Alice Cooper (born Vincent Damon Furnier) is an American singer and actor, among the most controversial and debated figures in rock history. His concerts are macabre and gory, but at the same time very spectacular. His live performances are famous for the presence of scenic elements such as guillotines, impaled dolls and the infamous (real) boa twisted around the neck, as well as for his characteristic corpse paint, 'cadaveric' facial make-up.. Cooper is in fact considered to be one of the most important exponents of so-called shock rock, a genre that involves precisely such performances and whose 'Godfather' (The Godfather of Shock Rock) has been called by journalists and experts. His lyrics often contain elements inspired by horror fiction; however, in the artist's wide-ranging output one can find songs on the most diverse topics, including wide-ranging themes such as freedom of expression, religion and problems related to US society. Nominated for four Grammy Awards, he has been awarded two honorary degrees: the first in 2004 in performing arts from Grand Canyon University and the second in 2012 from the Los Angeles Musicians Institute. In 2003, he received his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, while in 2011 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is in the midst of a 50-year career. His music and stage presence have had a considerable influence on various shock rock artists that came later such as GG Allin, Rob Zombie, W.A.S.P., Marilyn Manson, Lizzy Borden, King Diamond, Death SS, Slipknot, Lordi, GWAR, Twisted Sister, Mötley Crüe, Murderdolls and Wednesday 13.