Cyndi Lauper, the renowned singer and songwriter, continues to make waves with a new documentary, upcoming performances at prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall and Glastonbury, and an impending farewell tour later this year.
Reflecting on her career trajectory in a recent interview with The Guardian, Lauper recounted the challenges she faced early on. Initially, her advisors aimed to position her as the next Barbra Streisand, to which Lauper responded firmly, “Look, you already had a Streisand.”
Subsequently, she found herself pitted against Madonna, another emerging female star at the time. Lauper expressed frustration at the notion of women artists being set against each other for success. “As if you could only have one woman who is successful. What the hell is that about?” she questioned.
Throughout her journey, Lauper remained steadfast in her pursuit of artistic integrity, often clashing with management over her vision. “I wanted to learn. And, honestly, I just always wanted to be a great artist,” she affirmed.
Lauper’s breakthrough album, “She’s So Unusual,” featuring hits like “Time After Time,” “She Bop,” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” challenged conventions. She reworked the latter to imbue it with political undertones, aiming to “champion female joy.”
Despite critical acclaim and commercial success, executives dismissed her work as “disposable.” Undeterred, Lauper emphasized the importance of breaking through gatekeepers in the music industry.
Beyond music, Lauper has been a staunch advocate for women’s rights and healthcare access. In 2022, she founded the Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights organization, addressing issues of autonomy and equality. “We do not have autonomy,” Lauper lamented, highlighting disparities in civil liberties between genders.
“For me, equality means having the same civil liberties as any other person in my country,” she asserted, underscoring her commitment to societal change.
As Cyndi Lauper continues to evolve as an artist and activist, her legacy remains defined by a resolute determination to challenge norms and advocate for justice.
