Tom Kiefer is an American rock artist, a permanent member of the famous rock band Cinderella, founded in 1983. Tom's role in the band is playing keyboards, guitar and vocals. Such versatile skills allow us to say that this rocker is quite a gifted person.
Appearance
The emergence of the group Cinderella occurred in the US state of Philadelphia. The founders of this rock band are considered to be Tom Kiefer together with Eric Brittingham, who until the very breakup was the band's bassist. In addition to these two guys, the original line-up also included guitarist Michael Smith and drummer Tony Destra. However, both Destra and Smith only stayed with the band for less than two years before leaving to form a metal band called Britney Fox.
The departed musicians were replaced by Jeff LaBar, formerly of White Foxx, and Jody Cortez. All the young guys who were part of Cinderella had little musical experience before and, as a rule, had previously been members of unknown bands.
Start. Introducing Bon Jovi
Cinderella began its musical career in small venues located in the North American state of Pennsylvania. Tom Kiefer, together with his colleagues, arranged concerts in various clubs, outdoor areas, small stadiums. All these performances had the sole purpose of attracting investors or attracting the attention of some record company.
Constant concerts and performances gradually took their toll. They not only brought recognition to young guys, but also honed their skills and mastery on stage. During one of these performances, the rockers were noticed by Jon Bon Jovi, who really liked the game of the Cinderella group. After talking with the guys and getting to know them better, John realized that this not yet quite well-known team has a chance to get to the top of the rock Olympus. It was for this reason that, being confident in the talent of young rockers, Jon Bon Jovi advised one of his record companies to sign a contract with Cinderella. Agents from Mercury/Polygram records took the advice of the seasoned rocker and made a deal with Tom Kiefer and the rest of the guys.
First album
The band's debut album was called Night Songs and was released in 1986. It was an excellent work of the team, which, in addition, was recognized by many world music critics and, of course, brought Cinderella a lot of fans. Tom Kiefer, whose biography is inextricably linked with this rock band, worked hard on each composition of the first album. ATAs a result, his labors have given long-awaited results.
Tom's songs were easy to remember, and the rockers' album went gold in just six weeks. Moreover, after a while it went platinum, thanks to such popular singles as Somebody Save Me and Nobody's Fool. These songs are known in rock circles to the present day. After this debut album, Cortez left the band and was replaced by Fred Kouri.
Tour and play with celebrities. Second album
The success that came to the rockers after the release of Night Songs allowed the guys to take part in tours and tours around the country. At the same time, they were the opening act for Bon Jovi. But Cinderella performed not only with John, but also with such established musicians as AC/DC, Judas Priest, David Lee Roth.
In 1988, the rockers released the next equally successful album - Long Cold Winter. After its release, the Cinderella group immediately becomes one of the iconic rock bands. Moreover, Tom Kiefer and the rest of the participants instantly become headliners, participate in almost all rock parties, gatherings, concerts, give tours not only in their own country, but also abroad. Many fans and critics believe that it was Tom Kiefer who played a big role in the success of the team. A concert in Moscow in 1989, together with such stars as Ozzy Osbourne, Gorky Park, Mötley Crüe, Scorpions, Skid Row, added popularity to rockers in our country.
Style
Critics compare Cinderella's style to AC/DC and Aerosmith, andwith Led Zeppelin, more precisely, the rock band performs their music as a cross between these three rock bands. The popularity of the team owes much to the unusual style of music performance, as well as the hoarse voice of Tom Kiefer. The band's discography, although small, still has several dozen excellent singles.
Decomposition
Cinderella disbanded in 1995. This was preceded by two more released albums that could not be called successful. In addition, changes were taking place in the team: Fred Kouri left, the drummer who came to replace him, having played only one season, also left the group. In addition, Tom Kiefer began to experience problems with his vocal cords, then his mother died. Tom dedicated one of the songs to her. All these troubles eventually led to the collapse of the rock team. The decline in popularity of glam rock was also significant, as grunge was in vogue at the time.
However, even after the collapse of the band, Tom Kiefer and the rest of the members continued to make music: some solo, some as part of other groups. Repeatedly they got together, published collections of the best songs.
Cinderella is a small but significant piece of Anglo-Saxon rock music. And although her career did not work out, in a rather short period of her existence, she was able to attract the attention and love of many fans. Tom Kiefer played an important role in this.
In Moscow and other cities of our country it is difficult to findlover of this direction of music, who would not have heard of the group Cinderella. And even now, many years later, in some establishments you can still hear the melodic Long cold winter or the downhole Gypsy Road.
