Cynthia Ann Stephanie “Cyndi” Lauper, an American singer-songwriter, activist, and actress, has become a pop culture icon over her impressive 40-year career. Despite a challenging childhood, Lauper’s determination led her to escape from an abusive stepfather and pursue her passion for music. From performing with cover bands to forming ‘Blue Angel’ with saxophonist John Turi, Lauper’s talent shone through. Her debut solo album, ‘She’s So Unusual’, launched her into stardom, and she has since released ten more albums, selling over 20 million records and 50 million singles. With multiple Grammy, Tony, and Emmy victories, Lauper’s impact on the music industry is undeniable. Not only has she revolutionized the role of women in rock and roll, but she has also been recognized for her activism, advocating for women and LGBT rights. Lauper’s contributions have earned her a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper Thornton
- Age: 70 Years, 70 Year Old Females
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: David Thornton
- Father: Fred Lauper
- Mother: Catrine Lauper
- Siblings: Elen Lauper, Fred Lauper
- Children: Declyn Wallace Thornton Lauper
- Born Country: United States
- Quotes By Cyndi Lauper
- Actresses
- Height: 5’3″ (160 cm), 5’3″ Females
- Ancestry: Swiss American, German American, Italian American
- Notable Alumni: Johnson State College
- City: Brooklyn, New York City
- U.S. State: New Yorkers
- More Facts
- Education: Johnson State College
Childhood & Early Life
Cynthia Ann Stephanie “Cyndi” Lauper was born on June 22, 1953, in Astoria, Queens, New York City. She is the youngest daughter of Frederick A. Lauper and Catrine Dominique Gallo. She has an older sister, Ellen, and a younger brother, Fred. Lauper spent her early years in Brooklyn but moved to Ozone Park, Queens, when she was four years old. Her parents divorced in 1958, and her mother later remarried and divorced again.
Teenage Years and Early Career
As a teenager, Lauper faced threats from her stepfather and decided to leave home at the age of 17. She had a rebellious nature and experimented with different hair colors and clothing styles. She changed the spelling of her name to “Cyndi” on a friend’s suggestion. At the age of 12, she started writing songs and playing the acoustic guitar. However, her education suffered, and she was expelled from school. She later earned her GED.
After leaving home, Lauper moved to Vermont and enrolled at Johnson State College to study art. She worked various jobs, including as a waitress, office assistant, and singer in a Japanese restaurant. During this time, she faced sexual assault and became pregnant, but was pressured to have an abortion.
Career
In the early 1970s, Lauper performed with several bands. In 1974, she experienced vocal cord damage but regained her voice after working with a voice coach. She then became a founding member of the band “Blue Angel” and released their self-titled album in 1980. After the band’s breakup, Lauper pursued a successful solo career and released 11 albums, including “She’s So Unusual” (1983) and “True Colors” (1986).
Lauper’s unique personality and music style made her an icon of her generation. She also appeared in films and television shows, such as “Mad About You” and “The Celebrity Apprentice.” In 2012, she wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical “Kinky Boots.” She continues to be active in the entertainment industry, releasing new music and making appearances on television shows.
Major Works
Lauper’s album “She’s So Unusual” is considered one of the greatest albums of all time. The single “Time After Time” from the album is also highly acclaimed. She has received numerous awards throughout her career, including Grammy Awards and Tony Awards.
Personal Life
Lauper dated her previous manager, Dave Wolff, for several years before meeting actor David Thornton on the set of a film. They married in 1991 and have a son named Declyn Wallace Thornton, born in 1997.
Activism and Legacy
Lauper is known for her support of LGBT rights and has been involved in various charitable causes. She has been recognized for her contributions to music and is featured in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum’s Women Who Rock exhibit.
Trivia
Lauper is an inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is also featured in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum’s Women Who Rock exhibit.