Biography
Tom Waits, born Thomas Alan Waits on December 7, 1949, in Pomona, California, is a singular figure in American music, renowned for his gravelly voice, poetic lyricism, and genre-defying sound. Raised in a middle-class family, Waits was drawn early to the bohemian world depicted in Beat literature, which profoundly shaped his artistic sensibility. He began performing in the late 1960s in Los Angeles clubs, developing a style that fused jazz, blues, folk, and avant-garde influences, often accompanied by his own piano and guitar playing. His early work, especially albums like 'Closing Time' (1973) and 'The Heart of Saturday Night' (1974), showcased a softer, jazz-inflected approach and established his reputation as a gifted songwriter, though commercial success initially eluded him.
In the 1980s, Waits underwent a dramatic artistic transformation, embracing experimental sounds and unconventional instrumentation, beginning with 'Swordfishtrombones' (1983). This period, coinciding with his marriage to Kathleen Brennan, saw him pushing boundaries with albums such as 'Rain Dogs' (1985) and 'Bone Machine' (1992), blending vaudeville, blues, and industrial noise into a distinctive sonic palette. Waits's lyrics, often populated by drifters and dreamers, evoke the underbelly of American life, earning him a devoted cult following and critical acclaim. His influence extends beyond music into acting and composing for film and theater, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
Waits's legacy is marked by his refusal to conform to mainstream trends, inspiring generations of musicians with his originality and authenticity. Despite limited radio play, his songs have been widely covered by artists such as the Eagles and Rod Stewart, and his innovative approach has left an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary music.
Fun Facts
- Waits's song 'Ol' 55' was famously covered by the Eagles, bringing his songwriting to a wider audience.
- He is known for using unconventional instruments and found objects, such as brake drums and marimbas, in his recordings.
- Waits has acted in several films, including 'Down by Law' and 'Bram Stoker's Dracula.'
- He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Jack Kerouac - Literary influence; Waits was deeply inspired by Kerouac's Beat writing and worldview. (General influence on lyrical style and subject matter) [1960s-1970s]
- Bob Dylan - Musical inspiration; Waits admired Dylan's songwriting and storytelling. (General influence on songwriting) [1970s]
- Charles Bukowski - Poetic influence; Bukowski's gritty realism influenced Waits's lyrics and persona. (General influence on lyrical content) [1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Kathleen Brennan - Wife and principal songwriting partner; co-writer and creative collaborator on most albums since the 1980s. (Swordfishtrombones, Rain Dogs, Bone Machine, Mule Variations, and more) [1980s-present]
- Marc Ribot - Guitarist; frequent session and touring musician on Waits's albums. (Rain Dogs, Franks Wild Years, Mule Variations) [1980s-2000s]
- Larry Taylor - Bassist; regular band member and collaborator. (Multiple albums including Rain Dogs and Mule Variations) [1980s-2000s]
Artists Influenced
- Nick Cave - Cave has cited Waits as a major influence on his songwriting and vocal style. (The Boatman's Call, Murder Ballads) [1990s-present]
- Norah Jones - Covered Waits's song 'Long Way Home' and has spoken of his influence. (Feels Like Home (cover of 'Long Way Home'))
- The Black Keys - Inspired by Waits's raw production and bluesy aesthetic. (Brothers, El Camino) [2010s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Rain Dogs (2023 Remaster) | 1985 | Album |
| Closing Time (Remastered) | 1973-03-06 | Album |
| Mule Variations (Remastered) | 1999-04-27 | Album |
| Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards (Remastered) | 2006-11-21 | Album |
| Bone Machine (2023 Remaster) | 1992 | Album |
| Swordfishtrombones (2023 Remaster) | 1983 | Album |
| The Heart Of Saturday Night (Remastered) | 1974-10-15 | Album |
| Frank’s Wild Years (2023 Remaster) | 1987 | Album |
| Small Change (Remastered) | 1976-09-21 | Album |
| Real Gone (Remastered) | 2004-10-05 | Album |
| Bad As Me (Deluxe Edition Remastered) | 2011-10-25 | Album |
| Heartattack And Vine (Remastered) | 1980-09-09 | Album |
| Blood Money (Remastered) | 2002-05-07 | Album |
| Blue Valentine (Remastered) | 1978-09-05 | Album |
| Alice (Remastered) | 2002-05-07 | Album |
Top Tracks
- I Hope That I Don't Fall In Love With You (Closing Time (Remastered))
- Ol' 55 (Closing Time (Remastered))
- Downtown Train - 2023 Remaster (Rain Dogs (2023 Remaster))
- Martha (Closing Time (Remastered))
- Clap Hands - 2023 Remaster (Rain Dogs (2023 Remaster))
- Little Drop Of Poison (Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards (Remastered))
- Goin' Out West - 2023 Remaster (Bone Machine (2023 Remaster))
- Jockey Full Of Bourbon - 2023 Remaster (Rain Dogs (2023 Remaster))
- Hold On (Mule Variations (Remastered))
- Underground - 2023 Remaster (Swordfishtrombones (2023 Remaster))
External Links
Tags: #americana, #avant-garde-jazz, #beat-poetry
Heard on WWOZ
Tom Waits has been played 32 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.