Showing posts with label Cyndi Lauper. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cyndi Lauper. Show all posts

Monday, February 10, 2014

Cyndi Lauper Celebrates 30th Anniversary of 'She's So Unusual'

Music icon Cyndi Lauper will celebrate the anniversary of her groundbreaking, record-setting debut album with She’s So Unusual: A 30th Anniversary Celebration which will be released through Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, on April 1, 2014 and is available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon now. The 2-CD deluxe edition will feature the original album, rare demos, live concert recording as well as remixes by some of today’s hottest DJs and producers including NERVO, Bent Collective and Yolanda Be Cool. The collection will also be made available as a solo CD (original remastered album and three new remixes) as well as a one-LP vinyl (includes an insert for download of three new remixes).

In addition to rare and never-before-heard recordings, the physical deluxe edition includes an unusual surprise. The collection includes a reusable sticker set, including vinyl cut outs of Lauper’s cutting-edge outfits and accessories that can be arranged in different combinations on a 3D fold-out backdrop of the bedroom featured in her iconic “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” music video. Journalist and author Jancee Dunn, who worked with Lauper on her 2012 New York Times Best Selling autobiography, authored the detailed liner notes.

"I'm always looking forward, trying to do something that's new and different," said Lauper. "But every once in a while it's good to look back and celebrate. I've always been proud of this album, with the statement we made and, most importantly, what it has meant to my fans, I want to thank them for all the years of support," said Lauper.

Monday, January 14, 2013

CYNDI LAUPER JOINS HUD TO SPOTLIGHT LOCAL EFFORTS TO END HOMELESSNESS THROUGH ONE-NIGHT HOMELESS COUNTS

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Cyndi Lauper are joining the effort to “Make Everyone Count,” a national campaign to support local one-night counts of homeless persons and families.  Cyndi Lauper and the True Colors Fund’s Forty to None Project produced a national public service announcement to encourage viewers to contribute their time to gather needed data on the scale of homelessness throughout the U.S.

            During the last 10 days in January, HUD asks more than 3,000 cities and counties to conduct “Point-in-Time” counts of homeless persons that reveal the number of persons in shelters and on the streets on a given night.  Ultimately, these one-night counts provide local planners with data they need to understand the number and characteristics of persons who are homeless so they, in turn, can develop a thoughtful response to confront homelessness. 

            “We’re thrilled to have Cyndi join us in this national campaign to expand our understanding of homelessness and to accomplish that, we need people power,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.  “You can’t solve a problem without understanding it.  President Obama has set an ambitious goal to end homelessness as we know it and this effort is critical toward reaching this goal.”

            Lauper, co-founder of the True Colors Fund, said, “The True Colors Fund is proud to work with HUD through our Forty to None Project to raise awareness about the important count of homeless people that occurs every January.  Every day across America, people struggle to overcome homelessness and we as a society need to join together to ensure that we do all that we can to help them. The first step in being able to do that is to understand how many people are actually in need. I encourage everyone to get involved and be a part of this important effort so that we can make sure that everyone counts.”

                       
            This year, volunteers will collect more detailed information about their local homeless populations including more precise age data, the number of homeless children in families, and even the gender of homeless veterans.  In an effort to better count and serve homeless youth, HUD changed its data collection requirements for 2013 to better identify homeless children and youth.  Additionally, HUD is engaged with the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Education in a special nine-city initiative called Youth Count! to evaluate best practices for counting homeless youth. 

            In the joint public service announcement, Lauper describes why the HUD’s Annual Point-in-Time count is a vital step towards better serving our homeless population and ultimately ending homelessness once and for all.  Visit HUD’s website or www.fortytonone.org to learn more about how you can help.  In addition, interested people can also participate in an ongoing Twitter conversation #EveryoneCounts.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Cyndi Lauper - Sex is in the Heel (Remixes) from upcoming musical version of Kinky Boots

Iconic performer Cyndi Lauper has released “Sex is in the Heel” and a selection of remixes from the upcoming musical Kinky Boots. The remixes are now available on iTunes.

Kinky Boots, the new musical that brings together four-time Tony® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (Book) and Grammy® Award-winning Cyndi Lauper (Music & Lyrics), will have its pre-Broadway world premiere in Chicago this fall.  Directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots will play the Bank of America Theatre (18 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL) beginning October 2 through November 4, 2012, in anticipation of a 2013 Broadway opening. 

