Cyndi Lauper's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Cyndi Lauper.
Cyndi Lauper is an American singer, songwriter, and actress recognized for her unique style, vocal range, and significant contributions to the music industry, having sold over 50 million records globally. Beyond her artistic achievements, she is also known for her advocacy and humanitarian work, particularly her support for LGBT rights in the United States.
1977: Vocal Cord Damage
In 1977, Cyndi Lauper damaged her vocal cords and took a year off from singing. She was told she might never sing again but regained her voice with help.
1984: Wins First Best Female Video at MTV Video Music Awards
In 1984, Cyndi Lauper won the first Best Female Video award at the MTV Video Music Awards.
1984: MTV Video Music Award
In 1984, the music video for "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" won the Best Female Video Award at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards.
1984: "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" Music Video Wins at VMAs
In 1984, the music video for "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" won the first-ever Best Female Video prize at the VMAs.
1984: "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" Video Award
In 1984, the video for "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" won the inaugural award for Best Female Video at the MTV Video Music Awards, and made Cyndi Lauper an MTV staple.
1985: "She's So Unusual" Wins Best Album Package
"She's So Unusual" won Best Album Package in 1985, however this award is credited to the art director and not the performer.
1985: Grammy Win for Best New Artist
In 1985, Cyndi Lauper won Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards. She also wore many necklaces to the award ceremony.
1986: "We Are the World" Wins Multiple Awards
In 1986, "We Are the World" (which featured Cyndi Lauper as a vocalist) also won Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Music Video, Short Form, and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, however, these awards are credited to the songwriters and producers, not the performer.
1986: Grammy Nomination for "What a Thrill"
In 1986, Cyndi Lauper received a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for "What a Thrill".
1988: Grammy Nomination for Cyndi Lauper in Paris
In 1988, Cyndi Lauper received a Grammy nomination for Best Long Form Music Video for "Cyndi Lauper in Paris".
1990: Grammy Nomination for "I Drove All Night"
In 1990, Cyndi Lauper received a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for "I Drove All Night".
1993: Acting Roles and Emmy Award
In 1993, Cyndi Lauper acted in "Life with Mikey" and won an Emmy Award for her role in "Mad About You".
2003: She's So Unusual Ranked on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
In 2003, 'She's So Unusual' ranked at No. 487 on Rolling Stone's list of 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
2005: Grammy Nomination for 'At Last'
In 2005, 'At Last' received a Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s), for "Unchained Melody".
October 16, 2006: Induction into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame
On October 16, 2006, Cyndi Lauper was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.
2011: Grammy Nomination
In 2011, Memphis Blues was nominated for Best Traditional Blues Album at the Grammy Awards.
2012: She's So Unusual Ranked on Rolling Stone's Women Who Rock: The 50 Greatest Albums of All Time
In 2012, 'She's So Unusual' ranked at No. 41 on Rolling Stone's list of Women Who Rock: The 50 Greatest Albums of All Time.
2013: Tony Award for Kinky Boots
In 2013, Cyndi Lauper won the Tony Award for Best Original Score for composing the Broadway musical "Kinky Boots".
October 2014: Songwriters Hall of Fame Nomination
In October 2014, Cyndi Lauper was included in the nomination list for the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
2014: Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album
In 2014, Cyndi Lauper was awarded the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for the cast recording of "Kinky Boots".
2015: Induction into Songwriters Hall of Fame
In 2015, Cyndi Lauper was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
February 2016: Olivier Award Nomination
In February 2016, Cyndi Lauper was nominated for an Olivier Award for her contribution to the UK production of 'Kinky Boots'.
2016: Olivier Award for Kinky Boots
In 2016, the West End production of "Kinky Boots" won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
January 2017: Grammy Nomination
In January 2017, the UK production album of 'Kinky Boots', featuring Cyndi Lauper's music, was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
November 15, 2018: Announcement of Billboard Icon Award
On November 15, 2018, it was announced that Cyndi Lauper would receive the Icon Award at Billboard's Women in Music Event.
2019: Commencement Address and Honorary Degree
In 2019, Cyndi Lauper gave the commencement address at Northern Vermont University – Johnson, and received an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.
January 2023: Nominated for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In January 2023, Cyndi Lauper was among the nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
May 2023: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Revealed
In May 2023, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees were revealed.
