Complete List Of Cinderella Band Members

Cinderella Band Members

Feature Photo: Adrián Pérez from Helsinki, Finland, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The band originally consisted of Tom Keifer, Eric Brittingham, Jeff LaBar, and Fred Coury, who collectively shaped the band’s signature sound. Throughout their career, Cinderella sold over 20 million albums worldwide and were a staple of the glam metal movement, which dominated the 1980s. Although the band faced several breaks and lineup shifts, they continued to enjoy significant success through touring and their enduring influence. The band’s albums were frequently well-received, with Long Cold Winter reaching platinum status and Heartbreak Station charting highly. The band’s legacy is often discussed alongside other hard rock legends of the era.

Over the years, the members of Cinderella have pursued various solo projects, but the band’s music remains a significant part of rock and glam metal history. Here’s a closer look at the key members of the band, starting with the lead vocalist and guitarist, Tom Keifer, who was the driving force behind the band’s sound.

Tom Keifer

Tom Keifer is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter for Cinderella. He was the founding member of the band in 1983 and remained with them throughout their entire career. Keifer’s distinctive raspy voice and his ability to blend blues influences with rock music were central to Cinderella’s sound, particularly on tracks like “Nobody’s Fool” and “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone).” He was not only the voice of the band but also played guitar, keyboards, saxophone, harmonica, steel guitar, mandolin, and dobro, showcasing his versatility as a musician. Keifer’s contributions to Cinderella’s albums, including Night Songs (1986), Long Cold Winter (1988), and Heartbreak Station (1990), were vital to their success.

After Cinderella went on hiatus, Keifer pursued a solo career, releasing his debut solo album The Way Life Goes in 2013. He continued to tour and perform songs from his time with Cinderella, as well as his solo work, bringing his powerful voice to new audiences. Keifer’s musical career has been marked by his tenacity and ability to create music that resonates with rock fans, making him one of the most respected figures in the genre.

Eric Brittingham

Eric Brittingham was the bassist and backing vocalist for Cinderella, joining the band in 1983. Brittingham was an integral part of the band’s rhythm section, contributing not only bass lines but also providing backing vocals, which helped define the band’s harmonic sound. His bass work can be heard on tracks like “Somebody Save Me” and “Gypsy Road.” Brittingham’s musical influence extended beyond just his technical skill, as he was also involved in the band’s songwriting and the overall direction of their sound.

Brittingham continued to perform and tour with Cinderella throughout the band’s career. After the band went on hiatus, he participated in various musical projects, including playing with the band Devil City Angels. Despite changes in the music scene, Brittingham’s steady presence as a bassist has ensured his place as one of rock’s respected bass players. His contributions to Cinderella’s catalog continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.

Jeff LaBar

Jeff LaBar joined Cinderella in 1985 as the band’s guitarist and backing vocalist, a position he held until 2014. LaBar’s guitar playing was a vital part of Cinderella’s sound, bringing a combination of heavy riffs and melodic solos to the band’s tracks. He played a major role in defining the band’s hard rock aesthetic, and his slide guitar work on “Coming Home” became one of Cinderella’s signature sounds. LaBar contributed to all of Cinderella’s albums, including Night Songs, Long Cold Winter, and Heartbreak Station, helping shape their musical identity.

After his time with Cinderella, LaBar continued his music career by pursuing solo projects, and he was involved in various collaborations. He remained a key figure in the glam metal scene until his untimely death in 2021. LaBar’s contributions to Cinderella are still remembered, and his musical legacy remains influential in the hard rock community.

Fred Coury

Fred Coury was the drummer and percussionist for Cinderella, joining the band in 1986. Coury’s drumming was a fundamental part of the band’s rhythm section, providing a powerful and driving force behind the music. His work on songs like “Shake Me” and “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” showcased his ability to craft beats that complemented the band’s hard rock and blues elements. Coury was known for his solid drumming style and his ability to adapt to different musical genres within rock.

Coury played with Cinderella throughout their active years, contributing to all of their major albums and touring extensively. After the band’s hiatus, Coury continued his career in music, performing with various artists and maintaining his presence in the rock scene. He rejoined Cinderella during their later tours, solidifying his place as a key member of the band until its official end in 2014. Coury’s drumming remains an essential part of Cinderella’s musical legacy.

Other Musicians Associated with the band through touring and studio recordings

Rick Criniti

Rick Criniti was the keyboardist, pianist, organist, synthesizer player, and backing vocalist for Cinderella during their 1986–1995 touring years. Criniti played a key role in helping the band shape its sound during their live shows, bringing an extra layer of depth to the band’s music with his keyboard and synthesizer work. His contributions were felt especially in the band’s later years, as they incorporated more keyboards and atmospheric sounds into their live performances. Criniti also provided backing vocals, adding texture to Cinderella’s harmonies. After his tenure with the band, Criniti continued to perform and work as a session musician.