In Kinky Boots, Charlie Price is forced to step in and save his family’s shoe factory in Northern England, following the sudden death of his father. Help comes from the unlikeliest angel, a fabulous drag performer named Lola. Together, this improbable duo revitalizes the failing business, while helping one another grow into the men their fathers always dreamed they would become and transforming an entire community through the power of acceptance.

Inspired by a true story and based on the film, Kinky Boots features a warm and witty book by Mr. Fierstein (La Cage, Torch Song Trilogy, Newsies) and a richly diverse musical score from Ms. Lauper, in her stunning theatrical debut. Mr. Mitchell (Hairspray, La Cage, Broadway Bares) has crafted a production bound to move, inspire and set audience's feet dancing.

For tickets for the Chicago engagement of Kinky Boots, visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

White House Highlights “Champions of Change” in the Fight Against Youth Homelessness


On Thursday, July 12, the White House will honor leaders who have made a significant difference in the way their communities combat homelessness among children and youth as “Champions of Change.”

“Today’s Champions of Change have made extraordinary commitments to helping children and youth reach their full potential despite the challenges arising from the experience of homelessness,” said Barbara Poppe, Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. “The efforts of these Champions, and others like them across the country, are critical to achieving our goal of preventing and ending homelessness for families, youth and children by 2020, and ensuring that every child has a safe and stable place to call home.”

The Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative. Each week, a different sector is highlighted and groups of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for the work they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities.

To watch this event live, visit www.whitehouse.gov/live at 1:30 pm ET on July 12.

And don't forget that LGBT youth are twice as likely to be homeless. Cyndi Lauper's The Forty to None Project is working to bring an end to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth homelessness. Learn more at www.fortytonone.org!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Happy Birthday, Cyndi!

A very Happy Birthday today to Cyndi Lauper.

'She's So Unusual' was the first cassette I ever bought and to this day she remains one of my favorite artists.

I've had the pleasure of interviewing and meeting her a few times and she's just adorable. Reminds me of my spunky aunties from Brooklyn.

My sisters and I love to crank her up in the car, especially some 'She Bop'. We have choreography and everything. It's pretty disturbing.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Cyndi Lauper Applauds Introduction of Legislation by Senator Kerry to Help Homeless LGBT Youth


Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) last week introduced The Reconnecting Youth to Prevent Homelessness Act, a bill that aims to reduce youth homeless. The legislation includes an important provision that provides support for programs that improve family relationships and reduce homelessness among youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. 
“I applaud Senator Kerry for introducing such a crucial piece of legislation and for ensuring that the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth are included in the bill,” said Cyndi Lauper, True Colors Fund co-founder. “As a mother, I am deeply saddened and angered by the epidemic of young people who are being thrown out of there homes by their parents or runaway out of fear and despair simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. As parents we need to be there for our children when they are struggling to come to terms with who they are, if passed this bill will provide much needed support for families to do just that.”
It is currently estimated that 20% to 40% of all homeless youth identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, yet make up 3% to 5% of the general youth population. Helping to foster accepting environments at home is a vital piece of the puzzle in helping to bring an end to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth experiencing homelessness.
The True Colors Fund was co-founded by Cyndi Lauper to inspire and engage everyone, especially straight people, to become active participants in the advancement of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality and to raise awareness about and bring an end to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth homelessness.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Cyndi Lauper earns 14th Grammy nomination for Memphis Blues

Cyndi Lauper’s Memphis Blues, her celebration of early blues greats, earns the celebrated singer her 14th Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album. Memphis Blues debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Blues Album chart and remained there for a stunning 14 weeks. The album also entered the Billboard 200 at No. 26, marking Lauper’s highest-charting set since her True Colors in 1986.

The collection of blues cover songs, recorded this March at Electraphonic Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, features appearances by a veritable dream team of blues and soul greats, including harmonica master Charlie Musselwhite, vocalist Ann “I Can’t Stand the Rain” Peebles, brilliant Crescent City organist Allen Toussaint, and hotshot guitar heroes Jonny Lang and legend B.B. King.

