Tom Waits

Profession: Singer-Songwriter and Pianist

Biography: Tom Waits is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and actor known for his distinctive raspy voice, eclectic musical style, and vivid storytelling. Throughout his career, Waits has explored various genres, including blues, jazz, rock, and experimental music, creating a unique sound that has earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

Waits began his career in the early 1970s, as a piano based singer-songwriter with his debut album, Closing Time (1973). His early music showcased a mix of folk, blues, and jazz influences, with lyrics that often painted vivid pictures of the lives of society's outcasts and misfits. After completing the soundtrack to the Francis Ford Coppola film "One From the Heart", featuring duets with Crystal Gayle; Waits left his longtime record label and producer and re-invented himself. His breakthrough came with the release of the album Swordfishtrombones (1983), which marked a departure from his earlier sound and introduced a more experimental and avant-garde approach to his music.

Throughout his career, Tom Waits has released a series of critically acclaimed albums, such as Small Change (1976), Rain Dogs (1985), and Mule Variations (1999), which have showcased his ability to blend diverse musical styles and create memorable characters through his lyrics. His music has influenced a wide range of artists, from alternative rock to folk and jazz musicians. Artists including The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, Rod Stewart, Shawn Colvin, Joan Baez, and Elvis Costello have covered his songs.

In addition to his work as a musician, Waits has also pursued a successful acting career, appearing in films by notable directors like Francis Ford Coppola, Jim Jarmusch, and Terry Gilliam. His distinctive screen presence and gravelly voice have made him a sought-after character actor in both mainstream and independent films.

Honors include Grammy Award wins in 1992 and 1999, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011, and in 2016, PEN America's Song Lyrics of Literary Excellence Award.

Born: December 7, 1949
Birthplace: Pomona, California, USA
Age: 74 years old

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Sagittarius