Pioneer of pop music: Cher turns 80

"Turning 80 is probably not something Cher places much importance on after all, conventions and expectations have never mattered much to her. Her fearlessness has made her one of the greatest icons in pop music history. Alongside her unique contralto voice, instantly recognizable to generations of listeners, it is above all her versatility and willingness to try new things that have led artists like Lady Gaga and Beyonce to cite her as an inspiration."

"In the past six decades, Cher has had several number-one hits across various US Billboard charts. Only the Rolling Stones have managed to accomplish the same feat over such a long period. It all began in 1965 with the classic “I Got You Babe,” recorded as a duet with her then-husband Sonny Bono. Most recently, “DJ Play a Christmas Song” reached number one on the Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart at the end of 2023."

"The New York Times once described Cher as the “Queen of the Comeback.” In her memoirs, she wrote: “It’s a thousand times harder to come back than it is to become famous. Becoming famous is hard, but making a comeback is almost impossible.” Yet, the singer managed to do just that."

"Cher repeatedly set new trends in fashion as well. In the 1960s, she and her husband Sonny helped turn bell-bottom pants, which until then were worn mainly by sailors, into perhaps the most famous fashion item of hippie culture. She paired them with crop tops, equally unconventional at the time, sparking outrage among many conservatives. The couple was even refused accommodation at London’s historic Hilton hotel because their wardrobe was considered too unconventional."

Cher’s fearlessness and willingness to try new things have made her a major pop music icon. Her instantly recognizable contralto voice and adaptability inspired artists such as Lady Gaga and Beyonce. Over six decades, she achieved multiple number-one hits across different US Billboard charts, starting with “I Got You Babe” in 1965 and continuing with “DJ Play a Christmas Song” reaching number one on the Adult Contemporary chart at the end of 2023. She was described as the “Queen of the Comeback,” and her memoirs emphasize how difficult comebacks are compared with becoming famous. She also repeatedly set fashion trends, from popularizing bell-bottoms and crop tops in the 1960s to wearing many Bob Mackie outfits during 1970s television shows.

Read at www.dw.com