Lasting Legacy of Alice Cooper: A Look at the Influence on History

How the contributions of Alice Cooper continue to shape the world today.

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

1964: "A Hard Day's Night" listed as a favorite song

In September 2007, Alice Cooper listed "A Hard Day's Night" by The Beatles, released in 1964, as one of his favorite songs of all time on BBC Radio 2's program Tracks of My Years.

Loading Video...

1965: "My Generation" listed as a favorite song

In September 2007, Alice Cooper listed "My Generation" by The Who, released in 1965, as one of his favorite songs of all time on BBC Radio 2's program Tracks of My Years.

Loading Video...

1966: "19th Nervous Breakdown" listed as a favorite song

In September 2007, Alice Cooper listed "19th Nervous Breakdown" by The Rolling Stones, released in 1966, as one of his favorite songs of all time on BBC Radio 2's program Tracks of My Years.

Loading Video...

1969: Bassline from "Levity Ball" used by The Flaming Lips

In 1969, Alice Cooper released the song "Levity Ball" on the album "Pretties for You". The Flaming Lips, who are longtime Alice Cooper fans, later used the bassline from this song for their own song, "The Ceiling Is Bending".

1971: Killer album recognized as the greatest rock album

In the foreword to Alice Cooper's CD retrospective box set, John Lydon of the Sex Pistols pronounced the 1971 album, Killer, as the greatest rock album of all time.

1973: Salvador Dalí attends Alice Cooper show and makes hologram

In 1973, artist Salvador Dalí attended an Alice Cooper show and described it as surreal. He then created a hologram titled "First Cylindric Chromo-Hologram Portrait of Alice Cooper's Brain".

1974: "Rebel Rebel" listed as a favorite song

In September 2007, Alice Cooper listed "Rebel Rebel" by David Bowie, released in 1974, as one of his favorite songs of all time on BBC Radio 2's program Tracks of My Years.

Loading Video...

1978: Bob Dylan acknowledges Alice Cooper as an overlooked songwriter

In 1978, Bob Dylan stated in an interview with Rolling Stone that he believed Alice Cooper was an overlooked songwriter, recognizing Cooper's talent in songwriting.

1979: "My Sharona" listed as a favorite song

In September 2007, Alice Cooper listed "My Sharona" by The Knack, released in 1979, as one of his favorite songs of all time on BBC Radio 2's program Tracks of My Years.

Loading Video...

1980: "Turning Japanese" listed as a favorite song

In September 2007, Alice Cooper listed "Turning Japanese" by The Vapors, released in 1980, as one of his favorite songs of all time on BBC Radio 2's program Tracks of My Years.

Loading Video...

1987: "Beds Are Burning" and "Welcome to the Jungle" listed as favorite songs

In September 2007, Alice Cooper listed both "Beds Are Burning" by Midnight Oil and "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns N' Roses, both released in 1987, as some of his favorite songs of all time on BBC Radio 2's program Tracks of My Years.

Loading Video...

1999: Release of Humanary Stew: A Tribute to Alice Cooper

In 1999, Cleopatra Records released Humanary Stew: A Tribute to Alice Cooper, featuring collaborations from rock and metal all-stars. Notable artists included Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, Roger Daltrey of the Who, and Ronnie James Dio.

2002: John Lydon presents tribute to Alice Cooper on BBC radio

In 2002, John Lydon presented his own tribute program to Alice Cooper on BBC radio, also stating that his musical career started with him miming to "I'm Eighteen" on a jukebox.

2002: Television interview about marriage

In a 2002 television interview, Alice Cooper stated that he had never cheated on his wife and emphasized the importance of continuing to go out on dates with one's partner for a lasting relationship.

2003: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 2003, Alice Cooper received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the music industry.

2003: "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" listed as a favorite song

In September 2007, Alice Cooper listed "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" by Jet, released in 2003, as one of his favorite songs of all time on BBC Radio 2's program Tracks of My Years.

Loading Video...

June 2005: Induction into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame

In June 2005, Alice Cooper was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame, honoring his legacy and impact on rock music.

2007: Mojo Hero Award and Rock Immortal Award

In 2007, Alice Cooper received the Mojo music magazine Hero Award and a Rock Immortal award at the Scream Awards, recognizing his contributions and impact on rock music.

December 15, 2010: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

On December 15, 2010, it was announced that Alice Cooper and his former band would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Cooper expressed his elation at the news.

March 14, 2011: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

On March 14, 2011, the original Alice Cooper group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with a televised performance featuring Bruce, Dunaway, and Smith.

June 9, 2011: Kerrang! Icon Award

On June 9, 2011, Alice Cooper was awarded the Kerrang! Icon Award at Kerrang! magazine's annual awards show. He spoke out against the current state of rock music and affirmed his intention to continue working in the industry.