CINDERELLA – Long Cold Winter 12" Vinyl LP Album

- The 1988 blues-rock transformation that froze glam and thawed hearts

Album Front Cover Photo of CINDERELLA – Long Cold Winter Visit: https://vinyl-records.nl/

Released in 1988, Cinderella’s “Long Cold Winter” marks a daring shift from their glam-metal roots toward a blues-infused maturity. Guided by producer Andy Johns, frontman Tom Keifer reshaped the band’s sound amid creative struggles and vocal setbacks. The result — an emotionally charged, multi-platinum record that remains one of rock’s most atmospheric reinventions.

Table of Contents
"Long Cold Winter" — A Turning Point for Cinderella

When Cinderella released “Long Cold Winter” in 1988, it marked more than just their second studio album — it captured a band reshaping its identity. Moving beyond the glitter of glam metal, the record found strength in blues, grit, and a colder, more mature emotional tone.

From "Night Songs" to a New Sound

Formed in 1983 by Tom Keifer, Eric Brittingham, Jeff LaBar, and Fred Coury, Cinderella exploded with their debut “Night Songs” (1986). Its success opened the door to greater ambitions — and “Long Cold Winter” would become the test of whether they could grow beyond image into artistry.

Recording in the Cold

Under producer Andy Johns, the band traded heavy-metal gloss for a blues-rock heartbeat. Although Fred Coury was credited as drummer, session players filled most of the role. Denny Carmassi performed on “Second Wind”, while other uncredited drummers added depth and drive. The result? A record that sounded lived-in — raw but refined.

The minimalist white cover, embossed with the purple Cinderella logo, mirrored this restraint. No fantasy art, no wolves — just a stark sleeve that looked as cold as it sounded.

Singles That Defined the Era

“Gypsy Road” kicked off the release campaign in May 1988, followed by the aching ballad “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” in August. “The Last Mile” hit that November, and “Coming Home” closed out the run in March 1989. Each single showcased the band’s growth — from swagger to sorrow.

Chart Power & Reception

The album went multi-platinum, selling millions and earning critical respect. “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” climbed to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 — a commercial peak that still echoes on rock radio. Reviewers praised its blend of blues soul and arena strength, calling it one of the decade’s few glam-to-roots success stories.

Legacy: Fire Beneath the Frost

Decades later, “Long Cold Winter” remains a staple of late-’80s rock — a record that traded makeup for musicianship and flash for feeling. Its influence stretches far beyond the era that birthed it, proving that sometimes, growing colder can make the music burn brighter.

Album Key Details: Genre, Label, Format & Release Info

Music Genre:

Glam Rock / Heavy Metal / Hair Metal

Combining blues-rooted hard rock with 1980s arena-metal flair, Cinderella’s “Long Cold Winter” blends raw guitar energy and soulful balladry into a cohesive mix of grit and melody.

Label & Catalognr:

Mercury Records – 834 612 (White Label)

Album Packaging

Minimalist white/cream sleeve with embossed purple Cinderella logo.

Includes original custom inner sleeve with complete lyrics, credits, and band photos. The inner gatefold artwork depicts the wolf-in-snow illustration, not the front cover.

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Full-Length Long-Play Gramophone Record
Total Weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1988 – Made in Holland

Production & Recording Information:

Producers:
  • Andy Johns – Producer
    Renowned British producer and engineer who worked with Led Zeppelin, Free, and The Rolling Stones. His analog mixing style gave “Long Cold Winter” its rich, warm tone and arena-ready depth.
  • Tom Keifer – Producer
    As Cinderella’s frontman, Keifer guided the album’s creative direction, merging glam metal with blues influences while managing vocals, songwriting, and production oversight.
  • Eric Brittingham – Co-Producer
    Cinderella’s bassist and founding member, Brittingham contributed not only musically but also in refining the album’s sound dynamics and co-producing the sessions with Johns and Keifer.
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Andy Johns – Engineering
    With decades of studio expertise, Johns engineered the recordings with a focus on natural ambience and tonal clarity that complemented the band’s shift toward a blues-based sound.
  • Steve Thompson – Mixing
    One half of the celebrated Thompson–Barbiero mixing duo, Thompson’s credits include Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Tesla — known for crafting punchy, radio-ready rock mixes.
  • Michael Barbiero – Mixing
    Acclaimed mixer and producer whose career spans classic 1980s rock acts. His partnership with Thompson gave the album its polished yet gritty sound balance.
  • Basic tracks recorded at Bearsville Studios (assisted by Tom Cadley). Overdubs at Kajem Studios (assisted by Ryan Dorn). Mixed at Bearsville Studios (assisted by George Cowan).
Recording Location:

