Rock fans, you know Cinderella isn’t just a fairy tale. It’s a band that rocked the ’80s hard! You’re right to wonder about the people behind the music. The Cinderella band members created a sound that still gets our hearts racing today.
I promise to take you on a thrilling ride through their story. We’ll peek into the lives of Tom Keifer, Eric Brittingham, Jeff LaBar, and Fred Coury – the guys who made the magic happen.
You’ll learn how they came together, soared to fame, and where they are now. Get ready to discover the talent, struggles, and passion that shaped their journey.
We’ll cover everything from their early days to their lasting impact. Let’s dive into the world of Cinderella – the band that turned rock into a fairy tale come true.
Original Members of Cinderella
The band’s original lineup included four talented musicians. With his powerful vocals and guitar skills, Tom Keifer teamed up with Eric Brittingham on bass.
Michael Smerick joined as a guitarist, while Tony Destra took his place behind the drums. These four laid the foundation for what would become a rock powerhouse.
Evolution of the Lineup
The band’s classic lineup included Keifer, Brittingham, Jeff LaBar (guitar), and Fred Coury (drums).
However, as with many bands, changes were on the horizon. The Cinderella band members went through a transformation that would define their classic sound. Jeff LaBar stepped in, replacing Smerick on guitar.
His style perfectly matched the band’s growing blues-rock sound. Then came Fred Coury, taking over the drums from Destra. This lineup—Keifer, Brittingham, LaBar, and Coury—became the Cinderella that fans know and love. Their mix of talents created a special magic that would soon take the rock world by storm.
Cinderella’s Breakthrough: “Night Songs” and Beyond
“Night Songs” Success
“Night Songs” was Cinderella’s debut album, which drew comparisons from bands like Aerosmith and AC/DC.
In 1986, the Cinderella band members released their first album, “Night Songs,” and it was like lightning in a bottle. This wasn’t just another rock album—it was the key that unlocked doors to stardom.
Musical Style
Blues-infused hard rock sound set them apart from other bands in the era.
What made Cinderella stand out was their knack for mixing blues with hard rock. This wasn’t your typical ’80s glam rock. The Cinderella band members brought something special to the table.
Their music had grit, soul, and a bluesy edge that made people sit up and take notice. It was like they took the raw energy of rock and gave it a shot of blues magic.
Recognition and Popularity
Cinderella’s swift rise to stardom with hit singles like “Nobody’s Fool.”
Talk about a quick rise to the top! With “Night Songs,” Cinderella didn’t just climb the ladder of success – they took the express elevator. Their hit single “Nobody’s Fool” was everywhere. It was on the radio, MTV, and on everyone’s lips. People couldn’t get enough of Cinderella’s unique sound.
The Cinderella band members had gone from unknown to unforgettable in the blink of an eye. They weren’t just part of the ’80s rock scene anymore – they were helping to define it.
The Band Members: Behind the Magic
1. Tom Keifer
The voice and face of Cinderella – vocals, guitars, and the band’s primary songwriter
Tom Keifer wasn’t just the lead singer of Cinderella—he was the heart and soul of the band. His raw and powerful voice became the sound of Cinderella. But Keifer wasn’t just about vocals.
He played guitar and wrote most of the band’s songs. His talent for crafting catchy tunes with a blues-rock edge set the Cinderella band members apart from the crowd. Keifer’s stage presence and songwriting skills were the spark that lit up Cinderella’s performances.
2. Eric Brittingham
He was the backbone of the band with his bass guitar skills.
Every great rock band needs a solid foundation; for Cinderella, that was Eric Brittingham. His bass lines weren’t just background noise—they were the glue that held the Cinderella band members’ sound together.
Brittingham’s bass work added depth and groove to Cinderella’s music, creating that unmistakable rhythm that got fans moving. He might not have been in the spotlight, but Cinderella’s sound wouldn’t have been the same without Brittingham’s skills.
3. Jeff LaBar
A key part of Cinderella’s distinctive sound, contributing with his rhythm and lead guitar work
Jeff LaBar’s guitar work brought fire to Cinderella’s sound. LaBar’s playing was important to the Cinderella band members’ signature style, whether laying down rhythm or tearing through a solo.
His riffs and solos added that extra punch to Cinderella’s songs, helping to create the perfect blend of hard rock and blues that fans loved. LaBar’s guitar work was like the icing on the cake—it made Cinderella’s good songs great.
