Tom Keifer in San Antonio, 2018. Photo: Ralph Arvesen via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Is Cinderella’s Tom Keifer Young Enough For The Spotlight?
Rock ‘n’ roll is no stranger to controversy, so let us throw our hat into the ring by asking, ‘Is Cinderella’s Tom Keifer young enough for the spotlight?’
At Jukebox Saturday Night, we talk about a lot of beloved names in rock ‘n’ roll, including The B52’s Ricky Wilson (guitarist) and Metallica’s James Hetfield. But we also cover the hidden gems from before that deserve more time in the limelight.
Who is Tom Keifer?
Many fans remember Tom Keifer young as a defining figure in the 80s hard rock scene. So what’s in a Tom Keifer early life bio?
Keifer was born on January 26, 1961, in Springfield, Pennsylvania. The typical Tom Keifer band history isn’t complete without mentioning his time with the band Cinderella, during which he released several hit albums, such as Night songs, Long cold winter, and Heartbreak station.
Many of the band’s songs received heavy radio airplay at the time of their release. The band’s music biography includes classic songs like ‘Shake me’, ‘Nobody’s fool’, ‘Gypsy road’, and ‘Don’t know what you got (till it’s gone)’. Genres also ranged from straight glam rock records to the more mellow rock ballads in the band’s later years.
Cinderella took a break in the late 1990s and early 2000s due to various issues between the bandmates, including Keifer’s own vocal issues and personal struggles among the other members. Cinderella did reunite to tour sporadically between 1996 and 2014 but never released a new studio album after 1994’s Still climbing.
Instead, Keifer is focusing on his solo career and he has continued to make music as a solo artist in recent years. He released his debut solo album, The way life goes in 2013 and his second solo album, Rise, in 2019.
Looking back: Keifer and Cinderella
For those who didn’t catch the band during the peak of glam rock in the late 1980s, Keifer was the lead vocalist, keyboardist and guitarist of Cinderella, which he founded with bassist Eric Brittingham. At a time when AC/DC’s Back in black album continued to rule music charts and the critic panels, Cinderella added a new voice to the rock landscape.
By 1985, however, guitarist Michael Shermick and drummer Tony Destra had left to join a different band. In a 2014 interview, Tom Keifer shared that Gene Simmons of Kiss had tried to get them signed with PolyGram, a plan that hadn’t worked out. It wasn’t until Jon Bon Jovi saw them at the Empire Rock Club in Philadelphia that Cinderella would eventually sign with the Mercury/Polygram Records record label.
Is Cinderella’s Tom Keifer young enough for rock scene?
Age is nothing but a number when it comes to making great music, and the former Cinderella band singer is definitely young enough to keep rockin’ on.
Interviews with Tom Keifer young capture his passion and dedication to his music. Though Keifer began experiencing vocal issues in the early 1990s, he hasn’t slowed down in making music that puts the hair back on your chest – in 2020, he released ‘The death of me’, a send-up to his critics, who have written off the ‘80s rock star for fighting through multiple surgeries on his vocal chords.
His musical foundation is nothing to sniff at, either. Keifer’s musical inspirations have deep roots in the blues, and adopting elements of the sound in their later records sets Cinderella apart from other hair metal bands of the time.
His solo releases have also done respectably on the charts, showing that he still has a strong fanbase decades after Cinderella’s peak. While Keifer may not be as spry as he once was, his musical talent, songwriting skills, and lasting popularity show he’s still a star.
What is Tom Keifer up to these days?
Currently, the Tom Keifer music style includes various collaborations and side projects since Cinderella’s last performance.
He has collaborated with country artist Andy Griggs. Plus, he continues to produce and write new material, allowing him to further explore his blues inspirations with an occasional detour to the harder rock sound that Cinderella fans are familiar with.
So, is Tom Keifer young enough for the rock ‘n’ roll stage? The answer is a resounding yes.
Tom Keifer performing in San Antonio, Texas
What made him a legend
Reason #1: Blending blues with glam metal
Tom Keifer’s entry into the music scene was marked by his deep roots in blues, honed during his formative years. This genre infused Cinderella’s sound with a soulful depth, distinguishing their music amidst the full glam metal surge of the 1980s.
The blend of gusty guitar riffs with the deep foundation of blues created a unique sound experience that captured the attention of rock enthusiasts. This innovative fusion not only set them apart from other ‘80s bands but also highlighted Keifer’s creative prowess in merging diverse musical styles.
