The iconic Goddess of Pop Cher celebrates 78 today
Photo by Bill King
From a shy young girl to the “Goddess of Pop” Cher has had a remarkable career spanning over six decades
The iconic Goddess of Pop Cher celebrates 78 today
Cherilyn Sarkisian, known simply as Cher, was born on May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California. Cher has had a remarkable career spanning over six decades, making her one of the most enduring and versatile entertainers in the world. From a shy young girl to the “Goddess of Pop,” Cher’s early career began in the 1960s when she met Salvatore “Sonny” Bono. The duo formed the iconic partnership Sonny & Cher, achieving their first major success with the 1965 hit “I Got You Babe.” The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a defining anthem of the era. Sonny & Cher followed up with other hits like “The Beat Goes On” and became a popular television duo with their show, “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour,” which aired from 1971 to 1974.
Cher’s solo career took off in the 1970s, marking the beginning of her transformation into a solo superstar. Her solo hits included “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves” (1971), “Half-Breed” (1973), and “Dark Lady” (1974), each of which topped the charts and showcased her distinctive voice and style. Despite her personal and professional split from Sonny Bono in 1975, Cher’s career continued to flourish.
In the 1980s, Cher reinvented herself as a rock singer and actress. Her hits from this era include “I Found Someone” (1987) and “If I Could Turn Back Time” (1989), which became one of her most iconic songs. Simultaneously, Cher established herself as a serious actress, winning critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “Moonstruck” (1987). Other memorable film roles include “Mask” (1985), “The Witches of Eastwick” (1987), and “Mermaids” (1990).
Cher’s personal life has been as eventful as her career. She was married to Sonny Bono from 1964 until their divorce in 1975. She later married musician Gregg Allman in 1975, but the marriage was short-lived. Cher has two children: Chaz Bono, from her marriage to Sonny, and Elijah Blue Allman, from her marriage to Gregg.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Cher continued to achieve success with albums like “Believe” (1998), whose title track became a global hit and introduced the world to auto-tune as a musical effect. “Believe” topped charts worldwide and won Cher a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. Her subsequent albums, “Living Proof” (2001) and “Closer to the Truth” (2013), also received positive reviews and solidified her status as a pop icon.
Cher has also remained a prominent figure on television, including a successful Las Vegas residency and appearances on various shows. She has been active in social and political causes, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, among other issues.
Today, Cher continues to be a vibrant and influential presence in entertainment. She has been touring, recording new music, and engaging with her fans through social media. Her legacy as a trailblazer in music, film, and fashion endures, inspiring generations of artists and fans alike.
From her early days with Sonny to her enduring solo success, she has continually reinvented herself and remains one of the most beloved and iconic figures in popular culture.
Look back at Cher performing one of her early solo hits “Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves” at The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour show, 1971
Watch more music related videos
Images and photographs can be from different ranges of sources such as Pinterest, Tumblr etc. except when/where noted. If you are the copyright holder and would like them removed or credited, please get in touch.
