Photo Gallery: Celebrating Tom Waits

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Tom Waits, posing like one of the down and out characters about which he writes songs.

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Tom Waits in an image included in his 2006 collection Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers, and Bastards, a three-disc compendium.

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This photo of Waits is by photographer and filmmaker Anton Corbijn ("Control") who has amassed so many images of Waits, he's published a book called "Waits/Corbijn" that is not easy to find.

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This photograph of Waits was taken by British photographer Tom Sheehan.

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Tom Waits by photographer Joel Brodsky.

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Tom Waits, all holiday style.

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Tom Waits and Iggy Pop.

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Circa 1980, Hollywood, Los Angeles– Tom Waits Relaxing by Piano –Image by © Henry Diltz/CORBIS

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Tom Waits and filmmaker Jim Jarmusch.

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Waits, photographed again by British photographer Tom Sheehan.

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Tom Waits, fisheye style with bullhorns.

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Tom Waits, steampunk style.

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Tom Waits - how does he always manage to embody the concept of "cool"?

Tom Waits is one of the most distinct voices in American music. I won't even try to hide my admiration for the man's career, which has included brilliant songwriting and musical explorations across genres, including blues, jazz, country and avant-garde. Last week, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced it would induct Waits into its fold. Frankly, I'm shocked it took this long.

Did you know Waits grew up in San Diego? He graduated from Chula Vista's Hilltop High School and performed in local coffeeshops and bars before moving to Los Angeles.

Tom Waits is one of those musicians who knows how to perform for a camera. His presence fills the frame of a photograph. A lot of photographers must agree, as there is a brilliant collection of Tom Waits images out there. I've gathered some of my favorites for you in the photo gallery to the left.

What is your favorite Tom Waits song or album?

One of mine is the ballad "San Diego Serenade." Here is a young Tom Waits performing it in 1976. It's not the best video/audio, but it's still amazing.

The 2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held March 14 at a black-tie ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria in New York.