Cher, the iconic singer and actor, reflects on her remarkable journey from backup singer to global superstar. She shares stories about her tumultuous childhood and the influence of her mother on her artistic identity. Cher discusses the emotional resonance of her hit 'I Got You Babe' and the trials of navigating personal and professional relationships in the music industry. She also touches on motherhood, the challenges with her sons, and her love for music, culminating in a heartfelt connection to her favorite song, 'A Change Is Gonna Come.'
Cher's extraordinary musical career spans over six decades, marked by her historic number one hits and cultural impact, particularly with 'I Got You Babe.'
Reflecting on her challenging upbringing, Cher emphasizes resilience, self-acceptance, and the importance of unconditional love in parenting her children amidst their struggles.
Deep dives
Cher's Musical Journey
Cher is the only solo artist to achieve number one hits on the Billboard chart for seven consecutive decades, highlighting her extraordinary longevity in the music industry. Her breakout moment came with the song 'I Got You Babe,' which not only knocked the Beatles off the top of the charts but also signified her cultural impact, especially in the UK. Cher's dance anthem 'Believe' remains the best-selling number one by a female artist in British chart history, showcasing her evolution from a backup singer to a pop icon. Through her various musical phases, Cher has collaborated with a wide array of artists, including David Bowie and the Wu-Tang Clan, further cementing her versatility and influence in music.
Personal Struggles and Growth
Cher reflects on her upbringing and the significant challenges she faced, particularly her turbulent relationship with her father and her mother's strict parenting. Growing up in a volatile environment shaped her resilience and work ethic, allowing her to tackle life's adversities head-on. Cher candidly shares how she often felt misunderstood, recounting moments of disconnect from her own persona and the public's perception of her. Despite these struggles, she emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and understanding the multifaceted nature of her identity.
Significance of Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Cher's recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is celebrated as a monumental recognition of female contributions to the music industry. While acknowledging the underrepresentation of women in the Hall, Cher expresses pride in being included with artists she respects. The honor reflects a broader movement towards acknowledging the pivotal roles women have played in shaping music history, something that Cher hopes will inspire change. This occasion serves as a reminder of her substantial impact and enduring legacy within the industry.
Cher as a Mother and the Challenges of Parenting
Cher discusses her experiences as a mother to Chaz and Elijah, both of whom have faced their own significant challenges in life. Elijah's struggle with addiction and Chaz's journey as a transgender individual are highlighted as complex paths of support and understanding for Cher. Through these challenges, Cher emphasizes the importance of unconditional love and resilience, showing a mother's determination to be there for her children no matter the circumstances. Her experiences illustrate the complexities of parenting in the spotlight while navigating the personal struggles of her children.
Cher has been a global star for over six decades. Her career has spanned music, television and film and throughout that time her outfits have made flamboyant fashion statements.
She was born Cherilyn Sarkisian in El Centro, California and had a peripatetic childhood. Her mother married six times and with each new husband the family moved house.
In 1962, when she was 16, Cher met Sonny Bono in a coffee shop. She moved in with Sonny as his housekeeper and personal assistant and began singing backing vocals for his boss, the music producer Phil Spector. In 1965 Sonny and Cher released I Got You Babe which reached number one in the US and UK charts – knocking the Beatles off the top of the chart.
Cher is an award-winning actor who has starred in films including Silkwood, Mask and Moonstruck. In October 1998 she released her 22nd studio album Believe – the title track remains the biggest-selling number one by a solo female artist in British chart history.
DISC ONE: Whiter Shade of Pale - Procol Harum
DISC TWO: Love Me Tender - Elvis Presley
DISC THREE: A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes - Ilene Woods
DISC FOUR: Evil - Stevie Wonder
DISC FIVE: You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - The Righteous Brothers
DISC SIX: I Can’t Make You Love Me - Bonnie Raitt
DISC SEVEN: Minute By Minute - The Doobie Brothers
DISC EIGHT: A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke
BOOK CHOICE: The Saracen Blade by Frank Yerby
LUXURY ITEM: An eyelash curler
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke
Presenter Lauren Laverne
Producer Paula McGinley
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