Cyndi Lauper facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Cyndi Lauper
Lauper performing in the Royal Albert Hall in June 2024
Born	Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper (1953-06-22) June 22, 1953 (age 72) New York City, U.S.
Occupation	Singer songwriter producer actress activist
Years active	1977–present
Spouse(s)	David Thornton (m. 1991)
Children	1
Musical career
Genres	Pop dance new wave rock
Instruments	Vocals dulcimer guitar
Labels	Portrait Epic Daylight Downtown Sire

Signature

Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper (/ˈlɔːpər/ LAW-pər; born June 22, 1953) is a famous American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is known for her unique voice, colorful style, and hit songs. Some of her most popular songs are "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and "Time After Time." Cyndi Lauper is also celebrated for helping others, especially young people who need safe places to live.

Early Life and Music Beginnings
Becoming a Pop Superstar
Continuing Music Success
Acting and Other Projects
Broadway Success
Recent Years and Farewell Tour
Helping Others: Activism and Advocacy
Legacy and Influence
Images for kids
Discography
Tours
See also

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Cyndi Lauper was born in Brooklyn, New York City, on June 22, 1953. Her family came from different parts of Europe. Her parents separated when she was young. Growing up in Queens, she loved listening to music from artists like The Beatles. When she was about 12, she started writing her own songs. She also learned to play the guitar.

Cyndi always had a unique way of expressing herself. She used her clothes and hair to stand out. She even decided to spell her first name with a 'y' instead of an 'i'. She faced some challenges growing up. At 17, she left home to study art. She traveled and took art classes. She supported herself with different jobs.

In the early 1970s, Cyndi started singing with various bands. She performed cover songs, but she really wanted to sing her own music. She faced a big challenge when she damaged her voice. Doctors thought she might not sing again. But with hard work and a vocal coach, she regained her voice. She continued to follow her dream.

In 1978, Cyndi formed a band called Blue Angel. She started it with saxophonist John Turi. They wrote and recorded their own songs. A music manager heard their music and was impressed by Cyndi's voice. Blue Angel signed with a record label. They released their first album in 1980. Critics liked the album, but it did not sell very well. The band eventually broke up. They also faced money problems after their manager left. After this, Cyndi sang in local clubs. She worked other jobs while still pursuing her music.

Becoming a Pop Superstar

Everything changed for Cyndi when she met David Wolff. He became her manager. He helped her get a solo recording contract. On October 14, 1983, she released her first solo album, She's So Unusual. This album was a massive success around the world. It reached high spots on music charts. It made Cyndi popular with young people and music critics.

The album featured several hit songs. These songs became very popular for young people. "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" was a huge hit. Its music video showed people of all kinds having a great time. Cyndi changed some lyrics to make it more about girls having fun and being themselves. Another big hit from the album was the beautiful song "Time After Time." She helped write this song. Other popular songs included "She Bop" and "All Through the Night."

She's So Unusual was a first for a female artist. It was the first time four songs from one debut album reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album sold millions of copies. Cyndi won the Best New Artist award at the Grammy Awards in 1985. The music video for "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" also won the first-ever award for Best Female Video at the MTV Video Music Awards. Cyndi's colorful and unique style became a big part of her image.

During this time, Cyndi also sang in the famous charity song "We Are the World." This song helped raise money for people in Africa. She also appeared with professional wrestlers. This showed her playful personality.

Continuing Music Success

Cyndi's second album, True Colors, came out in 1986. It also had big hits. These included the title song "True Colors" and "Change of Heart." The song "True Colors" became very meaningful to many people. It is seen as a message of acceptance and being true to yourself.

She continued to release music and explore different styles. Her third album, A Night to Remember (1989), included the hit "I Drove All Night." Her album Hat Full of Stars (1993) was praised by critics. It had thoughtful songs about important topics. However, it did not sell as many copies as her earlier work.

Acting and Other Projects

Besides singing, Cyndi has also worked as an actress. She appeared in films like Vibes (1988) and Life with Mikey (1993). She also won an Emmy Award for her guest role on the TV show Mad About You.

In 1997, Cyndi became a mother. She welcomed her son, Declyn. She continued to release albums. These included Sisters of Avalon (1997), which had songs about various themes. She also released a Christmas album, Merry Christmas ... Have a Nice Life (1998).

In the 2000s, Cyndi released albums like At Last (2003). On this album, she sang classic cover songs. She also released Memphis Blues (2010). This album focused on blues music. It was very successful on the blues charts. She also appeared on reality TV shows like The Celebrity Apprentice.

Broadway Success

A major highlight of Cyndi's career has been her work in theater. She wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical Kinky Boots. The musical was a huge hit. It won many Tony Awards in 2013, including Best Musical. Cyndi won the Tony Award for Best Original Score. This made her the first woman to win this award by herself. Kinky Boots ran on Broadway for many years. It was also performed in other countries.

Recent Years and Farewell Tour

In 2016, Cyndi released Detour. This album featured classic country songs. She has continued to tour and perform for her fans around the world.

In 2023, a documentary film about her career was released. It was called Let the Canary Sing. It looked back at her amazing journey in music.

In February 2024, it was announced that Cyndi was working on future projects. This includes a possible TV series and immersive experiences using her music.

Most recently, in May 2024, Cyndi announced her "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour." This tour started in October 2024 and will finish in August 2025. She said she wanted to do this tour to thank her fans. She wants to do it while she is still feeling good and able to perform. She has been performing at festivals like Glastonbury in England as part of this tour.

Helping Others: Activism and Advocacy

Cyndi Lauper is also well known for helping others. She works for fairness and equality. She was inspired by her sister, Ellen. Cyndi believes everyone should be treated with respect. She thinks everyone should have the same opportunities.

She helped start an organization called True Colors United. This group works to end homelessness among young people. The organization helps provide safe places to stay. It also supports young people in need. Cyndi has held concerts and events to raise money and awareness for this cause. In December 2022, she performed her song "True Colors" at the White House. This was when a law was signed to protect the right to marry for same-sex couples.

Cyndi has also supported other causes. She has raised money for children battling cancer. She also advocates for women's rights.

Legacy and Influence

Cyndi Lauper is seen as an important figure in music history. Her unique style and voice brought new wave and punk influences into popular music. She showed that it was okay to be different. She encouraged people to express themselves creatively. Her music and image have inspired many artists who came after her.

Her first album, She's So Unusual, is considered one of the greatest albums of all time. Magazines like Rolling Stone have praised it. Songs like "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" are celebrated for their fun, empowering messages. Their music videos were groundbreaking. "Time After Time" is loved for its beautiful melody and lyrics. Many other singers have covered it. "True Colors" remains a song of hope and acceptance.

Cyndi Lauper's career shows how being true to yourself can make a lasting difference. It also shows how hard work and helping others can change the world.