Tom Keifer turns 64 years old today, he’s still rocking like it’s 1988. Happy Birthday Tom!
If you don’t know, the dude was Cinderella’s lead singer, songwriter, guitarist, and co-founder. Alongside Eric Brittingham, he gave us one of the most iconic hair metal bands of the ’80s.
Born on January 26th 1961, in Springfield, PA, Tom grew up loving the blues and guitar. He battled drug and alcohol issues in high school and wanted to drop out. Of course, his mom didn’t want that, so they made a deal: she’d buy him a Gibson Les Paul when he graduates. Obviously, he did, and he still has that guitar today!
After high school, Tom worked odd jobs—walking racehorses and delivering film reels—before meeting Eric Brittingham at the bathroom bar. The two hit it off and formed Cinderella; the rest is rock history.
Did you know? Most fans knew Jon Bon Jovi discovered Cinderella after seeing them perform at the Empire Rock Club. But it was Gene Simmons from Kiss who originally had an interest! Either way, when two rock legends see your potential, you know you’re the real deal.
However, if I’m being honest, the Cinderella story was very short-lived and they are very underrated today. Tragedy struck after their Heartbreak Station tour in 1991. Tom lost his voice and was diagnosed with paralysis on his left vocal chord. He had to go through multiple surgeries, which delayed their next album, Still Climbing. Unfortunately, the album didn’t do well, leading to the band’s eventual hiatus.
But Tom didn’t quit. He launched a solo career, releasing The Way Life Goes (2013) and Rise (2019). In 2023, he hit the road again with the Tom Keifer Band for the Live and Loud tour. So, the guy’s still active today!
I saw Cinderella live on their Long Cold Winter tour in ’89, and they were incredible—heavier and rawer than their records. Tickets were only $15 back then…Can you imagine?
Let me know if you were there (and got the tour tee to prove it).
Tom Keifer is a survivor, a resilient legend, and proof that rock ‘n’ roll never dies.
Happy Birthday, Tom! Here’s to more music and many more years of rocking out.
Rock on,
Sam -darella🤘
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