Biography

Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper, born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 22, 1953, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and activist. Known for her distinctive four-octave vocal range and eccentric style, she became a pop icon in the 1980s. Lauper grew up in Queens and, after leaving home as a teenager, began her music career singing in cover bands. In 1978, she formed the band Blue Angel with John Turi, which released one album before splitting.

Breakthrough and Stardom

Lauper's solo career skyrocketed with her 1983 debut album, "She's So Unusual." The album was a massive success, making her the first female artist to have four top-five singles from a debut record: "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," "Time After Time," "She Bop," and "All Through the Night." This achievement earned her the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1985. Her follow-up album, "True Colors" (1986), also enjoyed success with its title track becoming an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community.

Musical Evolution

Throughout her career, Lauper has explored various musical genres. Her 1989 album, "A Night to Remember," featured the hit "I Drove All Night." In the 1990s, she released "Hat Full of Stars," which tackled serious topics like domestic abuse and homophobia. Her 2010 album, "Memphis Blues," was a critical and commercial success, topping the Billboard Blues chart.

Stage, Screen, and Activism

Beyond music, Lauper has had a successful acting career, winning an Emmy Award in 1995 for her role on the sitcom "Mad About You." A major career highlight came in 2013 when she wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical "Kinky Boots," winning a Tony Award for Best Original Score. This made her the first woman to win the category solo. The cast recording also earned her a Grammy Award.

Advocacy and Legacy

Cyndi Lauper has been a dedicated activist throughout her career, particularly for LGBTQ+ rights and women's issues. She co-founded True Colors United in 2008 to address homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth. In 2022, she launched the Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights Fund in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Lauper has sold over 50 million records worldwide and has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015 and is set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025.

Songs