Cyndi Lauper’s rise to superstardom is largely credited to her extraordinary musical talent, but it was her distinctive sense of style and flair that set her apart in the entertainment world. Her bold and colorful fashion choices were nothing short of revolutionary, influencing not only the 1980s music scene but also shaping the aesthetic of modern pop icons like Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish. With her unapologetic individuality, Lauper became a cultural touchstone, inspiring fans worldwide with her unique blend of pop and rock music.
From the moment she burst onto the scene in the early ‘80s, Lauper captivated audiences not only with her infectious melodies but also with her exuberant personality and eclectic style. Her wardrobe, featuring vibrant colors, unusual hairstyles, and daring outfits, quickly made her a style icon. But behind this public persona was a woman facing personal challenges, particularly a battle with psoriasis—a condition she chose to keep private for many years.
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The Early Years: A Groundbreaking Career
Lauper’s debut album, She’s So Unusual, released in 1983, was a career-defining moment that introduced her signature sound and established her as a force in the music industry. With hits like “Time After Time,” “True Colors,” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” Lauper became an anthem for the carefree and bold spirit of the ‘80s. Her ability to blend pop with rock, while maintaining a sense of authenticity and originality, resonated deeply with listeners. These timeless tracks became the soundtrack to many people’s lives, further cementing Lauper’s place in music history.
Her career trajectory was rapid, and by 1985, Lauper had already won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, a recognition of her immense talent and hard work. Over the years, she continued to amass accolades, including Tony Awards and Emmy Awards, proving that her artistic vision transcended music alone. With each award and achievement, Lauper further solidified her status as an artist of immense creativity and influence.
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A Hidden Struggle: Lauper’s Battle with Psoriasis
Despite her public success, Lauper was dealing with a deeply personal challenge that she kept largely out of the spotlight: her struggle with psoriasis. The condition, which causes itchy, scaly patches of skin and inflamed joints, began affecting Lauper in 2010. It started subtly, with recurring discomfort and itching, particularly on her scalp, and she initially thought her brightly colored hairstyles might be to blame. However, it wasn’t until later that Lauper received an official diagnosis and learned the true cause of her distress.
Over the next few years, the symptoms of psoriasis intensified, and by 2015, Lauper’s condition had become debilitating. In an interview with People that year, she openly compared her situation to that of “the elephant man,” referring to how the condition impacted her appearance and self-esteem. The flare-ups forced her to take breaks from performing at times, as the discomfort and physical changes were difficult to manage in front of audiences.
Adapting to Change: Embracing Inner Strength
As psoriasis took its toll on her health and appearance, Lauper made significant changes to her public image. Her signature colorful wigs and outlandish outfits were replaced with more subdued choices, like turtlenecks and wigs that concealed her scalp. Lauper even admitted to feeling like “a nun” during this period, as her outward appearance no longer matched the vibrant personality she had once projected to the world.
Nevertheless, Lauper’s inner strength prevailed. She chose not to let the condition define her or overshadow her career. Instead, she embraced her journey and sought solace in her family, turning to alternative remedies to manage her symptoms. By 2016, Lauper shared that despite the hardships, she was determined to “bring a lot of light” into her life. Her close-knit family provided unwavering support, helping her cope with the physical and emotional challenges.
Advocacy and Ongoing Impact
Cyndi Lauper’s battle with psoriasis also inspired her to use her platform for a greater cause. Realizing that over 7.5 million people worldwide were living with the same condition, she became an advocate for raising awareness about psoriasis and other skin conditions. Since 2015, Lauper has worked closely with Novartis and the National Psoriasis Foundation to promote initiatives like MoretoPsoriasis.com, a platform dedicated to sharing information and fostering community for those affected by the disease.
Lauper’s commitment to her craft and her advocacy for psoriasis awareness has remained unwavering. Even as she continues to navigate her health challenges, her passion for music and her ability to connect with her audience has not diminished. Her performance at a New Year’s Eve party with Billy Porter in December, where they sang “True Colors,” was a powerful reminder of Lauper’s resilience, both as an artist and as a person. Her music, like her spirit, continues to shine brightly.
