Tom Waits

Tom Waits

Tom Waits is an American singer, songwriter, composer, and actor from Pomona, California. Born in 1949, he becomes known for a deep, gravelly voice and for songs that often focus on marginalised and overlooked people. His work begins in the folk scene of the 1970s and develops into a style that draws on rock, jazz, Delta blues, opera, vaudeville, cabaret, funk, experimental techniques, Americana, avant-garde jazz, beat poetry, blues rock, and dark cabaret.

Early career

Waits grows up in California and later moves to Whittier, where his experiences on Kentucky Avenue shape much of his writing. Influenced by Bob Dylan and the Beat Generation, he performs on the San Diego folk circuit before relocating to Los Angeles in 1972. There he works as a songwriter and signs with Asylum Records.

Albums and style

His debut album, Closing Time (1973), is followed by The Heart of Saturday Night (1974) and Nighthawks at the Diner (1975). He gains wider critical and commercial recognition with Small Change (1976), Blue Valentine (1978), and Heartattack and Vine (1980). After marrying Kathleen Brennan in 1980 and leaving his manager and record label, he adopts a more eclectic and experimental approach, with Brennan encouraging the shift. This period produces Swordfishtrombones (1983), Rain Dogs (1985), and Franks Wild Years (1987).

Film, theatre, and collaborations

Waits begins working in film in 1978, including collaborations with Francis Ford Coppola on One From the Heart (1982), where he meets Brennan. He also works with theatre director Robert Wilson on musicals including The Black Rider, Alice, and Woyzeck, with corresponding albums The Black Rider, Alice, and Blood Money.

Awards and later work

He wins Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Contemporary Folk Album for Bone Machine (1992) and Mule Variations (1999). Later releases include Real Gone, Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards, Glitter and Doom Live, and Bad as Me. He is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.

Influence and legacy

Waits develops an international cult following and influences many other artists. His songs are covered by Bruce Springsteen, Tori Amos, Rod Stewart, and the Eagles, and he writes songs for Johnny Cash and Norah Jones. He also continues to pursue poetry and acting roles. He is associated with the labels Lost Henry and Jalma Music, and with Roy Orbison and Friends.