4. Fred Coury
The drummer who brought a unique energy to the band’s performances and later pursued a career in composing
Behind every great rock band is a great drummer; for Cinderella, that was Fred Coury. His drumming brought energy and drive to the Cinderella band members’ performances.
Coury’s beats weren’t just keeping time—they pushed the music forward, adding excitement to every song. But Coury’s talents went beyond the drum kit. After his time with Cinderella, he pursued a career in composing, showing that his musical skills ran deep.
Cinderella’s Evolution: From “Night Songs” to “Long Cold Winter”
Sophomore Success
After the huge success of “Night Songs,” the Cinderella band members faced a big challenge—how to follow up. In 1988, they answered with “Long Cold Winter.” Boy, did they deliver!
This album wasn’t just good; it was a knockout. Songs like “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” and “The Last Mile” showed that Cinderella wasn’t a one-hit wonder.
They dodged the dreaded “sophomore slump” and proved they were here to stay. “Long Cold Winter” wasn’t just another album – it was Cinderella stamping their place in rock history.
Musical Growth
The Cinderella band members didn’t rest on their laurels. In 1990, they pushed their sound even further with “Heartbreak Station.” They dove deeper into their blues roots while keeping that hard rock edge.
They took their original sound and added new flavors to the mix. This album showed that Cinderella wasn’t afraid to grow and change. They were more than just a hard rock band – they were musicians who could blend styles and create something fresh and exciting.
Challenges and Achievements
Life in the fast lane of rock stardom wasn’t always easy for the Cinderella band members. They faced their share of hurdles – the pressure to keep churning out hits, changes in the music scene, and the toll of constant touring. But Cinderella didn’t back down.
They kept pushing forward, making music they believed in. Even when grunge started taking over, and many ’80s bands were fading away, Cinderella kept rocking. Their ability to stick to their guns and keep evolving musically showed their toughness and talent.
The Decline and Hiatus of Cinderella
The Changing Landscape of Rock
The early ’90s brought a seismic shift to the rock world. Grunge burst onto the scene, and suddenly, the music landscape looked very different. This change hit hard for the Cinderella band members, like many of their ’80s rock peers.
The polished, bluesy, hard rock that had been their bread and butter was no longer the hot ticket. Fans were turning to grittier, more raw sounds. It wasn’t that Cinderella’s music had gotten worse – the world around them had changed.
The band faced a tough new reality: their rock style was no longer the day’s flavor.
Their Last Album: Still Climbing (1994)
Their last studio album and the challenges it faced in a rapidly changing music world
In 1994, the Cinderella band members released “Still Climbing.” This album showed that Cinderella still had the chops to make great music. But timing is everything in the music world, and the timing wasn’t on their side.
“Still Climbing” hit the shelves in a world where grunge ruled the airwaves. Despite the quality of the music, the album struggled to find its footing. It was like trying to sell ice cream in a snowstorm – the product was good, but the market had changed. This album marked the end of an era for Cinderella, their last studio effort in a world moving in a different direction.
When the Band Broke
By the mid-’90s, the Cinderella band members were at a crossroads. The music scene had shifted dramatically, and the spotlight that had once shone brightly on them had dimmed.
Faced with these challenges, Cinderella decided to step back. This wasn’t giving up – it was a strategic retreat. The band needed time to regroup and find their place in this new musical landscape.
Sometimes, taking a break is the smartest move a band can make. For Cinderella, this hiatus was a chance to catch their breath and consider their next move in a world where their brand of rock was no longer the main event.
Where Are They Now? The Post-Cinderella Lives of the Band Members
Tom Keifer
His solo career, albums “The Way Life Goes” and “Rise,” and continued influence in the rock genre
After Cinderella, Tom Keifer didn’t hang up his guitar. Instead, he embarked on a solo journey that’s kept him in the spotlight. In 2013, Keifer dropped “The Way Life Goes,” his first solo album.
He picked up right where he left off, delivering that gritty, bluesy rock that Cinderella fans loved. Then, in 2019, he followed up with “Rise.” These albums showed that Keifer’s talent wasn’t just tied to Cinderella—he could stand on his own two feet.
Today, he’s still rocking stages and inspiring new generations of musicians. Keifer’s journey proves that true rock spirit never fades.