Lauper, who just kicked off the second leg of her Memphis Blues tour, has sold out nearly every venue, winning over audiences with her blues-focused live show which includes several of the legendary musicians also featured on the album including Charlie Musselwhite on harmonica, Steve Potts on drums, Archie "Hubbie" Turner on keys, and Charles "Skip" Pitts on guitar.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Give a Damn about homeless gay youth



The Give a Damn Campaign, a project of Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Fund, has released its latest video during National Runaway Prevention Month to raise awareness about homeless gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth. Susan Sarandon, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, Pete Wentz, Eden Riegel and Cyndi Lauper speak up about the need to bring an end to this epidemic.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Give a Damn about hate crimes


The Give a Damn Campaign, a project of Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Fund, has released its newest public service announcement focusing on hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The PSA saw its world premiere last night on CNN’s Larry King Live during an episode featuring the topic of anti-gay bullying.

In the U.S. one hate crime takes place approximately every hour of every single day. In 2008, the most recent year in which such data is available, 7,783 incidents of hate crime were reported to the FBI.1 out of every 6 of these hate crimes is committed on the basis of sexual orientation.

Gay men and lesbians are the third most targeted group for hate crimes of the ones that are actually reported. It is widely believed that these numbers are significantly higher, as victims of hate crimes based on sexual orientation are afraid to report the crime to authorities.

“We as parents, as people, as a nation need to stand up and say enough is enough. We will not tolerate hate any longer,” said Cyndi Lauper. “Hate is learned and we need to teach our children that being different is okay. The best way we can do that is to lead by example and treat others with dignity and respect. No one should ever be bullied or harmed in any way because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, ethnicity or anything that someone labels another as 'different.' Hate is a lose lose situation and its time that things final change.”

Monday, October 4, 2010

Cyndi Lauper's Celebrity iTunes Playlist

Cyndi's iTunes Celebrity Playlist Podcast is now available to download for free. Find out what songs made Cyndi's list and inspired her most recent album 'Memphis Blues.'

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

True colors keep shining through: A conversation with Cyndi Lauper

Music legend and gay icon Cyndi Lauper will be in Denver tomorrow night at the Paramount Theatre. Her most recent album 'Memphis Blues' has spent 12 weeks at the top of the Blues Album Chart.

I was lucky enough to catch up with her recently to talk about her upcoming reality show and autobiography, fighting for gay rights with her True Colors Fund and the Give A Damn Campaign, her thoughts on Lady Gaga, and when we can expect the return of the fabulous True Colors Tour.

Drew: Congratulations on the success of 'Memphis Blues.' You've been putting out a lot of interestingly themed albums in the past few years - blues, acoustic, electronic, standards. What musical styles or influences are left that you would like to explore?
Cyndi: Who knows what I will be doing next? I still have tons up my sleeves. Guess you will just have to wait and see what’s next!

Which of your albums is your personal favorite? How about a favorite song?
Just one? That’s going to be too tough. Because it changes from time to time.

The Give a Damn Campaign, which is a project of your True Colors Fund, is aimed at straight people who are interested in GLBT rights. What would you say are the two or three most important things straight people should know about GLBT rights?
Cyndi: There is so much that people need to know, which is why we created the Give a Damn Campaign. We wanted to create something that took all of the mountains of information out there and break it down to the basics so it was not so overwhelming. There are a ton of facts and information about the many forms of discrimination against gay people that straight people need to know about and can find at www.wegiveadamn.org. But, the most important thing that straight people need to know is that when one group of people's freedom is put up for grabs it means that it could be your group or the group of people that someone you love belongs to that could be next. Either we all are equal or no one is. I would also say that all of us in any majority have a responsibility to stand up as human beings for the minority, to stand up for the underdog. That to me is what being an American is all about.


What do you think gay people can do to enlist more straight people as allies?
The most important thing is to let the straight people in your life - your family, friends, co-workers - know who you are. Share your life with them. Let them know what being a part if a minority feels like, what being discriminated against does to a person. Open up to the people you share a personal connection with, that is the most powerful and meaningful way you can hopefully change people's minds or get people who support equality to get involved for the first time. Same goes for straight people, talk about why your support equality with the other straight people in your life. Lead by example.

