Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Cyndi Lauper

How Cyndi Lauper built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Cyndi Lauper is a celebrated American singer, songwriter, and actress recognized for her unique style, colorful appearance, and impressive four-octave vocal range. Having sold over 50 million records globally, she's a prominent figure in the music industry. Beyond her artistic achievements, Lauper is a dedicated humanitarian and a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights in the United States.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1978: Formation of Blue Angel

In 1978, Cyndi Lauper met saxophonist John Turi and they formed the band Blue Angel.

1980: Blue Angel Album Release

In 1980, Blue Angel released their debut and sole studio album on Polydor Records. Though critically acclaimed, the album sold poorly and the band broke up.

1981: Signing with Portrait Records

In 1981, while singing in a local New York bar, Cyndi Lauper met David Wolff, who became her manager and helped her sign a recording contract with Portrait Records, a subsidiary of Epic Records.

October 14, 1983: Release of She's So Unusual

On October 14, 1983, Cyndi Lauper released her debut solo studio album, "She's So Unusual".

1983: Debut Album Release

In 1983, Cyndi Lauper released her debut studio album, "She's So Unusual", which became the first debut album by a female artist to achieve four top-five hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

1983: Release of twelve studio albums since 1983

Since 1983, Lauper has released twelve studio albums and participated in many other projects.

June 1984: Debut in the World Wrestling Federation

In June 1984, Cyndi Lauper made her debut in the World Wrestling Federation and became Wendi Richter's manager.

July 23, 1984: Managing Wendi Richter to Championship Victory

On July 23, 1984, Cyndi Lauper managed Wendi Richter when she defeated The Fabulous Moolah for the WWF Women's Championship at The Brawl to End It All, which was broadcast live on MTV.

1984: MTV Video Music Awards Established

In 1984, the MTV Video Music Awards were established by MTV to honor the best music videos of the year. Cyndi Lauper would later win one award out of 14 nominations, securing her first Best Female Video award.

May 1985: Release of "The Goonies 'R' Good Enough"

In May 1985, Cyndi Lauper released the single "The Goonies 'R' Good Enough," from the soundtrack to the film The Goonies, which peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

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October 1985: End of WWF Appearances

In October 1985, Cyndi Lauper and Wendi Richter ceased making frequent appearances in the WWF after Richter lost the Women's Championship in a controversial match.

1985: Magazine Covers and Recognition

In 1985, Cyndi Lauper appeared on the covers of Rolling Stone, Time, and Newsweek, was featured twice on the cover of People, and was named a Ms. magazine Woman of the Year.

1985: Continued Appearances at WWF Shows

In 1985, Cyndi Lauper continued to make appearances at WWF shows as Wendi Richter's manager, including at the inaugural WrestleMania event.

1985: Participation in "We Are the World"

In 1985, Cyndi Lauper participated in USA for Africa's famine-relief fund-raising single "We Are the World", which has since sold over 20 million copies.

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1986: Collaboration with Billy Joel and Theme Song for Pee-wee's Playhouse

In 1986, Cyndi Lauper collaborated with Billy Joel on his album "The Bridge", co-writing the lyrics for "Code of Silence" and singing harmony vocals. She also sang the theme song for the children's television series Pee-wee's Playhouse, credited as "Ellen Shaw".

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1986: Release of True Colors

In 1986, Cyndi Lauper released her second studio album, "True Colors", which scored two more top-five hits: the title track and "Change of Heart."

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1987: Concert film for Cyndi Lauper in Paris

In 1987, David Wolff produced a concert film for Lauper called "Cyndi Lauper in Paris", which was broadcast on HBO.

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August 1988: Film Debut in Vibes

In August 1988, Cyndi Lauper made her film debut in the comedy "Vibes", playing a psychic in search of a city of gold.

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May 9, 1989: Release of A Night to Remember

On May 9, 1989, Cyndi Lauper released her third studio album, "A Night to Remember".

1989: Chart Success with "I Drove All Night"

In 1989, Cyndi Lauper's chart success continued with the single "I Drove All Night".

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May 1990: John Lennon Tribute Concert

In May 1990, Cyndi Lauper participated in the John Lennon tribute concert in Liverpool, performing "Hey Bulldog" and "Working Class Hero". She also participated in the Peace Choir.

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1991: Starring in Off and Running

In 1991, Cyndi Lauper starred in the comedy mystery film "Off and Running" with David Keith.

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2008: #1 Hits on Hot Dance Club Play Charts

In 2008, Cyndi Lauper continued her chart success with multiple #1 hits on the Hot Dance Club Play charts, including "Into the Nightlife".

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2010: Success of Memphis Blues Album

In 2010, Cyndi Lauper's album "Memphis Blues" became Billboard's most successful blues album of the year, holding the number one spot on the Billboard Blues Albums chart for 13 consecutive weeks.