Cyndi Lauper on tour with Cher STILL HAVING FUN
By John Benson
She’s so unusually talented.
That’s singer-actress-songwriter Cyndi Lauper, who is about to take her successful career into a fourth decade.
The multitalented artist first emerged on the scene exactly 30 years ago as a punk-inspired, shaved-head singer with sad eyes and a knack for crafting uniquely emotional and lasting pop hits.
Her 1983 debut album, “She’s So Unusual,” featured the career- defining “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” and “Time After Time.” Later she released the heartfelt “True Colors,” which has become an anthem for people outside of the mainstream.
It was less than a decade ago that Lauper seemingly reinvented herself as first a stage actress in the critically-acclaimed “The Threepenny Opera” and then as a songwriter in the Tony Award-winning Broadway adaptation of “Kinky Boots.”
Now Lauper is opening for her friend Cher on tour, with a Cleveland date Friday at Quicken Loans Arena.
The Vindicator talked to Lauper via email about why she just wants to have fun.
Q. Your “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” success seems like a lifetime ago. When you think back to the mid-’80s, are there any regrets?
A. I have to say no. The fact that “She’s So Unusual” came out 30 years ago and still has relevance today is something I am very proud of. I do feel like, in a way, we captured a moment in time, but also that it still sounds good today because we weren’t following a fad but following my muse.
Q. Looking back, what role did MTV have in your career?
A. Well, MTV did help break me. We had real resistance at radio when the album first came out but got a lot of support from MTV (and wrestling). It was my visual side with my music side that really made things happen, which is cool, because when I write songs I also have a visual going on in my head. When I sing, I often imagine myself to be someone else, somewhere else. A million pictures go through my mind, so its kind of great that I broke out of the video age.
Q. Touring with Cher seems like a natural fit. How did the tour come about?
A. She called; I said, “Yes.” I mean, it’s Cher. How could I say no? She has always been there for me. And we had a great time when we have toured together in the past. We are a great fit because we have the similar type of fan — women, gay men, ya know.
Q. You’re an O away from winning the prized EGOT — Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony. Have you devised a plan to get that Oscar?
A. No. I mean, yes. I really want an EGOT! I want to write songs for film. I would really love to do that. I love movies. I really love films from the ’30, ’40s and ’50s the most, but I love modern film, too. Plus, my husband, David Thornton, is an actor, so in our house, movies are a great love.
Q. As far as “True Colors” is concerned, did you have any idea the song would have such a lasting impact?
A. No, I didn’t have any idea. Around the time that I recorded “True Colors,” a very close friend of mine had died from AIDS. He asked me to write a song so that he wouldn’t be forgotten. But I didn’t write “True Colors.” When it was first played to me for consideration on the second album, I thought of him. I sang it for him and everyone who has been told they weren’t good enough or felt unloved for being who they are.
Q. What’s next for Cyndi Lauper?
A. I have a few projects in the works but will have new music out in 2015, planning on doing more Broadway musicals and more TV. I am very inspired.
Q. Finally, Cher has famously retired a few times. How long does Cyndi Lauper plan on performing?
A. Forever …