Tom Waits

Personal context

Summary

Tom Waits is an American singer-songwriter, composer, and actor known for his gravelly voice, experimental arrangements, and stories about outsiders and down-and-out characters. His screen work includes Down by Law and Short Cuts. Political songwriting is rare in his catalogue, but “Day After Tomorrow” addresses war and “Road to Peace” examines the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and U.S. foreign policy. No public statements on identity politics, DEI, or activism are on record.