Bearsville Studios – Bearsville, USA
Kajem Studios – Philadelphia, USA

Bearsville Studios, founded by Albert Grossman, was known for its organic acoustics and had hosted artists like Todd Rundgren and The Band. Kajem Studios in Philadelphia contributed its state-of-the-art equipment for overdubs.
Mixing Studio & Location:

Bearsville Studios – Bearsville, USA

Mixing took place at Bearsville, maintaining continuity in the soundscape and ensuring cohesion between recording and post-production sessions.
Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • Michael Bays – Art Direction
    Veteran art director known for his clean, conceptual rock album visuals throughout the 1980s, often emphasizing typography and minimalist design.
  • Patti Drosins – Art Direction
    Contributed to several PolyGram and Mercury Records releases, combining artistic clarity with visual branding that complemented the band’s evolving image.
  • Mitchell Kanner – Design
    Graphic designer with a portfolio spanning film and music packaging; his design work for “Long Cold Winter” balanced elegance with subtle rock symbolism.
Photography:
  • Timothy White – Photography
    One of the most respected rock photographers of the era, White’s portraits captured the personality and attitude of 1980s rock icons with cinematic precision. Assisted by Trish Sands, Russell Ward, and Mark Edie. Make-up by Kelly Quan.

Management, Crew & Credits:

Management: Larry Mazer
Associate: Roni Jane Feldman
Agency: ICM – Phil Ernst
European Agency: ITB – Rod MacSween
Merchandise: Brockum
Legal: Paul Schindler
Business Management: David Robkin

Road Crew:
Bobby Schumann – Tom’s Guitar
Davey Morris – Bass Tech
Gary Douglas – Jeff’s Guitar
J. Harman – Drum Tech
David Kehrer – Sound
Martyn “Ferret” Rowe – Monitors
Kathy Rowe – Wardrobe
Bob Fenton – Security (with an attitude)

Special Thanks & Companies:
Paul Jernigan and Gibson Guitars, Pam Haynie & Pearl Drums, Dennis & Buddy at Kramer Guitars, Ken Hensley & Tom at St. Louis Music, Larry & Steve at DiMarzio, Mike Morse at Zildjian, John DiChristopher at D.W. Pedals, Jan at Regal Tip Sticks, Barcus Berry, Hamer, SLM, Marshall, Rickenbacker, Ampeg.

Miscellaneous Credit:
The part of Derek Shulman was played by Derek Shulman.

Extra Thanks:
To all of our fans all over the world — you make the rock & roll happen. Love ya all. See ya out there.

© 1988 Polygram Records Inc.

Collector’s Note: The Part of Derek Shulman Was Played by Derek Shulman

This witty credit from the inner sleeve of Cinderella’s “Long Cold Winter” is not a misprint or an inside joke about an actor—it’s a playful nod to Derek Shulman himself. Before becoming a record executive, Shulman was best known as the lead vocalist of the British progressive rock band Gentle Giant.

By 1988, he had transitioned into the business side of music and was serving as a senior executive at PolyGram Records, the label that released “Long Cold Winter.” The band included this tongue-in-cheek line to thank Shulman for his role in guiding and supporting their career, written in the style of a film credit — “The part of Derek Shulman was played by Derek Shulman.”

It’s a subtle in-joke that blends gratitude with rock ’n’ roll humor, showing how Cinderella’s sleeve notes often mixed formal acknowledgments with a sense of personality and theatrical flair.

