Earlier today, I was listening to Cyndi Lauper. An artist that's had a incredible career. A Grammy Award winner in 1985 for best new artist. A Tony award in the best original score category for Kinky Boots. An Emmy for outstanding guest actress in a comedy series in 1995 in Mad About You. An MTV Award in 1984 for perhaps the song that she's best known for, 'Girls Just Want To Have Fun'.The 'Girls' song is great pop but sometimes it feels like it's both a blessing and a curse for an artist to have a song that has ...novelty appeal. The song is ...unusual - 'She's so Unusual' is actually the name of the album the song appears on and Cyndi isn't someone who could blend into a crowd. She's never been wall paper.
'Time After Time' hit number one in the US in 1983 and is now a karaoke classic and much loved by millions across the world - but does that fact dilute the beauty of this emotional heart-felt ballad? Probably.
Then there is 'True Colors', which was also a number one in the US - and the countless other brilliant songs that showcase Cyndi's wonderfully unique and versatile voice.
I particularly adore 2003's At Last, Cyndi's album of cover versions of jazz standards. She's recorded an enviable 11 albums during her solo career. That's an amazing achievement and I've followed her journey along the way.
'A Hat Full of Stars' was an album I used to listen to on repeat. 'Who Let In The Rain?' deserved to be huge. I used to sob my heart out to that song, such is the intensity of emotion in her voice.
Despite the number of accolades, awards and chart placings, Cyndi deserves so more recognition. Just because someone has pink hair and is wearing her entire jewellery collection around her neck, it shouldn't deflect from the true musical talent that runs through her veins.
Cyndi - you are a legend, a fighter and a human rights activist. Long may you continue in your own quirky style.
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