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Cinderella emerged from the rock scene in Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania, in 1983, founded by vocalist and guitarist Tom Keifer and bassist Eric Brittingham. Initially, the band included guitarist Michael Schermick and drummer Tony Destra, but both left to form Britny Fox. Their replacements, guitarist Jeff LaBar and drummer Fred Coury, solidified the classic lineup that would propel Cinderella to commercial success. The band’s first major break came when Jon Bon Jovi saw them perform at the Empire Rock Club in Philadelphia and recommended them to Mercury Records, leading to their debut record deal.
The band’s debut album, Night Songs, was released on August 2, 1986, and became an instant hit. The record climbed to number three on the Billboard 200 and achieved triple platinum status by 1987. Featuring hard-hitting tracks like “Nobody’s Fool” and “Shake Me,” the album introduced Cinderella’s signature blend of glam metal and blues-rock. Cinderella toured extensively to support the album, including high-profile slots opening for Poison and David Lee Roth, solidifying their reputation as a formidable live act.
In 1988, Cinderella shifted towards a more blues-influenced sound with their second album, Long Cold Winter. The album was a critical and commercial success, going double platinum and spawning hits like “Gypsy Road,” “The Last Mile,” and the power ballad “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone),” which reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band’s exhaustive 14-month tour in support of Long Cold Winter included a memorable appearance at the Moscow Music Peace Festival alongside other major acts.
Cinderella continued to evolve musically with the release of Heartbreak Station in 1990. While the album did not match the multi-platinum sales of its predecessors, it reached number 19 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum. The album featured a more roots-oriented sound, with prominent blues and country influences. “Shelter Me,” the lead single, became a hit on rock radio, and the band embarked on another extensive tour, during which drummer Fred Coury was replaced by Kevin Valentine.
The band faced a major setback in 1991 when Tom Keifer suffered a paresis of his vocal cords, resulting in multiple surgeries and extensive recovery time. Despite the vocal issues, Cinderella released their fourth album, Still Climbing, in 1994. However, the album failed to achieve commercial success amidst the changing musical landscape dominated by grunge and alternative rock. Following the album’s lukewarm reception, Mercury Records dropped the band, leading to a hiatus in 1995.
Cinderella regrouped in 1996 and continued to tour, maintaining their fan base through live performances. In 1997, they released the compilation Once Upon A…, which featured the band’s most popular tracks. They recorded a live album, Live at the Key Club, in 1999, capturing the raw energy of their performances. Despite signing a new deal with Sony Records, the band’s plans for new material stalled due to contractual disputes and internal conflicts.
In the 2000s, Cinderella continued to tour, participating in the VH1 Classic Rock Never Stops Tour and teaming up with Poison for a 20th-anniversary tour. They also performed on the Monsters of Rock Cruise and headlined major rock festivals such as Rocklahoma and the Sweden Rock Festival. Despite ongoing rumors of new music, the band did not release any new studio albums after Still Climbing.
In 2017, Tom Keifer announced that Cinderella had no plans to reunite due to ongoing personal and legal issues among the members. Tragedy struck on July 14, 2021, when guitarist Jeff LaBar passed away at age 58. The following day, former touring keyboardist Gary Corbett also died. Despite these losses, Tom Keifer continued to perform as a solo artist, releasing his debut solo album The Way Life Goes in 2013, followed by Rise in 2019.
Cinderella’s discography includes four studio albums: Night Songs (1986), Long Cold Winter (1988), Heartbreak Station (1990), and Still Climbing (1994). The band’s biggest hit singles include “Nobody’s Fool,” “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone),” “Gypsy Road,” and “Coming Home.” Although they did not receive major music awards, their influence on the glam metal genre remains significant, particularly in their ability to fuse hard rock with blues and roots elements.
Outside of music, the band members pursued various projects. Tom Keifer became a prominent solo artist, continuing to tour and release music, while Fred Coury ventured into music production and composing. Despite the lack of a full reunion, Cinderella’s legacy endures through their classic albums, memorable live performances, and continued influence on the hard rock genre.
Complete List Of Cinderella Songs From A to Z
- All Comes Down – Still Climbing – 1994
- Back Home Again – Night Songs – 1986
- Bad Attitude Shuffle – Still Climbing – 1994
- Bad Seamstress Blues/Fallin’ Apart at the Seams – Long Cold Winter – 1988
- Blood from a Stone – Still Climbing – 1994
- Coming Home – Long Cold Winter – 1988
- Dead Man’s Road – Heartbreak Station – 1990
- Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone) – Long Cold Winter – 1988
- Easy Come Easy Go – Still Climbing – 1994
- Electric Love – Heartbreak Station – 1990
- Fire and Ice – Long Cold Winter – 1988
- Freewheelin – Still Climbing – 1994
- Gypsy Road – Long Cold Winter – 1988
- Hard to Find the Words – Still Climbing – 1994
- Heartbreak Station – Heartbreak Station – 1990
- Hell on Wheels – Night Songs – 1986
- Hot & Bothered – Still Climbing – 1994
- If You Don’t Like It – Long Cold Winter – 1988
- In from the Outside – Night Songs – 1986
- Long Cold Winter – Long Cold Winter – 1988
- Love Gone Bad – Heartbreak Station – 1990
- Love’s Got Me Doin’ Time – Heartbreak Station – 1990
- Make Your Own Way – Heartbreak Station – 1990
- Night Songs – Night Songs – 1986
- Nobody’s Fool – Night Songs – 1986
- Nothin’ for Nothin’ – Night Songs – 1986
- Once Around the Ride – Night Songs – 1986
- One for Rock and Roll – Heartbreak Station – 1990
- Push, Push – Night Songs – 1986
- Second Wind – Long Cold Winter – 1988
- Shake Me – Night Songs – 1986
- Shelter Me – Heartbreak Station – 1990
- Sick for the Cure – Heartbreak Station – 1990
- Somebody Save Me – Night Songs – 1986
- Still Climbing – Still Climbing – 1994
- Take Me Back – Long Cold Winter – 1988
- Talk Is Cheap – Still Climbing – 1994
- The Last Mile – Long Cold Winter – 1988
- The More Things Change – Heartbreak Station – 1990
- The Road’s Still Long – Still Climbing – 1994
- Through the Rain – Still Climbing – 1994
- Winds of Change – Heartbreak Station – 1990
Albums
Night Songs (1986): 10 songs
Long Cold Winter (1988): 10 songs
Heartbreak Station (1990): 11 songs
Still Climbing (1994): 11 songs
Check out our fantastic and entertaining Cinderella articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Complete List Of Cinderella Band Members
10 Best Cinderella Songs
Cinderella Albums Ranked And Complete Discography
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