Ted Nugent facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ted Nugent
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Nugent performing in 2017
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Theodore Anthony Nugent |
| Also known as | The Nuge Motor City Madman Uncle Ted |
| Born | December 13, 1948 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1963–present |
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Theodore Anthony Nugent (born December 13, 1948) is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is also known for his political activism. People often call him Uncle Ted, the Nuge, or Motor City Madman. Ted Nugent first became famous as the lead guitarist for the Amboy Dukes, a hard rock band that started in 1963.
After the band broke up, he started a very successful solo career. His first three solo albums, Ted Nugent (1975), Free-for-All (1976), and Cat Scratch Fever (1977), sold millions of copies in the United States. His live album Double Live Gonzo! (1978) was also very popular. His most recent album, Detroit Muscle, came out in 2022.
Nugent is famous for playing the Gibson Byrdland guitar. He is known for his energetic guitar playing and exciting live shows. Even though he has a powerful singing voice, he often worked with other lead singers early in his solo career. His biggest hit song was "Cat Scratch Fever" in 1977, which he sang himself. In 2023, he started his "Adios Mofo Tour," which he said would be his last big tour.
Since the 2000s, Ted Nugent has been known for his strong conservative political views. He is a big supporter of hunting and gun ownership rights. He is on the board of the National Rifle Association and supports the Republican Party. He has also been a strong supporter of Donald Trump and has performed at some of his events.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Ted Nugent was born in Redford, Michigan, on December 13, 1948. He grew up in Detroit. His father was an army sergeant. Ted went to high school in Illinois. His grandparents on his mother's side were from Sweden.
Military Service and Health
Ted Nugent grew up in a military family. However, he did not serve in the military himself. He was classified as ineligible for military service due to health reasons.
Ted Nugent's Music Career
Ted Nugent was inspired by famous musicians like Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and Little Richard.
The Amboy Dukes Band
The first version of the Amboy Dukes started playing at a teen dance club in Illinois in late 1965. Ted Nugent was still in high school at the time. The Amboy Dukes became a very popular band at this club.
Their second hit song was "Journey to the Center of the Mind". Their early albums, like The Amboy Dukes (1967) and Journey to the Center of the Mind (1968), sold quite well. In 1968, Ted Nugent joined other musicians like Joni Mitchell and Jimi Hendrix in a special jam session to honor Martin Luther King Jr.
In 1973, Nugent signed a new record deal. He changed the band's name to Ted Nugent and the Amboy Dukes. They released albums like Call of the Wild and Tooth Fang & Claw. The band members reunited in 2009 for the first time in over 30 years to receive an award.
Ted Nugent's Solo Career
In 1975, Ted Nugent started his solo career and signed with Epic Records. He kept his bassist, Rob Grange, and added new members Derek St. Holmes (guitar, vocals) and Clifford Davies (drums). This group made Nugent's most successful albums in the 1970s: Ted Nugent (1975), Free-for-All (1976), and Cat Scratch Fever (1977). These albums had popular songs like "Hey Baby", "Stranglehold", and "Cat Scratch Fever".
During these years, Ted Nugent became a guitar hero for hard rock fans. His band toured a lot and released the very popular live album Double Live Gonzo! (1978). After this, some band members left, and new ones joined. Nugent continued to release successful albums like Weekend Warriors (1978) and State of Shock (1979).
In 1995, Nugent released Spirit of the Wild, which was well-received. This album included the song "Fred Bear," which is popular with bowhunters. He also started hosting a radio show and became involved in hunting-related businesses. He created TV shows like Wanted: Ted or Alive and Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild. In 2006, he was honored by the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.
Ted Nugent has continued to tour and release music. In 2008, he played his 6,000th concert in Michigan. He also appeared as a character in the video game Guitar Hero World Tour. In 2011, he released a new song called "I Still Believe." In 2023, he announced that his "Adios Mofo" tour would be his last major tour, but he plans to keep recording music.
Musical Influence
Ted Nugent has influenced many musicians. He is seen as an important figure in the straight edge movement, a lifestyle connected to punk rock that began in the 1980s. Musicians like Henry Rollins and Ian MacKaye were inspired by Nugent.
Other famous guitarists, such as Slash from Guns N’ Roses, have also said Ted Nugent influenced them. Some artists have covered Nugent's songs, including the Ramones and Pantera.
Television and Movie Appearances
Reality TV Shows
Ted Nugent has been in several reality shows. Since 2001, he has hosted his own outdoors show called Spirit of the Wild on the Outdoor Channel. In this show, he teaches viewers about hunting and conservation. In one episode, he was charged with minor hunting rule violations in California, to which he pleaded guilty to two. This was about following hunting rules, not a serious crime.
In 2003, he hosted Surviving Nugent on VH1, where city people lived on his ranch. In 2005, he hosted Wanted: Ted or Alive, where contestants competed to go hunting with him. He also appeared on SuperGroup in 2006, forming a band called Damnocracy with other famous musicians. In 2009, he had another show on CMT called Runnin' Wild ... From Ted Nugent, where he taught survival skills.
