Thomas Alan Waits (born December 7, 1949) is an American singer, songwriter, composer, and actor. Known for his deep, gravelly voice, his lyrics often explore the lives of marginalized and overlooked individuals. Beginning in the folk scene of the 1970s, Waits’ music has since incorporated influences from rock, jazz, Delta blues, opera, vaudeville, cabaret, funk, and experimental techniques. Waits was born in Pomona, California, and later moved to Whittier, where his early experiences on Kentuck...
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Thomas Alan Waits (born December 7, 1949) is an American singer, songwriter, composer, and actor. Known for his deep, gravelly voice, his lyrics often explore the lives of marginalized and overlooked individuals. Beginning in the folk scene of the 1970s, Waits’ music has since incorporated influences from rock, jazz, Delta blues, opera, vaudeville, cabaret, funk, and experimental techniques. Waits was born in Pomona, California, and later moved to Whittier, where his early experiences on Kentucky Avenue shaped much of his later work. Inspired by Bob Dylan and the Beat Generation, he performed on the San Diego folk circuit before relocating to Los Angeles in 1972. There, he worked as a songwriter and signed with Asylum Records. His debut album, "Closing Time" (1973), was followed by "The Heart of Saturday Night" (1974) and "Nighthawks at the Diner" (1975). He gained critical and commercial success with "Small Change" (1976), "Blue Valentine" (1978), and "Heartattack and Vine" (1980). In 1978, Waits began working in film, including collaborations with Francis Ford Coppola on "One From the Heart" (1982), where he met Kathleen Brennan. Waits married Brennan in 1980, left his manager and record label, and moved to New York City. With Brennan’s encouragement, he adopted a more eclectic and experimental sound, influenced by artists such as Harry Partch and Captain Beefheart. This period produced the albums "Swordfishtrombones" (1983), "Rain Dogs" (1985), and "Franks Wild Years" (1987). He collaborated with theater director Robert Wilson on musicals including "The Black Rider" (1990), "Alice" (1992), and "Woyzeck" (2000), with corresponding albums "The Black Rider", "Alice", and "Blood Money". Waits won Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Contemporary Folk Album for "Bone Machine" (1992) and "Mule Variations" (1999). Subsequent releases included "Real Gone" (2004), "Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards" (2006), "Glitter and Doom Live" (2009), and "Bad as Me" (2011). Waits has not toured since 2008 and has not released new music since 2011, though he continues to make occasional appearances and has pursued poetry and acting roles. Waits has influenced numerous artists and developed an international cult following. His songs have been covered by Bruce Springsteen, Tori Amos, Rod Stewart, and the Eagles, and he has written songs for Johnny Cash and Norah Jones. In 2011, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Neil Young introducing him as “sort of a performer, singer, actor, magician, spirit guide, changeling.” Waits acknowledged the perception of being difficult to work with, noting that it is often described as a positive aspect of his career. Studio albums Closing Time (1973) The Heart of Saturday Night (1974) Nighthawks at the Diner (1975) Small Change (1976) Foreign Affairs (1977) Blue Valentine (1978) Heartattack and Vine (1980) Swordfishtrombones (1983) Rain Dogs (1985) Franks Wild Years (1987) Bone Machine (1992) The Black Rider (1993) Mule Variations (1999) Alice (2002) Blood Money (2002) Real Gone (2004) Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards (2006) Bad as Me (2011)
