Cyndi Lauper is a multi-talented artist, known for her music, acting, and activism. Her debut album, "She's So Unusual," broke records and included hit singles like "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and "Time After Time." Lauper has since released eleven studio albums, acted in films and TV shows, and won numerous awards. Cyndi is currently married to her husband, David Thornton.
Cyndi is also known for her advocacy for LGBT rights and has been a prominent voice in the fight for equality. Cyndi, who was once bullied for her flamboyant fashion sense and colorful hair, has become a global icon with over 50 million albums and 20 million singles sold.
Cyndi Lauper Early Life & Family Background
Cyndi Lauper was born on 22nd June 1953, at Boulevard Hospital in Astoria, Queens, New York City, USA. Her given name is Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper. he is an American citizen and has a mixed ethnicity, with her father having Swiss-German descent and her mother being of Italian American heritage. She is the daughter of Fred Lauper and Catrine (née Gallo). She grew up with an older sister, Ellen, and a younger brother, Fred, in a railroad-style apartment in Ozone Park, Queens. Her family went through a divorce, and at the age of 12, she started writing songs and playing the acoustic guitar, gifted to her by her sister. She changed the spelling of her name to "Cyndi" at a friend's suggestion. She celebrated her 69th birthday in 2022.
For her educational qualification, Lauper attended Richmond Hill High School but was expelled. She eventually earned her GED. In her teenage years, she faced sexual harassment from her stepfather and left home at the age of 17. She spent some time in the woods in Canada with her dog, Sparkle, to find herself. Later, she traveled to Vermont, where she supported herself by taking odd jobs and started taking art classes at Johnson State College. In 2019, she gave the commencement address at Northern Vermont University-Johnson and was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters. Her life experiences have greatly influenced her music and activism, and she has become an inspiration to many for her resilience and strength.
Cyndi Lauper's music career
- Cyndi Lauper began her career in music as a vocalist for cover bands in the early 1970s. In 1977, she faced a setback when she damaged her vocal cords and was told by doctors that she would never sing again.
- However, with the help of vocal coach Katie Agresta, Lauper regained her voice and went on to become a founding member of the band "Blue Angel" alongside saxophone player John Turi.
- The band also included Arthur "Rockin' A" Neilson on guitar, Lee Brovitz on bass guitar, and Johnny Morelli on drums. In 1980, they released their first and only album, the self-titled "Blue Angel".
- After the band broke up, she faced financial difficulties and took up odd jobs such as working in retail stores and waitressing at IHOP.
- She quit the job after being demoted to hostess due to sexual harassment by her manager. Despite these challenges, Lauper continued to perform in local clubs and eventually gained success with her solo career, releasing hit songs such as "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and "Time After Time".
- In 1981, she met David Wolff, who became her manager and helped her secure a recording contract with Portrait Records, a subsidiary of Epic Records.
- Her debut solo album, "She's So Unusual", released on 14th October 1983, was a massive success, reaching the top five in nine countries and peaking at No. 4 in the U.S.
- She co-wrote four songs on the album, including the hits "Time After Time" and "She Bop". During this time, she also appeared with professional wrestler Hulk Hogan in several of the World Wrestling Federation's "Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection" events and played Wendi Richter's manager in the inaugural WrestleMania event.
- In 1985, she released the single "The Goonies 'R' Good Enough", from the soundtrack of the movie The Goonies.
- Her second album, "True Colors", was released in 1986 and featured the hit title track. The album was a commercial success and solidified Lauper's place as a prominent figure in the music industry. Lauper's unique voice and bold fashion choices made her a pop culture icon of the 1980s, and her influence can still be felt in today's music scene.
- In the late 1980s and 1990s, she appeared on Billy Joel's album "The Bridge", sang the theme song for "Pee-wee's Playhouse", and made her film debut in "Vibes".
- She released several albums during this time, including "A Night to Remember", "Hat Full of Stars", and "Sisters of Avalon". She also acted in various films and TV shows, including "Life with Mikey", "Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle", "The Opportunists", and a guest role on "The Simpsons".
- In 2000, she participated in the Women in Rock, Girls with Guitars television show, and three years later, she released her cover album At Last with Sony/Epic Records.
- She then made an appearance on Queer as Folk in 2005 before releasing her sixth studio album, Bring Ya to the Brink, in 2008. The singer also collaborated with Wyclef Jean on the song "Slumdog Millionaire," which they performed on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2009. She competed on The Celebrity Apprentice in 2010 and came in sixth place.
- In the same year, her seventh album Memphis Blues was released and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart and No. 26 on the Billboard Top 200.
- She released two Christmas singles exclusive to iTunes in November 2011, a Blues-inspired cover of Elvis Presley's classic "Blue Christmas" and a new version of "Home for the holidays," a duet with Norah Jones.
