Thomas Alan Waits (born December 7, 1949) is a renowned American musician, composer, songwriter, and actor known for his unique, gravelly voice and evocative lyrics that often delve into the darker aspects of society. His early work centered around jazz in the 1970s, but he later incorporated influences from blues, rock, vaudeville, and experimental genres into his music since the 1980s.
Born and raised in California within a middle-class family, Waits’ artistic journey began when he started performing on the San Diego folk music circuit, drawing inspiration from the likes of Bob Dylan and the Beat Generation. In 1972, he made a move to Los Angeles and worked as a songwriter before securing a recording contract with Asylum Records. Notable albums like “Closing Time” (1973) and “The Heart of Saturday Night” (1974) reflected his poetic exploration of nightlife, poverty, and crime. With successive releases like “Small Change” (1976), “Blue Valentine” (1978), and “Heartattack and Vine” (1980), Waits gained critical acclaim and commercial success as he toured extensively worldwide and even contributed to Francis Ford Coppola’s film “One from the Heart” (1981) and appeared in cameo roles in other Coppola films.
In 1980, Waits underwent significant life changes when he married Kathleen Brennan, parted ways with his manager and record label, and relocated to New York City. With Brennan’s encouragement and collaboration, his music took on a more experimental and eclectic tone, influenced by artists like Harry Partch and Captain Beefheart. His collaboration with Island Records resulted in groundbreaking albums such as “Swordfishtrombones” (1983), “Rain Dogs” (1985), and “Franks Wild Years” (1987). Alongside his music career, he also ventured into acting, starring in Jim Jarmusch’s film “Down by Law” (1986) and engaging in theatrical projects like the musicals “The Black Rider” (1990) and “Alice” (1992) with theatre director Robert Wilson.
Having returned to California in the 1990s, Waits continued to earn critical acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards with albums like “Bone Machine” (1992), “The Black Rider” (1993), and “Mule Variations” (1999) under the record label ANTI-. Despite not achieving mainstream commercial success, his influence on the music industry led to a devoted global following, with numerous biographies celebrating his legacy. In recognition of his songwriting prowess, Rolling Stone ranked him at No. 55 on their list of “100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time,” and he was honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
Thomas Alan Waits’ formative years were spent in Whittier, California, where he was born. Raised in a middle-class family with both a teacher father and church-going mother, his childhood included learning to play the bugle and guitar. However, his parents’ separation when he was ten years old proved to be a significant turning point in his life. Relocating to Chula Vista with his mother and siblings, Waits encountered new experiences that shaped his musical tastes and inspirations. He attended O’Farrell Community School, fronted a school band called the Systems, and developed a deep appreciation for R&B, soul singers, country music, and the iconic Bob Dylan. Television shows like The Alfred Hitchcock Hour and The Twilight Zone also captivated his imagination during his formative years.