Cyndi lauper biography photos 1980

With her definitive Queens, New York accent and wild hair that changed colors often, Cyndi Lauper burst onto the music scene in the 80s and has proven her staying power in the entertainment arena for over 40 years.

Born Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper on June 22, 1953, growing up she often felt like an outcast, but grew to love music as an antidote to her discontent.

As a child, Lauper already had an eclectic collection of musical tastes, running the gamut from The Beatles to Judy Garland.

As a preteen, she began writing and playing songs on an acoustic guitar given to her by her sister.

It was actually a friend who suggested she change the spelling of her name to Cyndi to stand out from other new singers, but that didn’t convince peers to welcome her into the fold. Her unconventional sense of style coupled with flamboyantly colored hair led to constant bullying and even having stones thrown at he