- he also released a best-selling memoir that detailed her struggles with child abuse and depression. In 2012, she wrote the music and lyrics for Harvey Fierstein’s Broadway musical "Kinky Boots," which ended its six-year run in April 2019, grossing $297 million.
- She released the 30th-anniversary edition of "She's So Unusual" in April 2014 and sang on the finale of America's Got Talent in September 2014. She also guest-starred as a lawyer in an episode of the television series Magnum P.I. in October 2018.
- In recent years, Lauper has performed the English translation of the English version of the film "La Course des tuques", appeared at the opening ceremony of Stonewall 50 - WorldPride NYC 2019, and sang at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards Show in Los Angeles.
- She also dueted with former "American Idol" finalist Casey Abrams on a cover of "Eve of Destruction" in November 2020, and performed at the 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute Show honoring Joni Mitchell. A career retrospective documentary about Lauper is set to be directed by Alison Ellwood, with the announcement made in May 2022. "Let The Canary Sing" will be the title of this career-spanning documentary produced by Sony Music Entertainment.
- On 13 December 2022, Cyndi Lauper performed "True Colors" with Alex Nolan at a White House celebration where President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law, providing federal recognition to same-sex marriages. The act was passed out of concern that the Supreme Court could reverse its legal support of such relationships.
- In January 2023, Cyndi Lauper was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She expressed her gratitude and said that it has been a privilege to reach so many fans with a message of following your own path. The inductees will be announced in May 2023.
Awards and Achievements
- Won Grammy Awards under Best New Artist in 1985
- Won Grammy Awards under Best Musical Theater Album for her work in "Kinky Boots" in 2014
- Won Tony Award under Best Original Score for her work in "Kinky Boots" in 2013
- Won Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series for her work in "Mad About You: Money Changes Everything" in 1995
- Won MTV Video Music Award in 1984
Cyndi Lauper Husband & Children
Cyndi Lauper is happily married to David Thornton, an actor known for his roles in various movies and TV shows. The couple met each other and fell in love after Cyndi Lauper ended her six-year-long relationship with David Wolff. They got married on November 24, 1991, and have been together ever since. Together, they have a son named Declyn Wallace Thornton Lauper, who was born on November 19, 1997. The couple has maintained a low-profile personal life and has rarely been in the public eye for their relationship. Despite the challenges that Cyndi Lauper has faced in her personal life, she has found happiness with David Thornton and has built a strong and loving family. Her personal life has not been without its share of difficulties. In the early years of her career, she was sexually assaulted by a member of a cover band that she was part of. She also became pregnant by a former boyfriend during this period, but he pressured her to have an abortion, despite her desire to keep the child. These experiences had a profound impact on Cyndi Lauper's life and career, but she has used her platform to speak out against sexual assault and advocate for women's rights. Despite these challenges, Cyndi Lauper has remained resilient and has found happiness with her family and music career.
Cyndi Lauper Net Worth
Cyndi Lauper has not only made a name for herself in the music industry but has also amassed a substantial fortune through her work. As of 2023, her net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. Much of her wealth comes from the success of her albums and songs, with her album "She's So Unusual" earning her an estimated $16 million and "True Colors" earning her around $7 million. In addition to her music career, she has also earned money from the entertainment industry and brand endorsements. She has worked with brands such as Domino's Pizza (Japan), Dr. Pepper, Stickles Gum, and the Trivial Pursuit Totally '80s edition board game. This has contributed to her lavish lifestyle, with Cyndi Lauper enjoying the fruits of her hard work. Despite her wealth and success, she has remained down-to-earth and continues to give back to her community. She has used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and raise awareness about issues such as homelessness and poverty. In addition, she has donated money to various charities and organizations, including the True Colors Fund, which she co-founded to address homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth. Her dedication to social causes and her philanthropic efforts show that she is not only a successful artist but also a kind-hearted individual with a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Cyndi Lauper Height & Weight
Cyndi Lauper is a renowned singer-songwriter with a petite physique. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing approximately 50 kg, she possesses a slender and elegant figure. Her body measurements of 33-24-33 inches further highlight her petite frame. Her unique features include blonde hair and striking green eyes, which contribute to her distinct appearance. In addition, she has been vocal about her struggles with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. She has even appeared in advertisements for Cosentyx, a medication used to treat psoriasis, to raise awareness about the condition and its impact on individuals' lives. Despite her physical challenges, she has remained an inspiration to many in the music industry. Her vocal talent, coupled with her charisma and unique fashion sense, has earned her numerous accolades and a dedicated fan base. Her willingness to speak openly about her health struggles has also helped to break down stigmas surrounding chronic conditions. Overall, Cyndi Lauper's impact extends far beyond her music, as she continues to use her platform to advocate for important causes and inspire others to embrace their true selves.
