History of Cher in Timeline
Cher is a celebrated American singer, actress, and television personality widely recognized as the "Goddess of Pop". Her powerful contralto voice, diverse entertainment career, and evolving style have cemented her iconic status. Rising to fame in the 1960s with her husband Sonny as the duo Sonny & Cher, she later achieved solo success with hits like "Bang Bang" and "You Better Sit Down Kids". Cher's dominance in the 1970s included chart-topping singles such as "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves", "Half-Breed", and "Dark Lady", making her the leading female solo artist with the most number-one singles in the US at that time. Her career is marked by female empowerment in a male-dominated industry.
May 20, 1946: Cher is Born
On May 20, 1946, Cherilyn Sarkisian, who would later become known as Cher, was born.
1951: Establishment of the American Code of Practices for Television Broadcasters
In 1951, the American Code of Practices for Television Broadcasters was established, leading to network censors banning navel exposure on US television.
1961: Attending Montclair College Preparatory School
In 1961, Cher's mother married Gilbert LaPiere, who adopted Cher and her sister Georganne. They were enrolled at Montclair College Preparatory School in Encino.
1961: Inspired by Audrey Hepburn
In 1961, Cher's role model was Audrey Hepburn, particularly due to her role in the film Breakfast at Tiffany's. Cher began to take after the unconventional outfits and behavior of Hepburn's character.
1965: Rise to Fame with Sonny & Cher
In 1965, Cher rose to fame as one half of the folk rock husband-wife duo Sonny & Cher.
1967: Cher's Modeling Debut and Vogue Discovery
Cher's modeling career began in 1967 after being discovered by Vogue magazine editor Diana Vreeland at a party for Jacqueline Kennedy. She subsequently worked with photographer Richard Avedon.
1971: Sonny & Cher Recording Career Revival
Between 1971 and 1973, Sonny and Cher released four albums under Kapp Records and MCA Records, marking a revival of their recording career.
1972: Album Release: All I Ever Need Is You
In 1972, Sonny and Cher released their album 'All I Ever Need Is You' as part of their recording career revival.
1972: Release of "The Way of Love" Single
Cher's 1972 single "The Way of Love" is notable for its exploration of themes rarely addressed in American popular music at the time. The song is interpreted as either a woman expressing love for another woman or a woman bidding farewell to a gay male lover.
1972: Marital Problems Begin for Cher and Sonny
Although they maintained appearances for the public, Cher and Sonny began experiencing marital problems in late 1972.
1972: Cher's Fashion Influence Recognized
In 1972, Cher was featured on annual 'Best Dressed Women' lists. Bob Mackie, her frequent collaborator, likened her to iconic fashion figures like Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo, highlighting her appeal across age groups.
1973: Two Albums Released, Mama Was a Rock and Roll Singer and Live in Las Vegas
Continuing their recording career comeback, Sonny and Cher released two albums in 1973: 'Mama Was a Rock and Roll Singer, Papa Used to Write All Her Songs' and 'Live in Las Vegas Vol. 2'.
February 1974: Sonny Files for Separation
In February 1974, Sonny filed for separation from Cher, citing 'irreconcilable differences'.
1974: Cher Wins Golden Globe, Sonny's Solo Show Premieres and is Cancelled
In 1974, Cher won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for her role in 'The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour'. The same year, Sonny premiered his solo show, 'The Sonny Comedy Revue', which was canceled after 13 weeks.
1974: Cher's Groundbreaking Appearance at the Met Gala
In 1974, Cher wore the Bob Mackie-designed beaded and feathered nude gown to the Met Gala. This marked the first time a major Hollywood celebrity attended the event, significantly impacting its future trajectory.
February 16, 1975: Cher's Solo TV Show Premieres
Cher returned to television with her solo show, 'Cher', which premiered on CBS on February 16, 1975. The highly rated special featured guests Flip Wilson, Elton John, and Bette Midler.
June 26, 1975: Cher and Sonny's Divorce Finalized
After a period of separation and legal battles, Cher and Sonny's divorce was finalized on June 26, 1975.
June 30, 1975: Cher Marries Gregg Allman
Four days after finalizing her divorce from Sonny, Cher married rock musician Gregg Allman on June 30, 1975.
1975: Cher's Iconic Time Magazine Cover
In 1975, Cher appeared on the cover of Time magazine in a controversial photo by Richard Avedon. She wore a beaded and feathered nude gown by Bob Mackie, a look that became highly influential.
