Alice Cooper Guitarist Nita Strauss Welcomes Baby with Husband Josh Villalta

Alice Cooper guitarist Nita Strauss is officially a mom for the first time. Strauss and her musician-manager husband Josh Villalta welcomed their first child, son Maxwell James Villalta, on May 28, and they’re just now revealing the happy news to the world.

People broke the news in a new interview with the happy parents. The two also took to social media to share photos of the little one.

“We’re in the full on newborn trenches: exhausted, running on fumes and figuring new parenthood out as we go, and it’s still been the most fulfilling and incredible time of our lives,” Nita told the publication. “Even after only a few days of motherhood, it’s already the best thing I’ve ever done.”

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So, where did they come up with the name Maxwell? According to Josh, he says it comes from the idea that “whatever he does in his life, we hope he does it to the max!” The middle name, James, is after Nita’s father, musician James Strauss.

In the interview, Nita called giving birth the “hardest thing I’ve ever done,” but it all ended in an amazing way.

“I’ve always heard people say ‘You don’t know true love until they put your baby on your chest for the first time,’ but I never fully understood it until it happened to me!” she told the outlet. “It was as if the rest of the world melted away and we were in a vortex bringing a new life into this world.”

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“I’m excited for every phase of this new chapter, from right now as we’re learning to care for a newborn to bringing our son along for the ride on tour when the time comes!” Strauss added of motherhood. “It’s going to be amazing, chaotic, and exciting and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

While Strauss is on maternity leave from rocking out with Cooper, he has 22-year-old guitarist Anna Cara filling in for her on tour. I’ve interviewed Strauss many times, and she’s such a delightful personality and should make a great mom.

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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 10:31 AM.