Eric Brittingham
His work with Naked Beggars and the Bret Michaels Band
The steady hand on Cinderella’s bass, Eric Brittingham, didn’t slow down after the band’s hiatus. He teamed up with fellow Cinderella member Jeff LaBar to form Naked Beggars in the early 2000s.
It was like a mini-Cinderella reunion, keeping that musical connection alive. But Brittingham didn’t stop there. He later joined forces with Bret Michaels, the voice of Poison, showing he could bring his bass magic to other rock legends.
Brittingham is laying down those grooves, proving that great bassists never go out of style.
Jeff LaBar
His solo album and later projects, and his unfortunate passing in 2021
Jeff LaBar, Cinderella’s guitar hero, kept the music flowing after the band’s break. In 2014, he released his solo album “One For The Road,” showing he had more to say musically.
LaBar’s solo work allowed fans to hear his guitar skills front and center. Sadly, LaBar’s story came to an early end in July 2021 when he passed away at 58. His death was a blow to the rock world, reminding us of the mark he left on music.
LaBar’s legacy lives on through his work with Cinderella and his solo efforts, which are a testament to his enduring impact on rock.
Fred Coury
His shift to composing music for television and film, including his award-winning work
After Cinderella, Fred Coury took his musical talents in a new direction. He swapped the drum kit for a composer’s chair, creating music for TV and film. Coury’s rhythmic skills translated well to scoring.
He’s worked on shows like NBC’s “The Night Shift ” and even won the ASCAP Awards for his efforts in 2015 and 2016. Coury’s also lent his musical touch to sports, composing for the Portland Trail Blazers and the LA Kings.
His journey shows that a rocker’s spirit can thrive in many forms. Coury’s kept the beat going in new and exciting ways, from stadium stages to Hollywood scoring rooms.
Legacy and Influence of Cinderella Band
Impact on Rock Music
Cinderella’s enduring influence on future generations of musicians
The Cinderella band members didn’t just make music – they left a lasting mark on rock. Their blend of hard rock with bluesy undertones created a sound that still inspires musicians today.
Young guitarists pick up their instruments and try to nail those Jeff LaBar riffs. Singers push their voices to match Tom Keifer’s raw, emotional style. Cinderella showed that rock could be hard-hitting and soulful, a lesson that resonates with new bands trying to find their sound. Their impact goes beyond their songs – it’s in the DNA of rock music itself.
Enduring Hits
Songs like “Nobody’s Fool,” “Gypsy Road,” and “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” continue to resonate with audiences
Some songs are more than hits – they become part of the fabric of rock music. That’s the case with Cinderella’s biggest tracks. “Nobody’s Fool” still gets people singing along; its melody is as catchy now as it was in the ’80s.
“Gypsy Road” continues to be a go-to for road trip playlists, capturing that spirit of freedom and adventure. And “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” remains a power ballad that can make a whole bar sing at the top of their lungs. These songs have stood the test of time, proving that great music never goes out of style.
Continued Relevance
How the band’s music remains a staple in rock playlists and their influence on the evolution of rock genres
Decades after their heyday, the Cinderella band members’ music is still alive and kicking. Their songs pop up on rock radio stations, streaming playlists, and at parties where people want to relive the glory days of ’80s rock.
But it’s not just nostalgia – Cinderella’s music has shaped the evolution of rock. Their bluesy hard rock sound paved the way for later bands that wanted to mix heavy riffs with soulful melodies.
Echoes of Cinderella can be heard in various rock subgenres, from southern rock to modern hard rock. The band might not be touring anymore, but their music continues to be a living, breathing part of the rock landscape.
Conclusion
Cinderella’s journey in rock music is a testament to the power of raw talent and musical evolution. From their Philadelphia roots to global stardom, the Cinderella band members crafted a sound that continues to resonate.
Their blend of hard rock and blues created timeless hits that still ignite passion in fans, old and new. Despite industry challenges, Cinderella’s influence endures. Tom Keifer, Eric Brittingham, Jeff LaBar, and Fred Coury contributed uniquely to the band’s legacy.
Their individual paths post-Cinderella showcase the lasting impact of their musical journey. Cinderella’s music remains a touchstone as rock evolves, inspiring new generations and proving that true musical magic never fades.
The Cinderella band members’ story reminds us that the most captivating tales often unfold beyond the fairy tale ending in rock.