1975: Cher Signs with Warner Bros. Records
After her split with Sonny, Cher signed a $2.5 million deal with Warner Bros. Records in 1975, with the goal of solidifying her status as a rock star.
February 1976: The Sonny and Cher Show Premieres
Cher and Sonny reunited professionally for 'The Sonny and Cher Show', which debuted on CBS in February 1976.
July 10, 1976: Cher and Gregg Allman's Son is Born
Cher and Gregg Allman welcomed their son, Elijah Blue, on July 10, 1976.
1976: Sonny and Cher Dolls Released
Capitalizing on the popularity of 'The Sonny and Cher Show', Mego Toys released a line of Sonny and Cher toys and dolls in 1976, with the Cher doll becoming the highest-selling doll that year.
1976: Album Release: I'd Rather Believe in You
Cher released her album 'I'd Rather Believe in You' in 1976, but it was not commercially successful.
August 1977: The Sonny and Cher Show Cancelled
Despite initial success, 'The Sonny and Cher Show' faced public backlash due to the on-screen dynamic between Cher and Sonny and was canceled in August 1977.
1977: Album Release: Cherished and Two the Hard Way
Cher released her album 'Cherished' in 1977, a return to pop at her label's insistence. The same year, she collaborated with Gregg Allman on the duet album 'Two the Hard Way' under the name 'Allman and Woman', which marked the end of their relationship.
1978: Cher Legally Changes Name and Begins Relationship with Gene Simmons
In 1978, Cher legally changed her name from Cherilyn Sarkisian La Piere Bono Allman to simply Cher, dropping all previous surnames. This year also marked the start of her two-year relationship with Kiss member Gene Simmons.
1979: Cher Returns to TV with Two Specials
Cher returned to prime time television in 1979 with two ABC specials: 'Cher... Special' and 'Cher... And Other Fantasies'.
1980: Release of "Black Rose" Album
Cher adopted a sharper, more aggressive vocal style on her 1980 hard rock album "Black Rose," solidifying her sexually confident image.
1980: Cher's Cinematic Music Video for 'Hell on Wheels'
In 1980, Cher released the music video for 'Hell on Wheels', notable for its use of cinematic techniques, making it one of the first of its kind.
1983: Cher's Portrayal of a Lesbian in Silkwood
In 1983, Cher played a lesbian character in the film 'Silkwood'. Jeff Yarbrough of The Advocate praised her for her compassionate portrayal, noting it was done without stereotyping.
1985: Cher Stars in 'Mask'
In 1985, Cher starred in the film 'Mask' alongside Eric Stoltz, who portrayed a character with Craniodiaphyseal dysplasia.
1987: Cher Stars in 'Suspect' and 'Moonstruck'
In 1987, Cher starred in two films: 'Suspect' with Liam Neeson, where she played alongside a mute homeless veteran, and 'Moonstruck' with Nicolas Cage, where she portrayed a character involved with a socially isolated baker with a wooden hand.
1989: Cher's Controversial Music Video for 'If I Could Turn Back Time'
Cher's 1989 music video for 'If I Could Turn Back Time', featuring her performance on the battleship USS Missouri in a revealing leather thong, was deemed controversial and became the first music video banned by MTV.
1992: Support for Ross Perot
Cher expressed her initial support for Ross Perot's independent presidential candidacy in 1992 but was later disappointed.
1992: Cameo Appearances in Robert Altman Films
In 1992, Cher made cameo appearances in the Robert Altman films The Player and Prêt-à-Porter.
1992: Cher's Self-Referential Performance in 'Cher at the Mirage'
In the 1992 concert video 'Cher at the Mirage', Cher used a male dancer dressed as her, a move that author Diane Negra interpreted as a commentary on self-fictionalization and pleasurable plurality.
1993: Humanitarian Effort in Armenia
In 1993, Cher participated in a humanitarian mission to Armenia, delivering food and medical supplies to the war-torn region.
1994: Launch of Sanctuary and Beavis and Butt-head Contribution
In 1994, Cher started a mail-order catalog business called Sanctuary, selling Gothic-themed products. She also contributed a rock version of "I Got You Babe" to MTV's animated series Beavis and Butt-head.
