Born December 7. 1949 in Pomona, California, USA. First album, "Closing Time", released in 1973. Contemporary artist mostly known for his lyrical and poetical songwriting and rasp gravel voice. Tom Waits has gathered a large cult following over the years around the globe, mainly because Waits has spun his own world in music far apart from anything present. This has led him to be a major inspiration to modern-day generation of musicians. Tom's own inspiration is rooted in early blues and alternative rock with influences like Howlin' Wolf and Jack Kerouac. Tom´s presence live on stage are also quite legendary, as Waits are much a storyteller as a musician giving many long monologues with witty and sarcastic humor. Apart from music, Waits has also done a strong presence in movies. He has appeared in works by Francis Ford Coppola, Jim Jarmusch and Robert Altman.