Reason #2: Distinct gritty vocal style
The raw, edgy essence of Keifer’s voice became a signature of the Cinderella band identity. His vocal delivery, which could effortlessly switch between raspy aggression and a smooth touch of passion, brought authentic emotion to the band’s tracks, just like Mama Cass in the ‘60s. Keifer’s versatility made songs like ‘Nobody’s fool’ and ‘Gypsy road’ hit anthems that resonated with an entire generation.
Keifer’s voice was always characterised by its rugged texture and emotive depth, playing a pivotal role in defining the band’s sound and ensuring their place in rock music history.
Reason #3: Stage presence with a guitar or mic
On stage, the Tom Keifer ‘80s sound was a force to be reckoned with. He delivered powerful vocals while playing the guitar. It was nothing short of spectacular and this dual ability enhanced Cinderella’s live performances, making their concerts memorable events that fans would talk about long after the lights went down.
Keifer’s dynamic presence, combined with his instrument expertise, made it so that each performance was both heard and heartfelt. This cemented his status as a great performer in the rock genre, similar to The Cowsills members in the early ‘70s in the pop genre.
Reason #4: Overcoming health challenges
Tom Keifer’s battle with vocal health issues stands to show his resilience and dedication to his craft.
Many might think that his condition is a consequence of his unrestrained singing style. However, it’s actually partial paralysis of his left vocal cord, which he says is neurological and incurable.
Even after the Tom Keifer ‘80s rise, he still works hard through intensive training sessions with an opera teacher. Aside from applying the vocal exercises he learned, he typically goes through an hour of warming up before performances and a cool-down period afterwards.
This disciplined way of managing his condition has allowed Keifer to continue performing with the enthusiastic energy and passion that defined his shows in the heyday of Cinderella. His situation is a powerful reminder of our spirits’ capacity to overcome and adapt, serving as an inspiration not only to fellow musicians but to anyone facing personal health challenges.
Keep rockin’ on with Jukebox Saturday Night!
Eager to listen to more Cinderella tunes? Well, then tune in to Foxtel’s Aurora Channel 173 and let Jukebox Saturday Night take you on a fun journey through the heyday of rock and pop!
Originally hosted by radio DJ Ken Sparkes, the show is now hosted by his nephew Justin Coombes-Pearce, continuing his legacy and love of music. Every episode features music video clips from the past, bringing the old hits back to life and celebrating a time when real music was made with real instruments.
The band’s early albums feature Tom Keifer young and displaying his budding musical talent. If you want to relive that era with us, then send us your song requests. If we choose yours, we’ll give you a shout-out on the show.
From Golden Earring hits to the best of Metallica and other bands, you’ll feel like you’re back in the good old days of rock ‘n roll!
Jukebox Saturday Night airs every Saturday, with reruns on Sundays and Tuesdays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Tom Keifer’s first big break?
Among the first Tom Keifer career highlights was when Jon Bon Jovi saw Cinderella perform at the Empire Rock Club in Philadelphia in 1985. Impressed by Keifer’s vocals and guitar skills, Bon Jovi convinced his Mercury A&R manager, Derek Schulman, to sign the band. This led to the band getting their first big break and setting Keifer on the path to rock stardom.
How did Tom Keifer come up with the name Cinderella for his band?
In a 2010 interview, Kiefer said the band members were paging through a cable channel’s late-night movie catalogue when they came across an adult-rated version of the movie Cinderella. The band had wanted a lighthearted name to go along with their hard-hitting rock sound and took finding the adult movie title as a sign.
It’s something Darryl Sambell would be proud of.
Who were Tom Keifer’s early musical influences?
Tom Keifer young was known for his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, which were borne out of a love for music. Like fellow guitarist Poison Ivy Rorschach, he learned to play guitar around the same age he fell deep into blues music.
These, along with contemporaries like Rod Stewart and Led Zeppelin, greatly influenced his musical style and signature sound.
When did Tom Keifer start his music career?
The first Tom Keifer songs were made after he graduated and was gifted a guitar by his mother. As for his professional career, it started in 1982 with the formation of Cinderella, a band that would come to define a generation of hard rock, glam metal and blues rock.
What instrument does Tom Keifer play?
The Tom Keifer ‘80s experience was mostly recognised by his one-of-a-kind vocals and guitar playing. But beyond that, he also has versatility as a multi-instrumentalist. His range covers the keyboard, saxophone, harmonica, and others!
Keeping the spirit of classic rock ‘n roll alive
Jukebox Saturday Night is a fun tribute to the awesome music from the swingin’ ‘60s to the ‘80s. If you love the cool swagger and attitude of rock ‘n’ roll, tune in to our show and relive the magic of those amazing artists at their best.
Catch Tom Keifer’s best performances you won’t find around the web and more on Jukebox Saturday Night!
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