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Tom Keifer – Vocals, Electric and Acoustic Guitars, National Steel, Harmonica
    Founding member and principal songwriter of Cinderella. Keifer’s gritty vocal tone and blues-inspired guitar work became the defining sound of the band and helped drive their multi-platinum success during the late 1980s.
  • Jeff LaBar – Guitar
    Known for his sharp melodic solos and stage charisma, LaBar contributed to Cinderella’s twin-guitar harmonies and remained with the band throughout its most successful era.
  • Eric Brittingham – Bass, Twelve String Bass, Background Vocals
    A founding member whose solid bass lines anchored Cinderella’s rhythm section. Brittingham also co-produced “Long Cold Winter” and later performed with Naked Beggars and Devil City Angels.
  • Fred Coury – Drums
    Credited drummer of the band; however, studio drumming was performed by Cozy Powell (most tracks) and Denny Carmassi (“Second Wind”).
Additional Musicians:
  • Rick Criniti – B3 Organ, Piano, Synth, Background Vocals
    A longtime Cinderella collaborator whose keyboard arrangements added depth and texture to the band’s evolving blues-rock style.
  • Cozy Powell – Drums
    Legendary English drummer famed for his work with Rainbow, Jeff Beck, and Whitesnake. His precise and powerful drumming gave “Long Cold Winter” its driving energy.
  • Denny Carmassi – Drums (“Second Wind”)
    American drummer known for his tenure with Montrose, Heart, and Sammy Hagar. His performance on “Second Wind” added a distinctive groove to the track.
  • Kurt Shore – Keyboards
    Studio keyboardist and composer active in 1980s rock and pop sessions, contributing subtle synth layers and arrangement work.
  • Jay Levin – Pedal Steel Guitar
    A respected pedal steel guitarist whose soulful playing brought a country-blues tone to “Coming Home” and other tracks.
  • Paulinho DaCosta – Percussion
    Brazilian percussion virtuoso known for his extensive work with Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Miles Davis. His contributions added rhythmic finesse and texture.
  • John Webster – Keyboards
    Canadian session musician and producer recognized for his collaborations with Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, and Alice Cooper, enhancing the album’s lush keyboard production.

Complete Track-listing:

Side One:
  1. Bad Seamstress Blues / Fallin' Apart at the Seams (5:19)
  2. Gypsy Road (3:55) Single
  3. Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone) (5:54) Single
  4. The Last Mile (3:51) Single
  5. Second Wind (3:59)
Video: Cinderella - Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)
Side Two:
  1. Long Cold Winter (5:24)
  2. If You Don't Like It (4:10)
  3. Coming Home (4:56) Single
  4. Fire and Ice (3:22)
  5. Take Me Back (3:17)
Video: Cinderella - Long Cold Winter

Disclaimer: Track durations shown are approximate .

Collector’s Note: Influence of Janis Joplin on "Long Cold Winter"

It’s entirely possible that somewhere in the frosty heart of “Long Cold Winter,” Janis Joplin’s ghost is sipping whiskey and smirking. You can almost hear her rasp whispering, “Honey, that ain’t cold—it’s just the blues talkin’.”

Tom Keifer, with his cracked-velvet voice, channels the same desperate ache that made “Cry Baby” such a masterpiece of beautiful suffering. Both songs start soft and slow — like heartbreak tiptoeing in — and then explode into a howl that sounds half-pain, half-confession.

So yes, while Janis left us the southern humidity of heartbreak, Cinderella froze it over with a snowstorm of eyeliner and Marshall amps. “Cry Baby” walked barefoot through the mud; “Long Cold Winter” strutted through it in snakeskin boots.

Video: JANIS JOPLIN Cry Baby + Lyrics
Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of Cinderella’s 1988 album 'Long Cold Winter'. The cover is a minimalist white design featuring the band’s name 'Cinderella' embossed in soft purple gradient script across the upper section, fading from deep violet to lavender. Below, centered and in fine cursive, is the album title 'Long Cold Winter' printed in a darker purple. The design’s stark simplicity, with its absence of imagery or texture except for faint paper grain, evokes coldness, introspection, and artistic restraint that marked the band’s stylistic shift from glam to blues rock.

This image shows the front cover of Cinderella’s 1988 vinyl LP “Long Cold Winter.” The design is striking in its simplicity: a pristine white background that stretches from edge to edge, free of photographic imagery or visual clutter. The band’s name “Cinderella” dominates the top third, rendered in a distinctive stylized typeface that blends medieval curves with modern polish. Its color transitions smoothly from deep violet at the top to a soft lavender hue at the base, creating an understated gradient that feels both regal and restrained.

The album title “Long Cold Winter” appears in elegant cursive at the lower center, written in a refined dark-purple tone that mirrors the band’s logo. The combination of serif lettering and icy space conveys a deliberate chill — a symbolic reflection of the album’s mood and title. There is no imagery, no band photo, no dramatic flair — only the tension between silence and statement.

The cover’s tactile design — often featuring subtle embossing on original pressings — enhances the sense of quiet sophistication. It embodies Cinderella’s transformation from their glittery glam-metal origins into a mature, blues-infused rock identity. The minimalist presentation invites focus on the music’s emotional temperature: introspective, soulful, and tinged with melancholy, much like the winter it portrays.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of Cinderella’s 1988 album 'Long Cold Winter'. A black-and-white photograph captures the four band members standing and sitting among bare winter trees beside a snow-covered riverbank. The frozen setting reflects the album’s title—icy, somber, and stripped of glamor. Each member wears dark leather or patterned coats, creating stark contrast against the bright snow. The tracklist for both sides of the LP appears in elegant white cursive across the lower portion, along with the album’s production credits and Mercury Records logo. The scene evokes solitude and transformation, echoing the band’s shift toward a more blues-driven, emotionally mature sound.