1995: Release of It's a Man's World and "Love Can Build a Bridge"
Cher topped the UK Singles Chart in 1995 with the charity single "Love Can Build a Bridge", alongside Chrissie Hynde, Neneh Cherry, and Eric Clapton. She also signed with Warner Music UK's label WEA and released the album It's a Man's World, which was inspired by her idea of covering men's songs from a woman's perspective.
1995: Release of "It's a Man's World" Album
Cher modulated her vocals for her 1995 album "It's a Man's World," singing in higher registers and without vibrato.
1996: Co-hosting amfAR Benefit
In 1996, Cher co-hosted the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) Benefit alongside Elizabeth Taylor at the Cannes Film Festival.
1996: Roles in Faithful and If These Walls Could Talk
In 1996, Cher starred in the Chazz Palminteri-scripted dark comedy film Faithful as the wife of a businessman who hires a hitman to murder her. She also made her directorial debut with a segment in the abortion-themed anthology film If These Walls Could Talk, in which she starred as a doctor murdered by an anti-abortion fanatic.
November 1997: The X-Files Episode "The Post-Modern Prometheus"
In November 1997, Cher's music was featured prominently in the American TV series The X-Files episode "The Post-Modern Prometheus", which was written for her. The episode tells the story of a scientist's grotesque creature who adores Cher because of her role in Mask, in which her character cares for her disfigured son.
1997: Keynote Speaker at PFLAG Convention
In 1997, Cher was the keynote speaker at the national Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) convention.
May 1998: Received GLAAD Vanguard Award
Cher received the GLAAD Vanguard Award in May 1998 for her support of LGBTQ+ rights.
May 20, 1998: Sonny Bono Tribute and Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
On May 20, 1998, following Sonny Bono's death in a skiing accident, Cher hosted the CBS special Sonny & Me: Cher Remembers. That same month, Sonny and Cher received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television.
1998: Release of "Believe" and Introduction of the "Cher Effect"
Cher's 1998 hit "Believe" marked the first commercial recording to intentionally use Auto-Tune as a creative effect. The song's producers utilized the pitch correction software not to rectify vocal inaccuracies but as an aesthetic tool. This technique, known as the "Cher effect," gained widespread popularity in music production following the song's success.
1998: Release of Believe Album
Cher's 22nd studio album, Believe, was released in 1998. The album marked a musical departure for her, as it comprises dance-pop songs, many of which capture the "disco-era essence".
1998: Cher: Live in Concert – From the MGM Grand in Las Vegas is Highest Rated HBO Program
In 1998-1999, Cher's television special Cher: Live in Concert – From the MGM Grand in Las Vegas was the highest-rated original HBO program.
January 31, 1999: Super Bowl XXXIII Performance
On January 31, 1999, Cher performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XXXIII.
April 1999: Release of If I Could Turn Back Time: Cher's Greatest Hits
In April 1999, Cher's former record company Geffen Records released the US-only compilation album If I Could Turn Back Time: Cher's Greatest Hits.
December 1999: Believe's US Sales Milestone
By December 1999, Cher's song "Believe" had sold over 1.8 million units in the US.
January 2000: The Greatest Hits Sales Milestone
By January 2000, Cher's compilation album The Greatest Hits had sold 3 million copies outside of the US.
2000: Political Advocacy against George W. Bush
Cher actively campaigned against George W. Bush during the 2000 U.S. presidential election.
2000: Release of "Not Commercial" Album
In 2000, Cher released "Not Commercial," her first album primarily composed by herself. The album, characterized by a "1970s singer-songwriter feel," showcases Cher's talent as a storyteller.
2001: Use of Auto-Tune in "Living Proof" Album
Cher continued to utilize Auto-Tune on her 2001 album "Living Proof."
2002: Yvonne Tasker Analyzes Cher's Film Roles
In 2002, author Yvonne Tasker, in her book 'Working Girls: Gender and Sexuality in Popular Cinema', observed that Cher's film roles often reflect her public image as a rebellious, sexually autonomous, and self-made woman.
October 27, 2003: Call to C-SPAN about Injured Soldiers
On October 27, 2003, Cher called a C-SPAN program to highlight the plight of injured soldiers and criticize the lack of attention given to them.
2003: Publication of "The Rough Guide to Cult Pop"
In 2003, Paul Simpson's book "The Rough Guide to Cult Pop" highlighted Cher as possessing one of the most distinctive voices in pop music, capable of conveying vulnerability, vengeance, and pain. Simpson also emphasized the believability of her vocal performances, stating that her delivery suggests she is conveying profound truths about the human condition.
