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Tom Waits
Tom Waits constantly challenged popular musical perception, eschewing
conventional commercial values with his idiosyncratic ideas and odd vocal style.
He taught himself piano as a child and attributes his love of music to trips
through Mexico with his father. Working in a pizza bar, Waits initially joined
R&B band The System, then played solo shows at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. He
released his debut album, Closing Time, in 1973, establishing his signature
growly vocals, literate lyrics, and romantic downtrodden persona on tracks like
“Ol’ 55". 1976’s Small Change included two...