This image shows the back cover of Cinderella’s 1988 LP “Long Cold Winter.” A haunting black-and-white photograph depicts the band members in a stark, snow-covered forest scene. Bare winter trees and frozen ground surround them, their dark clothing creating a sharp contrast against the pale landscape. The composition, both desolate and theatrical, mirrors the album’s themes of isolation and personal reflection.

From left to right, the musicians appear in long coats, leather jackets, and patterned fabrics, each exuding a sense of quiet confidence and resilience. Their poses — relaxed yet defiant — communicate maturity and self-awareness. The shallow stream in the foreground reflects their silhouettes, adding depth and texture to the wintry tableau.

The tracklist is elegantly handwritten in white cursive across the bottom, neatly dividing Side One and Side Two. Below the songs are the production credits: produced by Andy Johns, Tom Keifer, and Eric Brittingham, engineered by Johns, and mixed by Steve Thompson and Michael Barbiero. The Mercury Records logo anchors the design, reinforcing the sense of professional refinement. Together, the photograph and typography transform the back cover into a visual echo of the album’s moody, blues-infused soul.

First Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
Inner sleeve of Cinderella’s 1988 album 'Long Cold Winter'. The design presents a clean white background densely filled with neatly arranged lyrics for all ten tracks, printed in a refined serif typeface. The text columns are evenly spaced, giving the layout a sense of structure and balance. On the right side, detailed production credits list producers Andy Johns, Tom Keifer, and Eric Brittingham, as well as the engineers, mixing team, management, and record label. The typography is elegant, with a faint blue-gray tint against the cream paper stock. No imagery or portraits are visible on this side—only text, creating a formal yet intimate feel that invites close reading of the songs’ emotional narratives.

This image depicts the first side of the custom inner sleeve from Cinderella’s 1988 LP “Long Cold Winter.” It features an expansive layout of song lyrics, elegantly typeset in serif font across six vertical columns on a soft white background. Each song—beginning with “Bad Seamstress Blues” and ending with “Take Me Back”—is printed in sequence, capturing the full lyrical journey of the album.

The rightmost section is dedicated to the album’s production and personnel credits. Names like producers Andy Johns, Tom Keifer, and Eric Brittingham are listed alongside engineers Steve Thompson and Michael Barbiero. Additional notes include management, agency, and touring crew acknowledgments, reflecting the meticulous documentation typical of late-1980s rock releases.

The absence of imagery or band portraits on this side enhances the feeling of focus and sincerity. The dense text layout invites the listener to read the words as poetry, revealing the introspective and often melancholic tone beneath Cinderella’s blues-infused hard rock sound. The simplicity of the design mirrors the album’s emotional restraint—polished, mature, and confident in its minimalism.

Second Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
Reverse side of Cinderella’s 1988 'Long Cold Winter' inner sleeve, featuring a dramatic black-and-white photograph of the band posed outdoors in a snowy forest. The four members—Tom Keifer, Jeff LaBar, Eric Brittingham, and Fred Coury—stand and crouch among rocks and trees, dressed in dark leather, long coats, and patterned boots. Their intense expressions and theatrical styling convey confidence and melancholy, mirroring the album’s blues-rock tone. At the bottom, small images promote their debut album 'Night Songs.' The composition uses natural light and shadow to emphasize texture and attitude, giving the scene a cinematic, windswept quality that fuses glam energy with raw authenticity.

This photograph, printed on the reverse side of the inner sleeve for Cinderella’s “Long Cold Winter” (1988), captures the band in a rugged outdoor setting that perfectly matches the album’s emotional atmosphere. Shot in stark black and white, it shows the four members posed among snow, rocks, and leafless trees—a wintry tableau that reflects both the title and the introspective tone of the record.

Each musician embodies a distinct presence: Tom Keifer, front left, leans forward in a fringed leather jacket, his gaze direct and pensive; Jeff LaBar stands confidently with a zebra-patterned coat and matching boots; Eric Brittingham, center-right, wears a broad-brimmed hat and layered belts; and Fred Coury, far right, with his voluminous blonde hair, adds contrast and balance to the frame. The group’s styling bridges glam-rock flair and road-worn authenticity, signaling their musical evolution.