2004: Pink Inspired by Cher's 'Living Proof: The Farewell Tour'
After seeing Cher's 'Living Proof: The Farewell Tour' in 2004, American singer Pink, known for her acrobatic stage presence, was inspired to start studying aerial silks.
2007: Became Primary Supporter of Peace Village School
In 2007, Cher became the primary supporter of the Peace Village School in Ukunda, Kenya, providing significant aid for orphans and vulnerable children.
June 11, 2009: Chaz Bono Comes Out as Transgender
Cher's child, Chaz Bono, came out as a transgender man on June 11, 2009.
May 6, 2010: Chaz Bono's Transition Legally Finalized
Chaz Bono's legal transition from female to male was finalized on May 6, 2010.
2013: Use of Auto-Tune in "Closer to the Truth" Album
Cher continued to incorporate Auto-Tune into her music on her 2013 album "Closer to the Truth."
2013: Cher Discusses Vocal Evolution
In 2013, Cher reflected on her vocal evolution in an interview with the Toronto Sun, noting its increased strength and suppleness over time. She attributed this growth to work with vocal coaches.
2015: Received amfAR Award of Inspiration
In 2015, Cher received the amfAR Award of Inspiration for her advocacy and support in the fight against AIDS.
2016: Water Donation to Flint, Michigan
In 2016, Cher donated over 180,000 bottles of water to Flint, Michigan, amidst the city's water crisis.
2017: Executive Produced Edith+Eddie Documentary
In 2017, Cher executive produced 'Edith+Eddie', a documentary advocating for elder rights, which was nominated for an Academy Award.
October 2018: Believe's UK Sales Milestone
By October 2018, Cher's song "Believe" had sold over 1.84 million copies in the UK, becoming the biggest-selling single of all time by a female artist in the country.
2018: Use of Auto-Tune in "Dancing Queen" Album
Cher employed Auto-Tune once again on her 2018 album "Dancing Queen."
November 2020: Advocacy for Kaavan the Elephant
In November 2020, Cher joined efforts to relocate Kaavan, an elephant kept in captivity for 35 years, to a sanctuary.
2020: Launched CherCares Pandemic Initiative
Cher launched the CherCares Pandemic Resource and Response Initiative in 2020 to provide aid to underserved communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Voice-over Role in "Bobbleheads: The Movie" and Recognition by The New York Times Magazine
In 2020, Cher lent her voice to a bobblehead version of herself in the animated film "Bobbleheads: The Movie". Notably, she was also included in The New York Times Magazine's list of "The Best Actors of 2020." This marked the first instance of an actor, not featured in a theatrical release that year, being included in this annual list. Film critics Wesley Morris and A. O. Scott remarked on Cher's performance in "Moonstruck," stating that it provided warmth during the quarantine.
April 2021: Release of 'Cher and the Loneliest Elephant'
The documentary 'Cher and the Loneliest Elephant', detailing Cher's efforts to free Kaavan, was released in April 2021.
May 2021: Guest Appearance in Pink's Music Video
In May 2021, Cher made a guest appearance as God in Pink's music video for "All I Know So Far".
January 2022: Star of MAC Cosmetics' "Challenge Accepted" Campaign
In January 2022, Cher appeared as the star of MAC Cosmetics' "Challenge Accepted" campaign alongside rapper Saweetie.
June 2022: "Chersace" Capsule Collection with Donatella Versace
In June 2022, Cher partnered with Donatella Versace to launch an exclusive "Chersace" capsule collection in honor of Pride month. A portion of the proceeds was donated to Gender Spectrum, a charity that supports LGBTQIA+ children and young people.
October 20, 2023: Release of Debut Christmas Album
Cher released her first Christmas album, titled "Christmas," on October 20, 2023. The album features collaborations with renowned artists such as Cyndi Lauper, Darlene Love, Michael Bublé, Stevie Wonder, and Tyga.
December 2023: Chart-topping Success with "DJ Play a Christmas Song"
In December 2023, "DJ Play a Christmas Song," the lead single from Cher's Christmas album, achieved the top spot on both the Billboard Adult Contemporary and Dance/Electronic Song Sales charts. This success extended Cher's record as the sole solo artist to attain a number-one song on a Billboard chart across seven consecutive decades, spanning from the 1960s to the 2020s.
2024: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Cher was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.