Maynard James Keenan (born
James Herbert Keenan; April 17, 1964), often referred to by his initials
MJK, is an American musician, record producer, winemaker, and actor, best known as the vocalist for Grammy Award-winning American
progressive metal band
Tool. He is originally from
Ohio, but spent his high school and college years in
Michigan. After serving in the
United States Army in the early 1980s, he attended
Kendall College of Art and Design in
Grand Rapids. He moved to Los Angeles, California in 1988 to pursue a career in interior design and set construction. Shortly thereafter, he formed the band Tool with
Adam Jones.