Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

December 7, 1949 in Pomona, CA

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Tom Waits is a renowned American singer-songwriter, composer, and actor who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. Born on December 7, 1949, in Pomona, California, Waits grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Jesse Frank Waits, was a schoolteacher and a jazz pianist, while his mother, Alma Johnson McMurray, was a singer and a waitress. Waits was exposed to music from a young age and began playing the piano at the age of ten. Waits attended high school in Whittier, California, where he played in a band called The Systems. After graduating, he enrolled at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where he studied composition and music theory. He later transferred to San Diego State University, where he continued his studies in music. In the early 1970s, Waits moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. He began performing at local clubs and coffeehouses, and soon caught the attention of record producer Herb Cohen. In 1973, Waits signed a contract with Asylum Records and released his debut album, "Closing Time." The album was well-received by critics and helped establish Waits as a rising star in the music industry. Over the next few years, Waits released several more albums, including "The Heart of Saturday Night" (1974), "Nighthawks at the Diner" (1975), and "Small Change" (1976). His music was characterized by his distinctive gravelly voice, his use of unconventional instruments, and his poetic lyrics. Waits drew inspiration from a wide range of musical genres, including jazz, blues, and folk music. In the late 1970s, Waits began to experiment with his sound, incorporating more avant-garde elements into his music. His album "Swordfishtrombones" (1983) marked a significant departure from his earlier work, featuring a more experimental and eclectic sound. The album was a critical success and helped establish Waits as a pioneer of the avant-garde music movement. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Waits continued to push the boundaries of his music, experimenting with different styles and genres. He released several more albums, including "Rain Dogs" (1985), "Frank's Wild Years" (1987), and "Bone Machine" (1992). His music continued to be characterized by his unique voice, his use of unconventional instruments, and his poetic lyrics. In addition to his music career, Waits has also had success as an actor. He has appeared in several films, including "The Outsiders" (1983), "Down by Law" (1986), and "Bram Stoker's Dracula" (1992). He has also composed music for several films, including "One from the Heart" (1982) and "Night on Earth" (1991). Waits has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He has been nominated for several Grammy Awards and has won two, for his albums "Bone Machine" and "Mule Variations" (1999). He has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In conclusion, Tom Waits is a highly influential and innovative composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. His unique voice, his use of unconventional instruments, and his poetic lyrics have helped establish him as a pioneer of the avant-garde music movement. Despite his success, Waits has remained true to his artistic vision, continuing to experiment with different styles and genres throughout his career.

More....