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 and songwriter, celebrated for his distinctive raspy voice and pioneering role in "shock rock." With a career spanning over five decades, Cooper's theatrical stage shows, filled with macabre props and illusions, have become his trademark. He is often credited as "The Godfather of Shock Rock" for blending horror film elements, vaudeville, and garage rock to create a uniquely shocking and theatrical brand of rock music.

Sections (5)

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

1924: Ether Moroni Furnier Born

In 1924, Ether Moroni Furnier, Alice Cooper's father, was born. He later became an evangelist.

1925: Ella Mae McCart Born

In 1925, Ella Mae McCart, who would later become Alice Cooper's mother, was born.

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 (née McCart).

1963: Thurman Sylvester Furnier Becomes Leader of Church

In 1963, Thurman Sylvester Furnier, Alice Cooper's paternal grandfather, became a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ.

1965: Thurman Sylvester Furnier Becomes President of Church

From 1963 to 1965, Thurman Sylvester Furnier served as the leader and later president of The Church of Jesus Christ, impacting the family's life.

1968: Seeing Arthur Brown perform Fire

In 1968, Alice Cooper saw shock rock pioneer Arthur Brown performing his US hit "Fire", which Cooper said was like all his Halloweens coming at once.

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1972: Relocation to Pontiac, Michigan; Home Base Until 1972

Around June 1970, Alice Cooper relocated to Pontiac, Michigan, and Michigan remained their steady home base until 1972.

November 1974: Release of Billion Dollar Baby

In November 1974, Bob Greene released his book Billion Dollar Baby, which painted a less-than-flattering picture of the band, showing a group in total disharmony, based on his time on the road with the band during the Muscle of Love Christmas Tour in 1973.

1975: Alice Cooper returns as solo artist

In 1975, Alice Cooper returned as a solo artist with the release of Welcome to My Nightmare. To avoid legal complications over ownership of the group name, "Alice Cooper" had by then become Furnier's new legal name.

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.

1976: Cooper's Autobiography "Me, Alice" Released

In 1976, Alice Cooper's autobiography with Steven Gaines, called Me, Alice, was released, giving Cooper's version of that era of his career, among other things.

1977: Alice Cooper's Hospitalization for Alcoholism

During his 1977 US tour, it became clear that Alice Cooper was in dire need of help with his alcoholism. Following the tour, Cooper had himself hospitalized in a sanitarium for treatment, during which time the live album The Alice Cooper Show was released.

1983: Cooper Hospitalized for Alcoholism Again

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

January 30, 1984: Divorce Hearing

On January 30, 1984, Alice Cooper's divorce hearing with Sheryl Cooper was held at Maricopa County Superior Court in Arizona. However, the couple decided not to proceed with the divorce.

1984: Reconciliation with Sheryl Goddard

By mid-1984, Alice Cooper and Sheryl Goddard had reconciled after she filed for divorce in November 1983.

April 7, 1988: Near-Fatal Accident During Rehearsal

On April 7, 1988, Alice Cooper nearly died of asphyxiation when a safety rope broke during a rehearsal concert where he was performing a simulated hanging, a stunt he often did in live concerts.

1995: Start of Solid Rock Foundation

In 1995, Alice Cooper and his wife Sheryl started the Solid Rock Foundation.

October 23, 1999: Reunion at Glen Buxton Memorial Weekend

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 Doctorate from Grand Canyon University

In May 2004, Alice Cooper received an honorary doctoral degree from Grand Canyon University.

June 20, 2005: Enough Rope Interview

On June 20, 2005, Alice Cooper was interviewed by Andrew Denton on the Australian ABC TV show 'Enough Rope', discussing his past alcoholism, his Christian faith, and his family relationships.

September 2007: Discussing religious beliefs

During an interview with Johnnie Walker on BBC Radio 2 in September 2007, Alice Cooper discussed his religious beliefs, stating that he thanks God for taking away his alcoholism.

September 2007: Tracks of My Years BBC Radio 2 Appearance

In September 2007, Alice Cooper appeared on BBC Radio 2's program 'Tracks of My Years' and listed his all-time favorite songs.

2007: Autobiography Released

In 2007, Alice Cooper's autobiography, Alice Cooper, Golf Monster, was released, reflecting the importance of golf in overcoming his alcohol addiction.

December 16, 2010: Reunion Show at the Dodge Theatre

On December 16, 2010, Alice Cooper reunited with Bruce, Dunaway, and Smith for another show at the Dodge Theatre in Phoenix, with Steve Hunter on guitar.

2010: Desert Island Discs Appearance

In 2010, Alice Cooper appeared on Desert Island Discs and selected his favorite songs.

2010: Cooper states he is non-political

In 2010, Alice Cooper stated that he is extremely non-political and avoids politics, preferring to focus on music.

May 11, 2011: Performance at Jägermeister Ice Cold 4D Event

On May 11, 2011, Alice Cooper, Bruce, Dunaway, and Smith performed at London's Battersea Power Station at the Jägermeister Ice Cold 4D event (webcast).

February 18, 2012: Bobblehead promotion

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

2012: Alice Cooper and James Randi Discussed Their Working Relationship at Dragon Con

In 2012, Alice Cooper and James Randi discussed their working relationship during this period at Dragon Con.

2012: Opening of First Teen Center

In 2012, the first of several Solid Rock Foundation teen centers opened in Phoenix, Arizona.

2016: Resuming campaign for US presidency

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

2019: Comments on 'death pact' clarified

In 2019, Alice Cooper clarified comments about a 'death pact' with his wife Sheryl, stating it was a 'life pact' reflecting their constant companionship rather than a suicide agreement.