Alice Cooper (born Vincent Damon Furnier; February 4, 1948) is an American singer and songwriter. With a career spanning more than five decades, Cooper is known for his raspy singing voice and theatrical stage shows featuring props and illusions. He is often described as "The Godfather of Shock Rock" and has drawn inspiration from horror films, vaudeville, and garage rock to create a macabre and theatrical style of rock designed to shock audiences. Originating in Phoenix, Arizona in 1964, Alice Cooper was initially a band consisting of Furnier, guitarists Glen Buxton and Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway, and drummer Neal Smith.