Acting Roles
Ted Nugent has also appeared in TV shows and movies. In 1986, he was a guest star in an episode of Miami Vice. His songs were also featured in the show.
In 2001, he appeared as himself in an episode of That '70s Show. He also had a guest appearance on the animated show Aqua Teen Hunger Force. In 2007, he was in the music video for Nickelback's song "Rockstar". He also lent his voice to an episode of The Simpsons.
In 2008, Ted Nugent made his movie debut in the film Beer for My Horses, playing a deputy sheriff who loves hunting and guns. He appeared as himself again in The Simpsons in 2012.
Ted Nugent's Personal Life
Ted Nugent is a big fan of Detroit sports teams, including the Detroit Red Wings (ice hockey), Detroit Pistons (basketball), Detroit Lions (football), and Detroit Tigers (baseball).
Family
Ted Nugent has been married twice and has children. His first wife was Sandra Jezowski, whom he was married to from 1970 to 1979. They had two children.
His second wife is Shemane Deziel. They met when he was a guest on a radio show where she worked. They got married in 1989 and have a son together.
Health
Ted Nugent has some hearing loss. He has said that it is a small price to pay for his musical journey.
Political Views and Activities
Ted Nugent is a strong supporter of the Republican Party and conservative ideas. He especially supports gun rights and hunter's rights. He is a board member of the National Rifle Association (NRA). He has also been a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump.
He has supported other Republican politicians, like Mitt Romney for president and Joe Arpaio for sheriff. He also worked for Sid Miller's campaign for Texas Agriculture Commissioner.
Views on Animals
Nugent owns a hunting ranch in Michigan. He has defended hunting, saying it helps control animal populations. In 2012, he pleaded guilty to a minor violation related to transporting a bear he had hunted in Alaska. He agreed to pay a fine and produce a public service announcement about hunters' responsibilities. This was about following hunting rules.
Gun Rights Advocacy
Ted Nugent is a strong supporter of the right to bear arms. He believes that people should be able to own guns for self-defense. He has served on the board of directors for the National Rifle Association. He often speaks out against stricter gun control laws.
Views on Healthcare
Nugent has spoken about his views on healthcare, including being against public health care.
Views on Presidents
Ted Nugent has been critical of some past presidents, including Barack Obama. He has also been a strong supporter of Donald Trump. In 2017, he visited the White House with other celebrities and met with President Trump.
Considering Running for Office
Ted Nugent has never run for government office, but he has sometimes talked about it. In 2005, he said he was thinking about running for governor of Michigan. He also mentioned the idea of running for president in 2016, but he never officially ran. He has said that if he were elected, he would try to reduce government waste.
Band Members
Current members
- Ted Nugent – lead and rhythm guitar, lead and backing vocals, bass, percussion (1974–present)
- Jason Hartless – drums, backing vocals (2016–present)
- Johnny Schoen – bass, backing vocals (2023–present)
Former members
- Rob Grange – bass, backing vocals (1971–1978, one off 2006)
- Derek St. Holmes – lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar (1974–1976, 1976–1978, 1982, 1993–1995, 2011–2016, one off 2006)
- Cliff Davies – drums, backing and occasional lead vocals (1974–1981 one off 2006; died 2008)
- Meat Loaf – lead vocals (1976; died 2022)
- Charlie Huhn – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1978–1982)
- Dave Kiswinery – bass, backing vocals (1979–1986, 1988)
- Carmine Appice – drums, backing vocals (1982–1983)
- Bobby Chouinard – drums (1983–1985)
- Brian Howe – vocals (1984–1985; died 2020)
- Alan St. John – keyboards, backing vocals (1983–1985)
- Dave Amato – rhythm guitar, lead and backing vocals (1985–1988)
- Michael Mason – drums, backing vocals (1985–1987)
- Ricky Phillips – bass, backing vocals (1986–1987)
- Chuck Wright – bass (1987–1988)
- Pat Torpey – drums, backing vocals (1987–1988; died 2018)
- Mike Lutz – bass, keyboards, backing vocals (1993–1998, 2002)
- Denny Carmassi – drums (1993–1997)
- Marco Mendoza – bass, backing and occasional lead vocals (2000–2003)
- Tommy Aldridge – drums, backing vocals (1997–2001)
- Tommy Clufetos – drums, backing vocals (2002–2005, 2007)
- Barry Sparks – bass, backing and occasional lead vocals (2003–2007)
- Jack Blades – bass, backing vocals (2007)
- Greg Smith – bass, backing and occasional lead vocals (2007–2022)
- Jonathan Kutz – drums (2014)
- Johnny Bee Badanjek – drums (2014)
Timeline of members
Discography
Solo Albums
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The Amboy Dukes Albums
Published Books
Images for kids
See also
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