Second Cup Café: Uncle Kracker

Country Rocker Returns with a "Smile" on His New Album, "Happy Hour"

(CBS)  Uncle Kracker has come a long way since his DJ days, spinning for Kid Rock's Twisted Brown Trucker Band.

The Detroit native (whose real name is Matt Shafer) ended up co-writing and performing on Kid Rock's records, including the 2008 hit "All Summer Long."

Uncle Kracker's solo career kicked off in 2000, when he came to the forefront to show off his singing and songwriting skills for country-rock music.

In 2001, he released his No. 1 single, "Follow Me" off his stunning solo debut, "Double Wide," which went double platinum.

After putting out his first three albums in four years, including two more No. 1 hits, the country rocker is back with a brand new release, "Happy Hour." It hit shelves last week. The first single from it, "Smile," has been moving quickly up the Billboard and iTunes charts.

To kick off the album release, he performed at New York City's Hard Rock Café with good friend and country star Kenny Chesney. The two collaborated on "When The Sun Goes Down," which topped Billboard's "Hot Country Songs" chart for five consecutive weeks.

Uncle Kracker stopped by "The Early Show Saturday Edition"'s "Second Cup Cafe" to perform "Smile" and "Follow Me."

Inspired by his eight-year-old daughter, who suggested he turn up the tempo so she could dance more, Uncle Kracker came up with a "breezy blend of country-flavored pop and rock and roll," according to his official Web site.

[sam-kiley]

bonjur chris..

j'aime la country music, uncle kracker..superbe voix, décontracté, simplicité et beaucoup de talent, "happy hour" le hasard fait bien les choses..nous célébrons, l'aid el fitr célébrant la fin du ramadan, bonne fete a tous les musulmans du monde et ceux des USA..merci pour votre gentillesse..au revoir

[JerseyGirlAngel]

Thanks for having Uncle Kracker, he is great, i don't usually like the guests you have, most i wonder why you even choose them, but today you struck gold, Uncle Kracker is the best and you didn't have them on enough. Bring them back...........