Childhood and Education Journey of Tom Waits in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 5, 2026

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Tom Waits. A timeline of key moments.

Tom Waits is an American singer, songwriter, composer, and actor known for his distinctive deep, gravelly voice and his lyrical focus on marginalized individuals. Emerging from the 1970s folk scene, his music evolved to incorporate diverse genres like rock, jazz, blues, opera, vaudeville, cabaret, funk, and experimental sounds. He's lauded as a chronicler of the downtrodden, creating complex characters capable of surprising insights. His voice, often described as bourbon-soaked and gravelly, is a signature element of his artistic style.

Sections (4)

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

December 7, 1949: Tom Waits Born

On December 7, 1949, Thomas Alan Waits was born. He is an American singer, songwriter, composer, and actor known for his gravelly voice and lyrics focusing on society's underbelly.

1949: Family Relocation

In 1949, Tom Waits's family moved from Pomona, California, to Whittier, California, living on Kentucky Avenue, a location that would later influence his memories and work.

1959: Parents' Separation

In 1959, Tom Waits' parents separated and his father moved away, which was a traumatic experience for the 10-year-old Tom. The family then relocated to Chula Vista.

1962: First James Brown Concert

In 1962, Tom Waits attended his first James Brown concert in San Diego. The performance had a profound impact on him.

1968: Dropped out of High School

In 1968, at the age of 18, Tom Waits dropped out of high school, indicating a shift in his focus towards other interests and pursuits.

1972: Move to Los Angeles

In 1972, Tom Waits moved to Los Angeles and worked as a songwriter before securing a recording contract with Asylum Records.

May 1977: Arrest for Disturbing the Peace

In May 1977, Tom Waits and Chuck E. Weiss were arrested for fighting with police officers in a coffee shop. Although they were charged with disturbing the peace, they were later acquitted, and Waits eventually won a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department.

August 1980: Marriage to Kathleen Brennan

In August 1980, Tom Waits married Kathleen Brennan at a 24-hour wedding chapel on Manchester Boulevard in Watts. They then honeymooned in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland, where Brennan had family.

1980: Marriage to Kathleen Brennan and Move to New York City

In 1980, Tom Waits married Kathleen Brennan, parted ways with his manager and record label, and relocated to New York City. This move marked a significant transition in his personal and professional life.

1981: Pirates Album Release and Move to New York

In 1981, Rickie Lee Jones' grief over her breakup with Tom Waits was channeled into her album Pirates. In September, Waits moved to Crenshaw Boulevard to be closer to his father, before deciding to relocate to New York City. He initially lived in the Chelsea Hotel before renting an apartment on West 26th Street.

1983: Film Appearances and Birth of Daughter

In 1983, Tom Waits appeared in three Francis Ford Coppola films: Rumble Fish, The Outsiders, and The Cotton Club. In September 1983, his daughter, Kellesimone, was born. Waits and his family moved to New York City to be closer to Brennan's parents and Island's U.S. office.

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September 1985: Birth of Son Casey

In September 1985, Tom Waits's son Casey was born. Waits then assembled a band and went on tour, beginning in Scotland in October and traveling through Europe and the U.S.

1987: Return to Los Angeles

In Fall 1987, Tom Waits and his family left New York and returned to Los Angeles, settling on Union Avenue. He also appeared as a hitman in Robert Dornhelm's Cold Feet and lent his voice to Jarmusch's Mystery Train.

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1991: Move to Sonoma and Release of Early Recordings

In 1991, Tom Waits and his family moved to the outskirts of Sonoma, and later to Valley Ford. Also in 1991, 13 of his 1971 pre-Asylum Records recordings were released as Tom Waits: The Early Years, Vol. 1, which angered Waits.

1993: Reduced Workload

In early 1993, with Kathleen Brennan pregnant with their third child, Sullivan, Tom Waits decided to reduce his workload to spend more time with his children.