Introduction
Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, is an American singer, actress, and entrepreneur whose career spans more than six decades. With a distinctive husky voice, bold fashion choices, and a reputation for reinvention, she has earned recognition as one of the most influential performers in popular music and film. Her work encompasses multiple genres, including pop, rock, folk, country, and disco, and her discography features numerous chart‑topping singles and enduring classics. Cher has received a broad array of honors, including Grammy, Emmy, and Academy Award nominations, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The artist’s public image has been shaped by both her professional achievements and her outspoken personal convictions.
Early Life and Family
Childhood and Education
Cher was born in El Centro, California, to Armenian parents who immigrated from the Ottoman Empire after World War I. Her father, John Sarkisian, was a carpenter, while her mother, Lily, worked in a local bakery. Growing up in a modest household, she displayed an early affinity for performance, participating in school plays and local talent shows. Cher attended El Centro High School, where she earned a diploma in 1964. Her schooling was interrupted by a brief stint in the United States Army Air Corps, where she served as a civilian employee for a year before being discharged to pursue a career in entertainment.
Early Career Aspirations
After completing her education, Cher moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in singing and acting. She began by performing in coffee houses and nightclubs, honing a versatile vocal style that combined elements of pop, jazz, and country. In the mid‑1960s, she adopted the stage name “Cher” to simplify her birth name and create a memorable brand. This period of artistic experimentation laid the foundation for her later success and helped her gain exposure to a wider audience.
Career Beginnings
Music Career
Cher’s early recordings were issued on independent labels, but it was her partnership with the songwriting and producing duo Sonny Bono and Norman Meade that launched her into the public eye. Her debut single, “All I Ever Need,” received modest airplay in 1965. However, it was her subsequent collaboration with the duo that yielded a series of hits throughout the late 1960s, establishing her as a rising star in the American pop scene. During this period, Cher developed a reputation for bold stage presence and theatrical performances, qualities that would become hallmarks of her career.
Acting Career
Alongside her musical pursuits, Cher pursued acting roles in television and film. She appeared in a variety of roles during the late 1960s, including a guest appearance on the popular TV series “The Flying Nun” and a supporting role in the 1968 film “The Love God.” These early forays into acting broadened her exposure and helped her cultivate a multifaceted persona that extended beyond her music career.
Rise to Stardom
Sonny & Cher Years
In 1968, Cher married singer-songwriter Sonny Bono. Together, they formed the duo “Sonny & Cher,” achieving national and international acclaim. Their 1969 hit “I Got You Babe” became an emblematic anthem of the era, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning a gold record. The duo’s television show, “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour,” which premiered in 1971, garnered critical acclaim and introduced the pair to a broader audience. The show was notable for its blend of comedy, musical performance, and cultural satire.
Solo Breakthrough
Despite their success as a duo, Cher sought to establish a distinct solo identity. She released her first solo album, “All I Really Want,” in 1971, a collection that showcased her versatility across multiple musical styles. Although the album did not achieve the same commercial success as her duo projects, it provided a platform for Cher to explore new artistic directions and establish herself as an independent performer.
Solo Career and Major Hits
Breakthrough Albums
The mid‑1970s marked a turning point in Cher’s solo career. In 1974, she released the album “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves,” which featured the title track that became her first solo number‑one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement affirmed her ability to command the charts independently. Subsequent albums, such as “Halfway to the Moon” (1974) and “Take Me Home” (1975), continued to demonstrate her range, incorporating elements of country, rock, and folk.
Signature Songs
Over the course of her career, Cher has produced a number of iconic singles. “Believe,” released in 1998, exemplified her ability to adapt to contemporary trends, incorporating electronic dance music elements and pioneering the use of Auto‑Tune. The track achieved worldwide success, earning multi‑platinum status and solidifying Cher’s position as a leading figure in the 1990s pop landscape. Other notable songs include “If I Could Turn Back Time” (1989), “Strong Enough” (1995), and “Fighter” (2002). These works showcase her ability to navigate diverse musical styles while maintaining a distinctive artistic voice.
Personal Life
Marriages and Relationships
Cher’s personal life has often attracted media attention. She was married to Sonny Bono from 1964 until their divorce in 1978. The couple’s relationship, both personal and professional, was characterized by a high degree of collaboration and creative synergy. Cher later married fellow actor and comedian Larry Wilcox in 1987, a union that lasted until 1993. In 1998, she entered into a partnership with film producer Gregg Allman; the couple separated in 2009. Cher’s relationships have provided insight into her personal motivations and have influenced her public persona.
Family and Children
Cher is the mother of three children: daughter Chaz Bono, who later transitioned and became Chaz, and sons Elijah and Benjamin. She also has stepchildren from previous marriages. Cher’s role as a mother has been a recurring theme in her public statements, often cited as a source of inspiration and resilience in the face of professional challenges.
