Cyndi Lauper is an American singer, songwriter, and actress whose unique style and catchy hits, most notably “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” have cemented her status as a pop icon.
Born in 1953 in Brooklyn, New York, Lauper grew up in Queens and had a tumultuous youth, eventually dropping out of high school. She spent several years working odd jobs and singing in nightclubs before suffering a vocal injury in 1977. This setback led her to study under a vocal coach and form the rockabilly band Blue Angel with fellow musician John Turi.
While Blue Angel failed to achieve commercial success, Lauper’s distinctive voice and quirky persona helped her quickly rebound as a solo artist. In 1983, she released her debut album “She’s So Unusual,” which included the smash hit “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” The song’s accompanying music video, which featured Lauper’s flamboyant style and became an MTV favorite, helped propel the track to the top of the charts.
Lauper’s success continued with other hits from the album, such as the ballad “Time After Time.” At the 1984 Grammy Awards, “She’s So Unusual” was nominated for Album of the Year, and Lauper won the award for Best New Artist.
While subsequent albums failed to match the commercial heights of her debut, Lauper remained a beloved pop icon, appearing regularly on television and taking on acting roles. In 2013, she achieved another major milestone, writing the score for the Broadway musical “Kinky Boots,” which went on to win six Tony Awards, including Best Original Score – making Lauper the first solo woman to win that prize.
Throughout her career, Lauper has been a vocal advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, co-founding the True Colors Fund in 2008 to support those communities. Her music and persona have also been praised for their feminist themes and celebration of female empowerment, as exemplified by the enduring popularity of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”
Cyndi Lauper’s unique blend of musical talent, flamboyant style, and social activism has cemented her status as a true pop culture icon, whose influence and impact continue to be felt decades after her breakthrough.
