The story of Tom Waits’ early life and the making of his stunning debut album, Closing Time, is examined in the new issue of Uncut, out on January 31.

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Waits’ closest collaborators tell the tale of the songwriter’s move from being a Beat-obsessed San Diego kid to Los Angeles troubadour.

“I was kinda lost in the ’60s,” Waits explained. “Knowing I wanted to do something creative, not knowing how or where to do it.

“Before I found Kerouac I was kinda groping for something to hang on to, stylistically.”

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The eventful recording of Closing Time, which was released 40 years ago this year, is also recalled by the musicians who performed on the landmark release.

The new issue of Uncut, dated March 2013, is out on Thursday (January 31, 2013).