You've worked with Lady Gaga on recent projects and she's cited you as an artistic inspiration. What are your thoughts on her as an artist and as a GLBT activist as it pertains to her recent work to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell?
There is no one quite like Gaga. She is definitely one of the hardest working girls out there. I adore her. I am blown away by her performances, everything from the energy to her passion on stage. Working together on the MAC Viva Glam campaign and talking about HIV/AIDS prevention for women has been really important to the both of us. We have a lot in common and have become friends through the work we are doing together. I admire her for the recent work to repeal DADT. Good for her. I always feel that if you are famous it's good to use your fame to help others. Give a voice to a cause that needs it. Its payback and it's the right thing to do.

I hear you're working on an autobiography. What will it be called and why write it now?
I am writing an autobiography that will be released via Simon & Schuster in late 2011. I am in the middle of writing right now so ask me this question again next time we chat!

What is that process of writing an autobiography like and can you give us any hints about the juiciest bits or most interesting chapters?
Its a bit like therapy. I am working with a great writer named Jancee Dunn, who was a writer for Rolling Stone -where we first met - and has gone on to write some really great books. As for the process, we spend time together, I write her long emails, we get together to talk, I write some more to send to her, she sends it back. It's focused on my life from the age of seventeen when I left home for the first time.

You were a huge hit on 'Celebrity Apprentice'. What was the experience like for you?
I had a blast on the show. I wanted to play for the True Colors Fund and knew so many people watch the show that it could really help me push the mission of the fund forward. If I had to do it all over again I would so I could raise even more money for the True Colors fund and have another chance to talk about civil rights and the gay community.

I hear you have your own reality show in the works. What's it going to be like?
Yes, I did a deal with Mark Burnett Productions before I signed on to 'Celebrity Apprentice'. Mark Burnett is probably the most successful producers of Reality TV so I am really happy to be in partnership with them The folks there are smart and creative and I think it's going to be a lot of fun to do. I love the medium so I'm excited about it. It is going to mostly be about me and my day to day life as I focus on my career. We start filming in January.

Are you a fan of any other reality shows? Who's your favorite castmember of 'Jersey Shore'?
Yes, of any of Mark Burnett's shows, of course! Which is pretty much all of them on TV right now. As for 'Jersey Shore', I don’t know too much about it. Been touring and working so hard, I don’t have much time to just sit back and relax.


The True Colors Tour's Red Rocks shows were some of the best I've ever been to. Can we expect another True Colors Tour in 2011?
Of course we will do True Colors in 2011! This year I wanted to focus on 'Memphis Blues' and bring it on the road. That's the main reason for not having a True Colors Tour this year. The other reason is that the economy is still pretty bad and a lot of folks just don't have the money for those big ticket festival shows. The more acts on the bill, the more the ticket has to cost. But we do want to do it in 2011. We are going to do a three-day festival in NYC and take it out on the road as well. Stay tuned!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Gays Just Want to Have Fun Contest: Win free tickets to see Cyndi Lauper!

MileHighGayGuy.com is giving away two free pairs of tickets to see the legendary Cyndi Lauper this week at the Paramount Theatre in Denver.

Just leave a comment on this post naming your favorite Cyndi Lauper song and then email me at drewdenver@aol.com to let me know you did and you just might nab yourself a free pair of tix to see the amazing Ms. Lauper sing her heart out.

Winners will be chosen by me at noon tomorrow.


Photo credit: Ellen Von Unwerth

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Giva a Damn Campaign releases new video for National Suicide Prevention Month


The Give a Damn Campaign, a project of Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Fund, has released its latest video during National Suicide Prevention Month to shine a light on the higher risk of suicide for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth. Lily Tomlin, Judith Light, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Mae Whitman speak out about this crisis in this month’s video, part of the campaign's ongoing series of public service announcements.

Many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth struggle to come to terms with their sexual orientation or gender identity, while also seeking the acceptance of their family and friends. Unfortunately, too often they end up feeling so alone and rejected that ending their life seems like their only option to deal with what they are going through.

Suicide is already the third-leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 24, and it turns out that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth are actually 4 times more likely to attempt it than their straight peers. More than 1 in 3 gay and transgender teens have attempted suicide.

“Rejection by one’s parents, one's family and one's community has to be one of the most painful and lonely experiences any person can be subjected to. So deep is the hurt that it causes these kids to think suicide is an option,” said Cyndi Lauper. “We can’t let this continue. We have to help our children and friends accept themselves. We have to make sure that they know that they are loved and that they are not alone."

