Challenges Faced by Cher: Obstacles and Turning Points
A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Cher's life and career.
Cher, often called the "Goddess of Pop," is a highly successful American singer, actress, and television personality. Celebrated for her distinctive contralto voice, diverse career spanning music, film, and television, and striking visual style, Cher has built a public persona embodying strong, independent women. Her capacity for reinvention has enabled numerous career resurgences, establishing her as a lasting cultural icon.
1968: Release of 'Backstage'
In 1968, Cher released the album 'Backstage', which explored diverse musical genres but was not a commercial success.
1969: Dropped from Imperial Records and Release of '3614 Jackson Highway'
In 1969, Cher was dropped from Imperial Records, but released '3614 Jackson Highway', which experimented in R&B and soul music and was recorded without Sonny's guidance.
1971: Release of "Classified 1A"
In 1971, Cher released "Classified 1A", a single about a soldier dying in Vietnam, written by Sonny. Radio stations rejected it for being uncommercial.
1972: Marital Problems Begin
Since late 1972, Cher and Sonny had marital problems, which they kept from the public.
February 1974: Sonny files for separation
In February 1974, Sonny filed for separation from Cher, citing "irreconcilable differences".
June 26, 1975: Finalization of Divorce
On June 26, 1975, Cher and Sonny's divorce was finalized after legal battles over finances and custody of their child.
1975: Signing with Warner Bros. and Release of "Stars"
In 1975, Cher signed a $2.5 million deal with Warner Bros. Records. She released the album "Stars", which aimed to establish her as a rock star but was initially unsuccessful commercially and critically.
1976: Sonny & Cher Dolls and Release of "I'd Rather Believe in You"
In 1976, Mego Toys released Sonny & Cher dolls, with the Cher doll becoming the best-selling doll of the year. Also, in 1976, she released the album "I'd Rather Believe in You", which was a commercial failure.
August 1977: Cancellation of The Sonny and Cher Show
In August 1977, "The Sonny and Cher Show" was canceled due to public backlash related to their divorce and Cher's lifestyle.
1977: Allman and Woman Project and Tour Cancellation
In 1977, Cher and Gregg Allman recorded the duet album "Two the Hard Way" as "Allman and Woman". The European tour to support the album was canceled due to audience fights.
1977: Release of Cherished
In 1977, Cher released the album "Cherished", a return to her earlier pop storyteller style, but it was a commercial failure.
1979: Finalization of Divorce from Allman
In 1979, Cher and Gregg Allman's divorce was finalized after a troubled relationship.
1981: Disbandment of Black Rose
In 1981, Black Rose disbanded due to poor reviews and a lack of concert bookings.
1982: Release of I Paralyze
In 1982, Cher released the new wave album "I Paralyze" under Columbia Records, which was a commercial failure.
1983: Declined Solo Hollywood Walk of Fame Honor
In 1983, Cher was selected for a solo star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame but declined to schedule the appearance.
2020: Here We Go Again Tour Postponed
In 2020, Cher's Here We Go Again Tour was indefinitely postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.
December 2023: Criticized Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In December 2023, Cher criticized the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for excluding her since becoming eligible in 1990.
