Cinderella

Cinderella formed in Philadelphia in 1983, led by vocalist and guitarist Tom Keifer. Discovered and championed by Jon Bon Jovi, they were signed to Mercury Records and released Night Songs in 1986. Uniquely among hair metal acts, Cinderella grounded their sound in genuine blues and Southern rock influences — Keifer cited Muddy Waters and Free as key influences alongside Aerosmith. Long Cold Winter (1988) and Heartbreak Station (1990) leaned increasingly into blues-rock territory, earning critical respect beyond the glam metal scene. Keifer suffered a partial paralysis of his vocal cord in 1992 that sidelined him for years. He has continued as a solo artist alongside periodic Cinderella activity.