Childhood and Education Journey of Alice Cooper in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Alice Cooper. A timeline of key moments.

Alice Cooper is an American singer-songwriter, renowned as "The Godfather of Shock Rock." His career spans over five decades, marked by his distinctive raspy vocals and highly theatrical stage shows filled with props and illusions. Cooper pioneered a macabre and theatrical style of rock music, drawing inspiration from horror films, vaudeville, and garage rock, all aimed at shocking and entertaining audiences.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1924: Ether Moroni Furnier Born

In 1924, Ether Moroni Furnier, the father of Vincent Damon Furnier (Alice Cooper), was born. He passed away in 1987.

1925: Ella Mae (née McCart) Born

In 1925, Ella Mae (née McCart), the mother of Vincent Damon Furnier (Alice Cooper), was born. She passed away in 2022.

February 4, 1948: Vincent Damon Furnier Born

On February 4, 1948, Vincent Damon Furnier, later known as Alice Cooper, was born in Detroit, Michigan to Ether Moroni Furnier and Ella Mae McCart. He was named after his uncle, Vincent Collier Furnier, and the writer Damon Runyon.

1963: Thurman Sylvester Furnier Leadership

From 1963 to 1965, Thurman Sylvester Furnier, Alice Cooper's paternal grandfather, was a leader and later president of The Church of Jesus Christ organization.

1965: Thurman Sylvester Furnier Leadership

From 1963 to 1965, Thurman Sylvester Furnier, Alice Cooper's paternal grandfather, was a leader and later president of The Church of Jesus Christ organization.

1968: Seeing Arthur Brown Perform

In 1968, Alice Cooper watched Arthur Brown perform "Fire", which Cooper said was like "all my Halloweens came at once!".

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1969: Early Influences

As far back as 1969, Alice Cooper stated that his greatest musical influences were British bands from the mid-sixties, including the Beatles, the Who, the Rolling Stones, and the Yardbirds.

April 1974: Final Shows as a Group

In March and April 1974, Alice Cooper performed their final shows as a group in Brazil. The show on March 30 in São Paulo had an estimated indoor attendance of 158,000 fans.

1975: Solo Career Begins

In 1975, Alice Cooper returned as a solo artist with the release of "Welcome to My Nightmare". To avoid legal complications, Furnier legally changed his name to Alice Cooper. Cooper collaborated with Bob Ezrin and Lou Reed's backing band for the album.

March 20, 1976: Marriage to Sheryl Goddard

On March 20, 1976, Alice Cooper married Sheryl Goddard, a ballerina instructor and choreographer who performed in his show. Their marriage marked a significant relationship in Cooper's life.

1976: Cooper's Autobiography

In 1976, Alice Cooper released his autobiography "Me, Alice" with Steven Gaines, offering his perspective on that era of his career, among other things.

1977: Alcoholism Struggles and Hospitalization

In 1977, after the US tour, it became clear that Alice Cooper was struggling with severe alcoholism. Following the tour, Cooper hospitalized himself in a sanitarium for treatment. During this time, The Alice Cooper Show live album was released.

1979: Guest Appearance on Lunch with Soupy Sales

In 1979, Alice Cooper guest starred on his friend Soupy Sales' show, Lunch with Soupy Sales, and was hit in the face with a pie as part of the show. He considered this one of the greatest moments of his life, as he was a long time fan.

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1983: Hospitalization and Recovery

In mid-1983, after completing the recording of "DaDa", Alice Cooper was hospitalized again for alcoholism and cirrhosis of the liver. He credits his Christian faith for his "miraculous" recovery.

January 30, 1984: Divorce Hearing

On January 30, 1984, Alice Cooper's divorce from Sheryl Cooper was heard at Maricopa County Superior Court, Arizona, but they decided not to proceed with it.

February 1984: Free Agent Status

By February 1984, Alice Cooper became a "free agent" for the first time in his career, after his contract with Warner Bros. ended.

1984: Reconciliation with Sheryl Goddard

By mid-1984, Alice Cooper and his wife Sheryl Goddard reconciled after she had filed for divorce in November 1983, marking a turning point in their relationship.

1986: Favorite Band

During an interview in 1986, Alice Cooper mentioned that the Yardbirds were his favorite band of all time.

April 7, 1988: Near Death Experience

On April 7, 1988, Alice Cooper nearly died of asphyxiation after a safety rope broke during a rehearsal concert.

1995: Alice Cooper and wife started Solid Rock foundation

In 1995, Alice Cooper and his wife started the Solid Rock foundation, dedicated to offering support and resources to young people.

October 23, 1999: Reunion Performance

On October 23, 1999, Bruce, Dunaway, and Smith reunited with Alice Cooper at the second Glen Buxton Memorial Weekend for a show at CoopersTown in Phoenix.

May 2004: Honorary Doctoral Degree

In May 2004, Alice Cooper was awarded an honorary doctoral degree from Grand Canyon University, recognizing his achievements and influence.

December 2006: Original Band Reunion

In December 2006, the original Alice Cooper band reunited to perform at Cooper's annual charity event, "Christmas Pudding", in Phoenix.

September 2007: Discussion of religious beliefs on BBC Radio 2

During an interview with Johnnie Walker on BBC Radio 2 in September 2007, Alice Cooper discussed his religious beliefs, stating he was not a Christian when he gave up drinking but now thanks God for helping him overcome alcoholism. He later became vocal about his faith as a born-again Christian.

2007: Release of autobiography, Alice Cooper, Golf Monster

In 2007, Alice Cooper's autobiography, "Alice Cooper, Golf Monster", was released. The book reflected the importance of golf in overcoming his addiction to alcohol.

December 16, 2010: Phoenix Reunion Show

On December 16, 2010, the original Alice Cooper band members reunited for another show at the Dodge Theatre in Phoenix, with Steve Hunter on guitar.

2010: Expresses non-political stance

In 2010, Alice Cooper stated that he is extremely non-political and avoids political discussions, emphasizing his belief that politics should not be mixed with rock music.

May 11, 2011: Jägermeister Ice Cold 4D Event

On May 11, 2011, the original Alice Cooper band members performed at London's Battersea Power Station for the Jägermeister Ice Cold 4D event, which was webcast.

February 18, 2012: Bobblehead giveaway at Coyotes game

On February 18, 2012, the Arizona Coyotes gave away Alice Cooper bobbleheads as a promotion to the first 10,000 fans at a game against the Dallas Stars.

2012: Dragon Con Discussion

In 2012, at Dragon Con, James Randi and Alice Cooper discussed their working relationship during the 1973 tour period, reflecting on the collaboration that brought the iconic stage theatrics to life.

2012: Opening of the first teen center in Phoenix, Arizona

In 2012, the first of several teen centers opened in Phoenix, Arizona, as part of the Solid Rock foundation, offering vocational and arts training.

2016: Resuming Presidential Campaign Gag

In 2016, Alice Cooper resumed his running gag of campaigning for the US presidency.

2019: Comments on death pact with his wife

In a 2019 interview, Alice Cooper mentioned a 'death pact' with his wife Sheryl, which sparked headlines. He later clarified that it was not a suicide pact, but rather a reflection of their constant companionship.