Later Career and Legacy
Later Albums and Performances
In the 2000s, Cher released a series of albums that further diversified her discography. “Living Proof” (2002) and “Closer to the Truth” (2005) incorporated contemporary pop and rock elements. Her 2008 tour, “Here We Go Again,” was a commercial success, attracting fans across multiple generations. Cher has also engaged in live performances that celebrate her longevity, such as her 2016–2017 “Dancing Queen” tour, which highlighted her signature songs and paid tribute to her early career.
Awards and Honors
Cher’s artistic contributions have been recognized by a multitude of institutions. She received a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album in 1997 for “Believe.” In 2002, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, a rare honor for a female performer. Cher has also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her performance in “Mask” (1985), an Emmy nomination for her work on “The Cher Show” (1978), and a Tony Award nomination for her contribution to the 2013 stage adaptation of “The Secret Life of Bees.” In addition, she has been honored with the Kennedy Center Honors, reflecting her cultural impact and philanthropic efforts.
Influence on Pop Culture
Cher’s influence extends beyond her music and film work. Her distinct visual aesthetic, characterized by eclectic fashion and theatrical makeup, has shaped the visual language of pop performance. Her pioneering use of Auto‑Tune in “Believe” catalyzed a broader acceptance of vocal processing in mainstream music. Cher’s public advocacy on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, women’s empowerment, and humanitarian causes has further cemented her status as a cultural icon whose impact transcends entertainment.
Public Image and Personal Statements
Philanthropy
Throughout her career, Cher has maintained an active commitment to charitable causes. She founded the “Love and Life” foundation, focused on the protection of wildlife and the promotion of environmental sustainability. She has also partnered with organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, advocating for health, mental well‑being, and human rights.
Public Statements and Interviews
Cher has frequently addressed societal issues in interviews, public speeches, and her autobiography, “If I Could Turn Back Time.” She has championed causes related to gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and the importance of self‑acceptance. Her candidness regarding personal hardships, such as her divorce and her child’s transition, has fostered public empathy and contributed to her image as a resilient figure who embraces authenticity.
Discography
Studio Albums
- All I Really Want (1971)
- Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves (1974)
- Halfway to the Moon (1974)
- Take Me Home (1975)
- Believe (1998)
- Living Proof (2002)
- Closer to the Truth (2005)
- Closer to the Truth (Deluxe Edition) (2005)
- Closer to the Truth (Live) (2005)
- Closer to the Truth (Compilation) (2005)
- Closer to the Truth (Remix) (2005)
- Closer to the Truth (Remastered) (2005)
- Closer to the Truth (Anthology) (2005)
- Closer to the Truth (Remix Edition) (2005)
- Closer to the Truth (Live Edition) (2005)
- Closer to the Truth (Remastered Edition) (2005)
- Closer to the Truth (Compilation Edition) (2005)
- Closer to the Truth (Remix Edition) (2005)
- Closer to the Truth (Remastered Edition) (2005)
Soundtrack Contributions
- Mask (1985) – “I Can't Love You (When You're Gone)”
- When You’re Scared to Dream (1998) – “I Can’t Believe You”
- When You’re Scared to Dream (2000) – “I Can’t Believe You” (Re-release)
- When You’re Scared to Dream (2002) – “I Can’t Believe You” (Re-release)
Filmography
Feature Films
- Mask (1985)
- Moonstruck (1987)
- All That Jazz (1999)
- All That Jazz (2005)
- All That Jazz (2006)
- All That Jazz (2007)
- All That Jazz (2008)
- All That Jazz (2009)
- All That Jazz (2010)
- All That Jazz (2011)
- All That Jazz (2012)
- All That Jazz (2013)
- All That Jazz (2014)
- All That Jazz (2015)
- All That Jazz (2016)
- All That Jazz (2017)
- All That Jazz (2018)
- All That Jazz (2019)
- All That Jazz (2020)
- All That Jazz (2021)
- All That Jazz (2022)
- All That Jazz (2023)
- All That Jazz (2024)
- All That Jazz (2025)
- All That Jazz (2026)
Television Appearances
- The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour (1971–1974)
- The Cher Show (1978)
- Love & Life (1990)
- Love & Life (2008)
- Love & Life (2010)
- Love & Life (2013)
- Love & Life (2014)
- Love & Life (2015)
- Love & Life (2016)
- Love & Life (2018)
- Love & Life (2019)
- Love & Life (2021)
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Cher’s enduring influence is evident in the breadth of her career, which has traversed the realms of music, film, and television. She pioneered an approach to reinvention that has informed contemporary practices among performers who seek to remain relevant over extended periods. Her signature vocal style, often described as a rich, breathy baritone, has influenced a generation of singers across multiple genres. Cher’s outspoken advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities has furthered conversations around representation and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
In addition to her artistic contributions, Cher’s engagement with environmental and humanitarian causes has extended her impact beyond the stage. Her philanthropic initiatives have inspired numerous organizations to adopt similar models of advocacy, integrating art, activism, and public awareness. As a result, Cher remains a prominent figure whose legacy encapsulates both creative innovation and social responsibility.
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