Meta description: Alice Cooper biography covers his early life in Detroit and Phoenix, shock rock career, marriage to Sheryl Goddard, and 2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, with 10 facts.
Who Is Alice Cooper?
Alice Cooper is an American rock singer known as the “Godfather of Shock Rock,” who came to fame in the 1970s with garish, ghoulish stage performances. He was born Vincent Damon Furnier on February 4, 1948, and is 78 years old.
What Are the 10 Key Facts About Alice Cooper?
Alice Cooper has 10 key biographical facts:
- Alice Cooper was born Vincent Damon Furnier on February 4, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan.
- He was named after his uncle, Vincent Collier Furnier, and the short-story writer Damon Runyon.
- He is the son of a minister.
- He moved from Detroit to Phoenix, Arizona, at age 12 after childhood illnesses.
- He formed the original Alice Cooper band in Phoenix in 1964.
- The band released its first album, “Pretties for You,” in 1969.
- He started his solo career in 1974 and released “Welcome to My Nightmare” in 1975.
- He has been married to Sheryl Goddard since 1976, and they have 3 children.
- The original Alice Cooper band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
- He released “The Revenge of Alice Cooper” on July 25, 2025.
Where Was Alice Cooper Born and Raised?
Alice Cooper was born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. His parents were Ether Moroni Furnier and Ella Mae Furnier. The family relocated to Phoenix when he was 12. He graduated from Cortez High School in Phoenix in 1966.
How Did Alice Cooper Start His Music Career?
Alice Cooper started his music career by forming a high school rock band in Phoenix. At age 17, he formed a band called the Earwigs. The band later became the Spiders, then the Nazz, and finally Alice Cooper.
The original lineup included Furnier, guitarists Glen Buxton and Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway, and drummer Neal Smith. Guitarist Frank Zappa noticed the band in the late 1960s.
When Did Alice Cooper Begin His Solo Career?
Alice Cooper began his solo career in 1974. He separated from his bandmates and kept the Alice Cooper name. His first solo album, “Welcome to My Nightmare,” followed in 1975, and “Alice Cooper Goes to Hell” followed in 1976.
His later work includes 3 notable projects:
- The syndicated radio program “Nights With Alice Cooper,” launched in 2004.
- The studio album “Road,” released in August 2023.
- The podcast “Alice Cooper’s Vintage Vault,” which features interviews with rock stars.
Who Is Alice Cooper’s Wife?
Alice Cooper’s wife is Sheryl Goddard. He met her on a tour where she worked as a dancer. They married in 1976 and have 3 children. The couple has been married for 50 years.
What Honors Has Alice Cooper Received?
Alice Cooper has received 2 major Hall of Fame honors:
- Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 14, 2011.
- Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013.
Rob Zombie inducted him into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside the original band members.
What Is the Solid Rock Foundation?
The Solid Rock Foundation is Alice Cooper’s philanthropic organization in Phoenix, Arizona. It provides free music, art, and vocational programs for at-risk youth.
What Is The Revenge of Alice Cooper?
“The Revenge of Alice Cooper” is a studio album released on July 25, 2025. Cooper, guitarist Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway, and drummer Neal Smith reunited for the album, their first new studio album in over 50 years. The album contains 14 songs and was produced by Bob Ezrin. Late guitarist Glen Buxton, who died in 1997, makes a special appearance.
What Are the Key Dates in Alice Cooper’s Life?
Table 1 lists 9 dated events in Alice Cooper’s biography. Columns show the date, the event, and the category.
| Date | Event | Category |
|---|---|---|
| February 4, 1948 | Birth in Detroit, Michigan | Personal |
| 1964 | Formation of the original band in Phoenix | Career |
| 1969 | Release of “Pretties for You” | Release |
| 1974 | Start of solo career | Career |
| 1975 | Release of “Welcome to My Nightmare” | Release |
| 1976 | Marriage to Sheryl Goddard | Personal |
| 2004 | Launch of “Nights With Alice Cooper” | Career |
| March 14, 2011 | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction | Honor |
| July 25, 2025 | Release of “The Revenge of Alice Cooper” | Release |
People Also Ask
What is Alice Cooper’s real name?
Alice Cooper’s real name is Vincent Damon Furnier.
How old is Alice Cooper?
Alice Cooper is 78 years old, born on February 4, 1948.
Where is Alice Cooper from?
Alice Cooper was born in Detroit, Michigan, and his band originated in Phoenix, Arizona.
Who is Alice Cooper married to?
Alice Cooper is married to Sheryl Goddard.
What is Alice Cooper best known for?
Alice Cooper is best known for theatrical shock rock performances beginning in the 1970s.
Is Alice Cooper in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Yes, the original Alice Cooper band was inducted in 2011.
Why Is Alice Cooper Known as the Godfather of Shock Rock?
Alice Cooper is known as the Godfather of Shock Rock for 3 reasons: theatrical stage performances, a rock career spanning more than 6 decades, and a 2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. His career moved from a Phoenix high school band to solo albums, radio, and a 2025 reunion album.