Bo Bice facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bo Bice
Bo Bice in The American Idol Experience motorcade at Walt Disney World.
Background information
Birth name	Harold Elwin Bice Jr.
Born	(1975-11-01) November 1, 1975 (age 49) Huntsville, Alabama, U.S.
Origin	Helena, Alabama, U.S.
Genres	Southern rock hard rock country rock
Occupation(s)	Singer musician
Instruments	Acoustic guitar electric guitar lap steel guitar mandolin harmonica piano saxophone vocals
Years active	1994–present
Labels	RCA Sugarmoney Saguaro Road Lofton Creek

Harold Elwin "Bo" Bice Jr. (born November 1, 1975) is an American singer and musician. He became well-known as the runner-up on the fourth season of American Idol, where he competed against Carrie Underwood. Before American Idol, Bo Bice released music with his own bands and performed in clubs.

In 2005, his song "Inside Your Heaven" from American Idol reached number two on the Billboard music chart. After the show, he released an album called The Real Thing. Later, he started his own record label, Sugar Money, and released two more albums: See the Light and 3. He was also the lead singer for the famous band Blood, Sweat & Tears from 2013 to 2018.

Early Life

Bo Bice was born in Huntsville, Alabama. His mother and grandmothers were all gospel singers. His grandmother gave him the nickname "Bogart" when he was a baby because she thought he had "Humphrey Bogart eyes." When he started kindergarten, he shortened it to "Bo" because he thought it sounded cooler.

Bo's parents divorced when he was young. He grew up with his mother, his step-father Earle Downes, and his step-sisters and half-brother. His family moved around a lot in the South, living in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. In 1990, when Bo was 14, his family moved to England because of his step-father's job with Coca-Cola in London.

In England, Bo went to London Central High School, which was mainly for children of U.S. military families or embassy workers. He always carried his guitar and played football. While there, he started his first band, Spinning Jenny, with some English musicians. Bo left high school in 1993, just before he turned 18, and moved back to Alabama. He earned his GED (General Education Development) and took classes at Calhoun Community College.

Music Career

Starting Out and American Idol: 1997–2005

After college, Bo Bice became a professional musician. He performed in many shows across the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other parts of Europe. He had a lot of experience playing in nightclubs. He released his first CD in 1995 with his band Purge. He was also in other bands like Blue Suede Nickel and SugarMoney. He even opened for bands like Blackfoot and Warrant.

In 2004, the producers of American Idol changed the age limit for contestants, making it possible for Bo to try out. His mother and other family members encouraged him to audition. Bo was one of the older contestants to try out and compete on the show. He was also one of the first contestants to perform rock songs. The judges loved his audition performance of "Whipping Post" by The Allman Brothers Band. His performances made him a favorite in the competition.

During the final three shows, Bo took a risk by singing "In a Dream" without a band or backup singers. He ended up as the runner-up to Carrie Underwood. In Alabama, May 24 was even named "Bo Bice Day" by Governor Bob Riley. Members of the band Lynyrd Skynyrd surprised Bo and performed "Sweet Home Alabama" with him in his hometown of Helena, Alabama.

Idol performances

After Idol and Family Life: 2005

After American Idol, Bo Bice signed with RCA Records. His first single, "Inside Your Heaven", came out in June 2005. It quickly reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified Gold. Bo was invited to perform with Willie Nelson and appeared on Carlos Santana's album All That I Am.

On June 15, 2005, Bo married his long-time girlfriend, Caroline Fisher, in Helena, Alabama. They met when he worked at a guitar store and she was a waitress. They have four children: three sons born in September 2005, August 2008, and January 2010, and a daughter born in April 2012. They live in Covington, Georgia.

Bo faced some health challenges after Idol. In July 2005, he broke his foot during a concert. In August, he had emergency surgery for an intestinal problem. He had to miss some tour dates, but his fellow contestants honored him by singing "Sweet Home Alabama" and wearing his T-shirts. Bo returned to the tour and even opened his home to a family who lost theirs in Hurricane Katrina.

In October 2005, Bo introduced his own band, SugarMoney. He continued to perform benefit concerts. In November, he was named "Heartland Hero of the Week" for helping Hurricane Katrina victims. The family of Jim Croce also gave Bo a special music award because they were touched by his performance of Croce's song "Time in a Bottle" on American Idol.

The Real Thing and Health Issues: 2005–2006

Bo Bice's first solo album, The Real Thing, was released in December 2005 and reached number four on the charts. It had one of the highest opening sales for a debut album by an American Idol finalist. In January 2006, CMT aired a TV special called Bo Bice: In the Moment, which showed his life after Idol and the making of his album.

During this time, Bo continued to have recurring intestinal problems. He was hospitalized many times but kept performing his shows. In March 2006, he sang on the American Idol results show. In April, he participated in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race to help children's hospitals. In September 2006, he released a cover of "Time Has Come Today" for a new Monopoly commercial. He also appeared in a TV special with Lynyrd Skynyrd.

In October 2006, Bo had more emergency surgeries for his ongoing intestinal problem. Even while recovering, Ben Stiller invited him to record a song for the movie Blades of Glory. Bo later received a gold record for The Real Thing.

Sugar Money Records, See The Light and 3: 2007–2013

Bo Bice wanted his next album to be more "southern rock." He started his own record label called Sugar Money/StratArt. He spent months writing and recording new music for his album, See the Light, which was released in October 2007.

Bo Bice in September 2008

In October 2007, Bo appeared on the TV show American Chopper: The Series, which featured a custom motorcycle with a built-in guitar. He also worked with Peavey Electronics Corporation to develop a Bo Bice guitar. In 2008, Bo traveled to Kuwait and Afghanistan to perform for U.S. troops. He also toured with other artists, paying tribute to the Beatles' album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

In September 2008, Bo participated in "Share the Beat," a benefit for transplant awareness. In December, he performed for President Bush in Washington. Throughout 2009, Bo continued touring and even performed with Lynyrd Skynyrd. He received the Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Award for volunteering over 4,000 hours for causes like Habitat for Humanity, Hurricane Katrina relief, and military support.

In 2010, Bo released his album 3 through his Sugar Money label and Saguaro Road Records. In October 2010, Bo appeared on the game show Don't Forget the Lyrics! and won the $50,000 grand prize for his charity, MusiCares. He was the first celebrity to win the top prize on the show.

In 2013, Bo sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the NASCAR Feed the Children 300 race in Sparta, Kentucky.

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

Music videos