The composition, with its strong natural lighting and deep shadows, evokes both grit and elegance. The inclusion of miniature “Also available” images at the lower edge promotes their earlier album “Night Songs,” connecting their glam origins to this more mature, blues-infused era. It’s an image that feels cinematic—equal parts promotional and poetic—serving as a visual encore to the music’s emotional landscape.

Close up of Record Label
Close-up of Side One record label for Cinderella’s 1988 album 'Long Cold Winter' released on Mercury Records. The label features a minimalist cream-white background with the band’s stylized purple logo printed prominently across the top. Below it, centered text lists the album title, track titles for Side One, and detailed production credits. The Mercury logo is positioned above the band name, and the catalog number '834 612-1' appears on the right. The label also includes the PolyGram Records copyright notice (© 1988), 33⅓ RPM stereo designation, and 'Made in Holland' print. Fine circular microtext along the perimeter states reproduction restrictions. Its clean, symmetrical layout mirrors the album’s elegant restraint.

This image shows a close-up of the Side One record label from Cinderella’s 1988 LP “Long Cold Winter.” The label’s minimalist cream tone is dominated by the band’s signature purple logo, rendered in the same stylized font used on the front cover. Above it sits the classic Mercury Records emblem, discreet and centered.

The text below the logo lists the five tracks of Side One, including “Bad Seamstress Blues,” “Gypsy Road,” and “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone).” Production details follow in smaller type, crediting producers Andy Johns, Tom Keifer, and Eric Brittingham, with engineering and mixing notes beneath. The catalog number 834 612-1 and matrix reference are positioned clearly on the right, establishing the label’s European pressing identity.

Surrounding the label’s edge is a fine circular copyright inscription that reads: “All rights of the producer and of the owner of the work reproduced reserved.” The 33⅓ RPM and “Made in Holland” imprints confirm its manufacturing origin. The overall composition is clean, symmetrical, and understated—matching the album’s refined visual aesthetic and signaling its transition from glam-metal spectacle to mature blues-rock craftsmanship.

Note: The images on this page are photographs of the actual vinyl album. Slight color variations may occur due to lighting and camera flash. All photos can be zoomed in/out on touch devices for closer inspection.

Cinderella Vinyl Discography & Album Cover Gallery – Explore Every 12-Inch LP from ‘Night Songs’ to ‘Long Cold Winter’ and Beyond

Live EP 12" LP
Live EP 12" EP

Mercury 888 812 (88812) , 1987 , Netherlands

Cinderella's "The Live E.P." 12" vinyl album encapsulates the raw energy of the American glam metal band during a 1987 Philadelphia performance. The recording immortalizes the band at their zenith. In the vinyl resurgence, this live gem has become a sought-after collectible, offering fans an authentic, tactile experience of Cinderella's electrifying stage presence.

Learn more
Updated Cinderella Long Cold Winter album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
CINDERELLA - Long Cold Winter

Press play on “Long Cold Winter” and you can almost see the steam rise from the amps. This is blues-rock dipped in frostbite — a rebirth album that left mascara trails in the snow. Keifer howls, the band burns, and somewhere between heartbreak and redemption, glam metal remembers its soul. A pure late-80s artifact that still sounds beautifully worn at the edges.

Night Songs ( Picture Disc ) 12" LP
Night Songs ( Picture Disc ) 12" LP

Polygram

"Cinderella's 1986 debut album, 'Night Songs,' became a rock classic. The limited edition Picture Disc 12" Vinyl added a visual dimension to the auditory experience, featuring captivating artwork on each side. With timeless tracks like 'Shake Me' and 'Nobody's Fool,' this collector's item stands as both a musical gem and a visual masterpiece, preserving the magic of '80s glam metal in a tangible and cherished form."

Learn more
Night Songs ( USA ) 12" LP
Night Songs ( USA ) 12" LP

Mercury 422-830-976 , 1986 , USA

Cinderella's 1986 debut album, "Night Songs (USA)," marked their rise to glam metal stardom. Fueled by the hit single "Nobody's Fool" and strategic MTV airplay, the album soared to multi-platinum success. An opening slot on Bon Jovi's tour further propelled their fame, solidifying Cinderella as a defining force in 1980s rock.

Learn more
Night Songs ( Netherlands ) 12" LP
Night Songs ( Netherlands ) 12" LP

Mercury 830 076 , 1986 , Netherlands

Night Songs is Cinderella's first(debut album, which sold several million copies due to a combination of the single Nobody's Fool, MTV airplay, and an opening slot on Bon Jovi's tour (in support of their album Slippery When Wet).

Learn more