each genre.
Remarkably, Uncle Kracker has charted songs in nearly all genres, including rock pop and even Christian. He’s more than grateful to be able to enjoy a thriving and extensive career without being limited to one genre.
But the artist reveals that he feels right at home with country music fans.
“I’ve been really lucky with country music,” Uncle Kracker said. “I’ve been really, really lucky.”
9. He credits some of his success to luck.
Though Uncle Kracker has worked very hard through the years, he believes there’s been plenty of luck involved. “All the wheels gotta be spinning at the right time. There’s been plenty of tanks,” he said.
10. He has a net worth of $5 million.
It was in the year 2000 when Uncle Kracker debuted in the music scene with his studio album Double Wide. It was certified Double-Platinum in the United States – peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 chart. He went on to release several albums and had success with singles like “Follow Me,” reaching no. 1 – not only on the United States Adult chart but also in other countries such as in Australia and New Zealand.
Celebrity Net Worth estimated Uncle Kracker’s net worth to be about $5 million.