Garry Nutt

Garry Nutt was a bassist for Cinderella during a few brief periods: in 1989, 2000, and 2008. His time with the band was intermittent, and he was mainly involved in touring and supporting the band during those years. Nutt’s bass playing complemented the band’s hard rock and glam metal style, though he did not appear on any of their studio albums. After his time with Cinderella, Nutt played with various other musical acts, contributing to his career as a touring bassist.

Gary Corbett

Gary Corbett was the keyboardist and backing vocalist for Cinderella from 1990 to 1995 and again from 1998 to 2014. Corbett’s keyboard work was an important part of the band’s sound during the early ’90s, especially during their tours for Heartbreak Station (1990) and Still Climbing (1994). His experience as a session musician and live performer helped elevate Cinderella’s live shows, adding layers of texture to their hard rock sound. Corbett remained an integral member of the band during their later reunion tours. After his passing in 2021, Corbett’s contributions to the band’s music and live performances continued to be remembered by fans.

Kevin Valentine

Kevin Valentine was the drummer and percussionist for Cinderella during the 1991–1993 period. Valentine’s drumming helped define the band’s live sound during the early ’90s, providing a solid rhythm foundation for their music. Although Valentine’s time with the band was relatively short, his drumming appeared during a transitional period for Cinderella as they toured and performed their hits from Heartbreak Station and Still Climbing. After leaving the band, Valentine continued to work in music, performing with various other acts as a session musician and live performer.

Roberta Freeman

Roberta Freeman was a backing vocalist for Cinderella from 1990 to 1991. Freeman contributed to the band’s live performances, adding depth and harmony to the band’s sound during their tours in support of Heartbreak Station. Her backing vocals helped enhance the band’s sound, particularly during songs that required rich vocal harmonies. After her brief time with Cinderella, Freeman continued to work as a backing vocalist and performer, contributing to a variety of musical projects.

Dianne Jones

Dianne Jones was a backing vocalist for Cinderella during the band’s 1990–1991 tours. Jones’ vocals were a key component of the band’s live sound during this period, where she helped complement the band’s music with her harmonies. Like Freeman, Jones was part of the band’s efforts to bolster their vocal sound during their live performances. After leaving Cinderella, Jones continued to pursue a career as a backing vocalist for other musical projects.

Charles Lawrence

Charles Lawrence was a keyboardist and backing vocalist for Cinderella during the 1991 tour. His contributions to the band’s live performances helped support the band’s evolving sound, which began to incorporate more keyboard-driven elements. Though his time with Cinderella was brief, Lawrence’s work provided a rich layer to the band’s sound. After his time with Cinderella, Lawrence continued working as a session musician and performer in various music projects.

Ray Brinker

Ray Brinker was the drummer and percussionist for Cinderella during their 1994–1995 tours. Brinker contributed to the band’s live performances, adding a solid and dynamic rhythm section to the band’s sound during this time. His drumming supported the tracks from Still Climbing (1994) and helped the band bring an energetic performance to their live shows. After leaving Cinderella, Brinker worked with various other artists and continued his career in music.

Phillip Calfy

Phillip Calfy played drums and percussion for Cinderella during their 2006 tour. His brief involvement with the band came during a time of transition as Cinderella was reconnecting with their audience and reestablishing their live presence. Calfy’s drumming style contributed to the band’s hard rock sound during the period, adding energy to their shows. After his time with the band, Calfy continued to perform in the music industry.

John Rogers

John Rogers played drums and percussion for Cinderella from 2009 to 2010. His time with the band occurred during their reunion phase, where they played select shows and celebrated their past successes. Rogers’ drumming helped solidify the rhythm section during these performances. After his brief tenure with Cinderella, Rogers continued to work as a drummer for various live performances and session work.

Paul Taylor

Paul Taylor was a keyboardist and backing vocalist for Cinderella during their 2012 and 2014 tours. Taylor’s keyboard work complemented the band’s live sound, providing a richer, more layered musical experience for audiences. His backing vocals added depth to the band’s harmonies, particularly in songs that required vocal layering. After his involvement with Cinderella, Taylor continued to work in the music industry, contributing to various musical projects as a session musician and live performer.

Michael Schermick

Michael Schermick was a guitarist and backing vocalist for Cinderella during their early years, from 1983 to 1985. Schermick contributed to the band’s initial sound, playing guitar on some of their formative tracks and providing backing vocals. His involvement was integral to the band’s live performances during this period, helping to shape their sound before the lineup solidified with the more recognizable members of the group. After leaving Cinderella, Schermick pursued other musical ventures but did not achieve the same level of fame he had during his time with the band.

Sam Smith

Sam Smith was the bassist and backing vocalist for Cinderella from 1983 to 1984. He was part of the band’s early lineup, contributing to their early live performances and recordings. Smith’s bass playing provided the foundational groove to Cinderella’s music during the initial stages of their career. However, his time with the band was brief, as he left in 1984. After his departure, Smith did not maintain a significant public presence in the music industry.

Tony Destra

Tony Destra was the drummer and percussionist for Cinderella from 1983 to 1985. Destra played an important role in the band’s early sound, helping to define their rhythm section during their formative years. His energetic drumming was featured in their early live shows and recordings. Tragically, Tony Destra passed away in 1987, but his contributions to Cinderella’s early years remain a part of the band’s history. His death was a sad moment for the band and the rock community, as Destra had been a vital part of their live performances.

