Tom Keifer, from the Philadelphia suburbs, formed the hard rock band Cinderella in 1983 with bassist Eric Brittingham after playing in local cover bands and writing original material. Despite initial shyness, Keifer served as lead vocalist and guitarist, principal songwriter, and the band signed with Mercury Records in 1985 after discovery by Jon Bon Jovi. Their debut album Night Songs (1986) was followed by Long Cold Winter (1988) and Heartbreak Station (1990), with hits including 'Shake Me,' 'Nobody's Fool,' 'Gypsy Road,' and 'Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone).' Three albums achieved platinum or multi-platinum status. Cinderella's style blended hard rock with influences from Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones, evolving beyond glam metal. A vocal cord injury and shifting music trends halted activity after 1994's Still Climbing. Keifer released solo albums The Way Life Goes (2013) and Rise (2019), touring with a new band known for high-energy performances featuring his raspy vocals and guitar work.