Desert Island Discs

Cyndi Lauper, singer-songwriter

Apr 6, 2025
Cyndi Lauper, the iconic singer-songwriter known for her vibrant style and activism, shares her journey from a challenging childhood in New York to music stardom. She discusses the profound impact of her mother on her love for music and reveals funny anecdotes from her early career struggles, including a near year-long loss of her voice. Lauper highlights the empowering significance of her song 'True Colors' during the AIDS crisis and reflects on the evolution of women's roles in the music industry, celebrating the resilience of young female artists.
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ANECDOTE

Early Success

  • Cyndi Lauper's debut album, "She's So Unusual," was a groundbreaking success in 1983.
  • It was the first album by a female artist to have four consecutive US Top 5 singles.
ANECDOTE

Stage Aspirations

  • Cyndi Lauper wanted a cherry picker for her shows, like Tina Turner.
  • Budget constraints led to her using a garbage pail instead.
ANECDOTE

Childhood Memory

  • Cyndi Lauper's mother played Debussy's "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" on a new stereo.
  • The music's beauty moved young Cyndi to tears.
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