Jim Drnec

Jim Drnec played drums and percussion for Cinderella from 1985 to 1986. He replaced Tony Destra during the band’s early years and played on some of their live performances and recordings during this transitional period. Drnec’s drumming style added a new dynamic to Cinderella’s rhythm section, but his time with the band was relatively short. After leaving Cinderella in 1986, Drnec continued to pursue his career in music, though he did not remain a prominent figure in the public eye.

Albie “Al” Barker

Albie “Al” Barker was the drummer and percussionist for Cinderella in 1986. His time with the band was brief, and he played during a transitional phase in the band’s lineup. Though Barker’s involvement in Cinderella was short-lived, his drumming helped complete the rhythm section during this period. After his time with the band, Barker continued his career in music but did not achieve widespread recognition outside of his brief period with Cinderella.

Jody Cortez

Jody Cortez was the drummer and percussionist for Cinderella in 1986. His involvement with the band was during a transitional period when the band was evolving and refining their sound. Cortez played a role in their live performances and helped define the band’s rhythm section during this time. Although his time with Cinderella was brief, his drumming style contributed to their energetic performances in 1986. After his departure from the band, Cortez continued his career as a session musician and live performer, contributing to various musical projects.

Barry Benedetta

Barry Benedetta was a guitarist for Cinderella in 1986. His time with the band was short, but his guitar work played a role in shaping the sound of the band during that era. Benedetta’s contributions were particularly felt during the live shows, where his guitar playing added depth to the band’s hard rock and glam metal sound. After his brief tenure with Cinderella, Benedetta continued to perform and work with other bands. He passed away in 2022, leaving behind a legacy in the rock world.

Jeff Paris

Jeff Paris was the keyboardist for Cinderella in 1986, contributing to the band’s sound during their live performances that year. Paris’ keyboard work added a layer of melody and texture to Cinderella’s music, helping to expand the band’s sound. His contributions were particularly evident during their live shows, where his keyboard playing complemented the band’s hard rock style. After his time with Cinderella, Paris continued his career in music as a solo artist and songwriter, working on various musical projects over the years.

Cozy Powell

Cozy Powell was a renowned drummer who briefly played for Cinderella in 1988. Known for his exceptional drumming abilities, Powell played drums on some of the band’s tracks during this period. Powell’s extensive experience as a session musician and performer with other rock legends, including Rainbow and Black Sabbath, brought a distinctive energy to Cinderella’s sound. His time with the band was short-lived, but Powell’s drumming made a strong impact during his tenure. Powell passed away in 1998, but his legacy as one of rock’s greatest drummers remains significant.

Denny Carmassi

Denny Carmassi was the drummer for Cinderella in 1988, following Cozy Powell’s brief stint with the band. Carmassi brought his experience to the band’s rhythm section, contributing to their sound during this period. Known for his solid and precise drumming style, Carmassi played an important role during a transitional phase for the band. After his time with Cinderella, Carmassi continued his career in music, performing with various artists, including Montrose, and establishing himself as a respected figure in rock drumming.

Kevin Conway

Kevin Conway played drums and percussion for Cinderella from 1990 to 1991. His drumming during this period helped support the band’s evolving sound as they worked on new material. Conway’s rhythmic skills were vital during the band’s performances, providing a steady foundation for their hard rock and glam metal elements. After his time with Cinderella, Conway continued to work in music, but his involvement in other projects was limited. His time with the band remains a small but notable part of Cinderella’s rhythm section history.

Kenny Aronoff

Kenny Aronoff, a highly respected session drummer, joined Cinderella in 1994, playing drums and percussion for the band during their live performances. Aronoff’s drumming style, known for its powerful and precise execution, added energy and depth to Cinderella’s shows. He has worked with numerous artists in the rock world, including John Mellencamp, and his reputation as a world-class drummer enhanced Cinderella’s live performances during his tenure. After his time with Cinderella, Aronoff continued to enjoy a successful career as a session drummer, contributing to various high-profile projects.

Ken Hensley

Ken Hensley, a prominent keyboardist, was part of Cinderella’s lineup in 1990, contributing his keyboard skills to the band’s sound during this period. Hensley’s expertise in rock music, particularly his work with Uriah Heep, brought a layer of sophistication to Cinderella’s sound. His time with the band was brief, but his contributions to the band’s live performances and musical direction were valuable. After his time with Cinderella, Hensley continued his career in music, working on solo projects and collaborating with other artists. He passed away in 2020, leaving behind a lasting legacy in rock music.

Rod Roddy

Rod Roddy was the pianist for Cinderella in 1990, playing a key role in their live performances during this period. His contributions on the piano added an additional texture to the band’s music, particularly in the more melodic and balladic moments of their performances. Though Roddy’s time with Cinderella was short-lived, his musical input helped enhance the band’s live shows during the early 1990s. After his brief tenure with the band, Roddy continued to work in the music industry, although his work outside of Cinderella is less documented.

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