Long Cold Winter

The Zoo Crew is spinning the soulful blues-rock vibes of Long Cold Winter by Cinderella, the title track from their 1988 album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the chill of its evocative sound. This song stands out for its moody, blues-drenched atmosphere, a departure from the band's earlier glam metal roots. In a 2021 interview with Loudersound, frontman Tom Keifer reflected on the album’s shift, saying, “We became better musicians and learned how to paint landscapes, using Dobros, pianos, and harmonicas to build up the colors.” The title track, with its haunting slide guitar and Keifer’s raw vocals, was a bold statement of this evolution, drawing inspiration from bands like Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith. Fans on Reddit have called it “an absolute belter,” with user Terje Rognli noting it as the standout that’s kept the album timeless.

Another layer of trivia comes from the recording process. The album, including Long Cold Winter, was produced by Andy Johns, but notably, drummer Fred Coury didn’t play on the studio version. Instead, legendary drummer Cozy Powell, known for his work with Rainbow and Whitesnake, laid down the tracks, adding a powerful backbone to the song’s gritty groove. This tidbit, shared in a Discogs review, highlights the song’s polished yet raw energy. On X, @themetalvoice sparked discussion about the album’s release on May 21, 1988, asking fans to rate it, with many praising the title track’s emotional depth. The song’s lyrical longing, paired with its swampy blues vibe, also led some fans, like Marco LG, to initially mistake Cinderella’s sound for pure blues during their teenage years.

Cinderella began in Philadelphia in 1983, founded by singer-songwriter Tom Keifer and bassist Eric Brittingham. The duo, joined early on by guitarist Michael Kelly Smith and drummer Tony Destra, started grinding it out in local clubs, playing original material with a raw, bluesy edge. After Smith and Destra left to form Britny Fox, Jeff LaBar and drummer Jody Cortez solidified the lineup. Their big break came when Jon Bon Jovi caught one of their shows in 1985 and recommended them to Mercury Records, as noted in a 97.1 The River bio. This led to their debut album, Night Songs, in 1986, which hit No. 3 on the Billboard 200, blending AC/DC’s swagger with Poison’s glam flair. Keifer’s distinctive raspy voice and guitar prowess set them apart, and by the time Long Cold Winter dropped, they were leaning harder into their blues-rock roots, cementing their legacy.

Fans can connect with Cinderella through their official Facebook, where updates on Tom Keifer’s solo work and band legacy are shared, or follow Keifer’s solo career on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses. On X, Keifer engages with fans about his music and tours. For deeper fan interaction, the Cinderella Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and memorabilia. Websites like Heavy Harmonies also catalog the band’s discography, offering a treasure trove for collectors. Whether you’re spinning the vinyl or streaming, Long Cold Winter keeps the Cinderella flame burning bright.