John Waitas
John Waitas – Singer, Songwriter and Actor
John Waits is a singer-songwriter and actor renowned for his poetic depth and unique perspective on society. His lyrics often explore society’s underbelly, delivered in an expressive voice that conveys emotion.
He enjoys a devoted following and is recognized as one of the greatest songwriters in music history. He has received multiple Grammy Awards and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Early Life and Education
Born into a middle-class family in San Diego, California, Waits was exposed to many musical genres and began singing as an amateur. Drawing inspiration from jazz, blues, rock and vaudeville music styles, he later relocated to Los Angeles where his reputation as a singer-songwriter cemented. His lyrics often explore nightlife issues such as poverty or criminality with songs delivered with that distinctive gravelly voice characteristic among singer-songwriters.
While an undergraduate, he studied English and history through the All-College Honors Program and served on student government. Additionally, he became editor of The Griffin, the college newspaper. Furthermore, he founded the Independent Student Coalition which advocates for students attending independent schools. During his senior year, he lived in a college-owned home at Main and Humboldt next door to Campion Hall.
Professional Career
Waits began his professional career as a songwriter, crafting songs for the San Diego folk music circuit. In 1972 he relocated to Los Angeles and signed with Asylum Records, releasing several jazz-oriented albums (such as Closing Time and One From the Heart). Although his unique blend of blues, rock, vaudeville, and avant garde gained him an avid following.
He has achieved success in business, serving as CEO of National Geographic which he recently renovated to fully endow and create new opportunities for its global audience and stakeholders. Furthermore, he is widely respected within his industry having earned an “AV Preeminent” rating through Martindale-Hubbell peer review process.
Achievements and Honors
John Waitas is an accomplished musician whose style combines jazz, rock and folk music. His songs have been recorded by many notables such as Elvis Costello and John Mellencamp. Additionally, John serves as producer for films and plays; perhaps best known for his role in Jim Jarmusch’s movie Down by Law.
On Monday night, celebrities from the film, music and writing worlds honored Waits and his wife Kathleen Brennan for their songwriting at the Song Lyrics of Literary Excellence Awards ceremony in James Branch Cabell Library. Additionally, other notables from these fields attended including an Irish author, director and country singer. This award is bestowed by PEN New England – a writers’ organization. Additionally, it served as a fundraiser for the library as well.
Personal Life
Waits, born in Pomona, California in 1953 and raised as a middle class family man, began singing on the San Diego folk music scene before moving to Los Angeles where he signed with Asylum Records and recorded nine LPs.
He began crafting songs inspired by Tin Pan Alley and the Beat Generation, often including jazz and blues elements. His compositions showcased his interest in poverty and criminality, and he toured widely to share his work.
After Waits wed Kathleen Brennan in 1980 and left his record label behind, he pursued a more experimental and eclectic musical aesthetic. His album Swordfishtrombones (1983), featuring orchestrations created by Harry Partch, marked a significant turning point in his career; to this day he remains an influential figure within contemporary music both recording and performing live.
Net Worth
John Waite is a British musician with an estimated net worth of $10 million. His career started when he joined British pop group The Babys, who scored two Top Twenty hits during the late 70s.
After five albums and extensive touring, the band members parted ways in 1980. Waite then pursued solo projects.
His music blends jazz and folk influences with a rock-oriented aesthetic. His best-known songs include “Missing You,” “In God’s Shadow,” and “Tears.” Additionally, he has appeared in film.