Tom Waits is an American songwriter, musician, singer, music producer, and actor born on December 7, 1949, in Pomona, California. He is distinguished by his gravelly voice, strong personality, stage presence, and the humor of his stage productions, which are supported by cynical lyrics. Waits has a recognizable voice, described by one critic as "abrasive." With mouth noises as his hallmarks, he incorporates pre-rock styles such as blues, jazz, bluegrass, vaudeville, and country music. His lyrics are those of a portraitist of the bizarre, with a fondness for abandoned characters and places. However, his repertoire is also distinguished by its romanticism and humor.