With her distinctive Queens, New York accent and ever-changing, vibrant hair colors, Cyndi Lauper burst onto the music scene in the 80s and has remained a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for over four decades. In this article, we will delve into the life of Cyndi Lauper, as she navigated through challenges, embraced her uniqueness, and left an indelible mark on pop culture.
A Journey of Resilience and Passion
Born Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper on June 22, 1953, Cyndi Lauper's love for music began at a young age. Growing up, she often felt like an outcast, but found solace in music, which became her antidote to discontent. With a diverse range of musical influences from The Beatles to Judy Garland, she developed an eclectic taste that would later shape her own unique sound.
As a preteen, Lauper started writing and playing songs on an acoustic guitar gifted by her sister. To stand out from other new singers, a friend suggested she change the spelling of her name to "Cyndi." However, her unusual sense of style and flamboyantly colored hair made her a target for constant bullying. Despite the challenges, she remained true to herself, saying, "I've colored my hair since I was nine."
Caption: Cyndi Lauper and her iconic bright red hair, 1984 [Barry King/WireImage/Getty]
Embracing Individuality: The Early Days
At a Catholic high school in Queens, Cyndi Lauper faced expulsion, an experience that repeated itself in her next high school. Despite not excelling in academics, she earned a high school equivalency degree, emphasizing the importance of education.
Leaving home at 17 to escape an abusive stepfather, Lauper found herself at Johnson State College in Vermont, intending to study art. To support herself, she took on various odd jobs, including waitressing and office assisting. She even sang in a Japanese restaurant. Her first taste of musical success came with the band Blue Angel, although they disbanded after their debut album.
Caption: Young Cyndi Lauper, 1980 [Rob Verhorst/Redferns/Getty]
Undeterred by setbacks, Lauper started performing in local New York clubs while working as a waitress. In 1981, she caught the attention of David Wolff, her future manager, who remembered her remarkable vocal range from her Blue Angel days. With Wolff's guidance, Lauper signed a contract with a subsidiary of Epic Records. She once said, "I lucked out when I started to sing. I had already experienced failing at everything else."
The Rise to Stardom: "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" Fame
In 1983, Cyndi Lauper released her first solo album, "She's So Unusual," which propelled her to international stardom. Known for her punk image, Lauper's distinctive voice and singing style resonated with both critics and teenagers alike. The album featured hits such as "Time After Time" and "She Bop," but it was the infectious anthem "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" that became an overnight sensation.
Caption: Cyndi Lauper performs onstage, 1984 [Chris Walter/WireImage/Getty]
Thanks to the success of "She's So Unusual," Cyndi Lauper won the Best New Artist award at the 1985 Grammys. Her rebellious and unconventional nature was on full display as she adorned herself with a pound of necklaces during the award ceremony—a classic Cyndi Lauper 80s moment.
Revealing True Colors: The 80s and Beyond
In 1986, Cyndi Lauper released her second album, "True Colors," solidifying her position as an established singer. This album marked a pivotal year for Lauper, with Grammy nominations and collaborations with renowned artists like Billy Joel. She also lent her talent to unique projects, like singing the theme song for the quirky TV show "Peewee's Playhouse."
Caption: Cyndi Lauper TV broadcast from Paris, 1987 [Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty]
Buoyed by her success, Cyndi Lauper explored new creative avenues. She made her feature film debut in the 1988 comedy "Vibes" and even prepared for the role by studying with Manhattan psychics. Despite the movie's lackluster box office performance, "Vibes" has since gained a cult following.
Throughout the 80s, Lauper fearlessly pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms. She left an enduring legacy as an icon of the era, inspiring her fans to embrace their true colors and celebrate individuality.
Cyndi Lauper: A Colorful Journey Continues
Caption: Portrait of Cyndi Lauper, 1989 [Michel Linssen/Redferns/Getty]
Beyond the 80s, Cyndi Lauper continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry. She has a deep passion for wrestling and even contributed to "Captain Lou's History of Music" on The Wrestling Album in 1985. Lauper is an avid fan of movie legend Marlene Dietrich, and her influence extends to being immortalized as a Barbie Doll in the Ladies of the 80s Pink Label Collection.
In recent years, Lauper has faced personal challenges, including a diagnosis of psoriasis. Nevertheless, she remains resilient, actively writing a musical adaptation of "Working Girl" and preparing for an upcoming world tour.
Cyndi Lauper's impact on pop culture is immeasurable. Her colorful style, expressive delivery, and distinctive New York accent continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Her songs, such as "True Colors" and "Girls Just Want To Have Fun," have inspired countless individuals to embrace their uniqueness. Cyndi Lauper is a true pop culture icon, leaving an enduring legacy that will continue to shine brightly.
