Cyndi Lauper

June 22, 2025

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Cyndi Lauper, born on June 22, 1953, began her career as a playful rebel. She rose to fame with the release of her 1983 album “She’s So Unusual,” and fans were floored by her strong voice and bold personality. Over the years, she matured, as did her music, and the artist became an icon for female empowerment, in addition to bridging the divide between underground and mainstream music. Her songs are catchy and inspiring, and her genuine personality turned her into a legend in the industry.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper

Nickname:

Cyndi

Birth date:

June 22, 1953

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Cancer

Height:

5' 2"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$50 million

Background

Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper, popularly known as Cyndi Lauper, was born and raised in Queens, New York, U.S., to Catrine and Fred Lauper. She also has two siblings — an older sister named Ellen and a younger brother named Fred. Lauper’s parents separated when she was just five years old and her mom remarried.

Growing up, Lauper listened to a fusion of music, which included Judy Garland, The Beatles, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald. She drew inspiration from this heady mix of musical styles and began penning down songs at the age of 12. She also learned to play the guitar, which she received as a gift from her sister. In addition, she expressed herself with eccentric fashion choices and a variety of hair colors, making her a target for school bullies, who would even throw stones at her. The artist eventually dropped out of high school and worked assorted jobs for subsequent years.

Lauper took a step towards a musical career when she formed a band, Blue Angels, in the 1970s. She was praised for her multi-hued vocals, ultimately winning a recording contract. Following the breakup of her band in 1982, Lauper decided to pursue a solo career. Over the years, she has lent her voice to numerous chart-topping songs and critically-acclaimed albums. In 2013, she wrote the score for “Kinky Boots” and won six Tony Awards, including one for ‘Best Original Score,’ becoming the first solo woman to receive the award. As of 2022, she has received two Grammys, alongside a whopping 16 nominations. She is also an endearing pop icon and often appears on talk shows and television programs. Moreover, Lauper is an inductee into the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Career timeline

1978

She Forms a Band

Lauper forms a band, Blue Angel, with saxophone player John Turi.

1983

Her Solo Career Begins

She starts her career as a solo artist and releases her first solo album titled “She’s So Unusual.”

1986

Lauper Earns Two Grammy Nominations

She receives two Grammy nominations, ‘Best Long Form Music Video’ for “Cyndi Lauper in Paris” and ‘Best Female Rock Vocal Performance’ for 'What a Thrill.'

1990

She Receives Critical Acclaim

Lauper receives high praise and critical acclaim for her albums “Hat Full of Stars” and “Sisters of Avalon,” which address social injustices and dark themes.

2012

She Pens a Memoir

She releases “Cyndi Lauper: A Memoir,” showing her life journey and struggle with depression and child abuse.

Why We Love Cyndi Lauper

Her eccentric hairstyles
When we think of Lauper, we first picture her eye-catching and colorful hairstyles. Over the years, she has managed to pull off unimaginable trends – from platinum blond to pink razor-cut mane.
She is an L.G.B.T.Q.+ ally
Lauper is known for her activism in support of the L.G.B.T.Q.+ community, especially the youth. She promotes awareness of the challenges faced by the community and provides access to resources through her organization “True Colors United.”
Her courage and strength
Lauper found the strength to leave her home and the abuse she suffered. The artist was also homeless and lived on the streets during this period. However, she didn't let the trauma break her or her sense of self-worth. We are truly moved by her resilience.

5 Surprising Facts

She experienced child abuse
Lauper left her home at 17 in an effort to escape abuse by her stepfather.
She almost lost her voice
Her vocal cords were severely damaged in 1977 and doctors told her she would never sing again.
She is a sexual assault survivor
A band member sexually assaulted Lauper during the early days of her career.
She is a best-selling author
Her memoir made it to the "N.Y. Times" Bestselling list in 2012, shortly after its launch.
She bagged an Emmy
Lauper received an Emmy for her guest appearance on “Mad About You.”