Monday, August 9, 2010

Summer Music: Deluka, Lucy Woodward, Alexis Jordan, Robyn, Cyndi Lauper, Lady Gaga


Deluka are an indie electronic band from England, whose sound has been likened to nearly every genre from punk to disco and is a perfect storm of fluid electronic beats and hailing rock riffs. Check out the video for their single 'Cascade.'


"I wanted to make a modern-day torch record, but I didn't want to do a record of all standards because I had stuff I wanted to say," says Lucy Woodward of 'Hooked!', her third album. "At first I was resistant to the idea of doing covers, but then I fell in love with the process of taking a song and trying to make it my own."


Alexis Jordan got her start in 2008 on 'America's Got Talent' and made it all the way to the semi-finals. Now, after working with multi-platinum, award-winning production and writing team Stargate, she offers up her first single 'Happiness.'


Robyn says'Dancing On My Own' was inspired by her "love of inherently sad, gay disco anthems.' 'Nuff said!

Cyndi Lauper's newest, 'Memphis Blues,' is a gritty collection of blues covers songs.

"This is the album I've wanted to make for years," she says. "All of these beautiful songs, and all of the great players on the album, were carefully chosen because I've admired them my entire life."

Above she performs 'Just Your Fool' live on 'Celebrity Apprentice.'


'Lady Gaga - The Remix' features ten songs from 'The Fame' and 'The Fame Monster' including hits like 'Just Dance', 'Poker Face', 'Bad Romance', and 'Alejandro'. I was just in San Diego for Pride and Lady Gaga is all anybody played - these songs have some serious staying power!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

OURSceneTV: Why are you proud to be gay?

June is the month to show off that gay pride so OURSceneTV asked a bevy of notable gays, "Why are you proud to be gay?"

Can you guess who says it makes him a better American?

Who is most proud about his partner?

Who says she is proud to be gay because, "What else would I be?!"

And of course, Cyndi Lauper has something to say!

Check out the full video here.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Check out the track listing for Cyndi Lauper's new CD

Cyndi Lauper will release her newest CD 'Memphis Blues' on June 22. The collection of blues cover songs, recorded this March at Electraphonic Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, features appearances by such great artists as B.B. King, Jonny Lang, Allen Toussaint, Ann Peebles and Charlie Musselwhite.

“This is the album I’ve wanted to make for years,” said Lauper. “All of these beautiful songs, and all of the great players on the album, were carefully chosen because I’ve admired them my entire life. And I knew from the moment Alan Toussaint hit the keys in ‘Shattered Dreams’ that we were creating something really special.”

The complete track listing is as follows:

1. I'm Just Your Fool (feat. Charlie Musselwhite)
2. Shattered Dreams (feat. Allen Toussaint)
3. Early in the Morning (feat. Allen Toussaint & B.B. King)
4. Romance in the Dark
5. How Blue Can You Get (feat. Jonny Lang)
6. Down Don't Bother Me (feat. Charlie Musselwhite)
7. Don't Cry No More
8. Rollin and Tumblin’ (feat. Kenny Brown and Ann Peebles)
9. Down So Low
10. Mother Earth (feat. Allen Toussaint)
11. Cross Roads (feat. Jonny Lang)
12. Wild Women Don't Get the Blues

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Cyndi Lauper Gives a Damn about gay rights


The Give a Damn Campaign is for everybody who cares about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality.

But, it’s especially for all the straight people out there! Whether you’re already an active supporter, want to show your support for the first time, or hadn’t given equality a lot of thought before and now want to learn more, the Give a Damn Campaign here to help you get informed about the issues and get involved, at a pace that works for you.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Out.com's 100 Greatest Gayest Albums

Check out Out.com's list of the 100 Greatest Gayest Albums, voted on by such illuminaries as Boy George, Rufus Wainwright, Cyndi Lauper and Perez Hilton.

I have eight of the top ten.

I'm very gay.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Friday Videos: Melissa Etheridge, Cyndi Lauper, Rufus Wainwright

Melissa Etheridge - Burning Love


Cyndi Lauper - Change of Heart (with backing vocals by The Bangles)


Rufus Wainwright (with Moby and Sean Lennon) - Across the Universe

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Rock to Win: Cyndi Lauper performs


Cyndi Lauper, working, mom says to set your heart like you set your watch ... to the future.