The Farr Side: Lauper deserves to be in Hall of Fame

As you may have already learned, the nominees for the Class of 2023 were announced earlier this year for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Just in case you have been in hibernation and missed this news, I’ll quickly recap the nominees.

The list of nominees this year comprises the most eclectic group of artists to date for inclusion into the coveted Rock Hall. The nominated artists include: A Tribe Called Quest; Kate Bush; Sheryl Crow; Missy Elliott; Iron Maiden; Joy Divison/New Order; Cyndi Lauper; George Michael; Willie Nelson; Rage Against The Machine; Soundgarden; The Spinners; The White Stripes and Warren Zevon.

I’m certain I could argue the case for why any one of these artists should go into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that a few of these are more worthy of the distinction than some of the others.

When I first saw this list, I was happy to see that Cyndi Lauper’s name was on it. It’s a no-brainer that she be enshrined among the greats. Lauper’s a definitive icon from the '80s and everyone is well aware of her music — most of it is still played on a daily basis on various radio formats.

I’ve loved this woman from the moment her “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” video debuted on MTV. Her quirky vibe and unique style set her apart from all the other female artists vying for air-time on the video network, including Madonna.

I can even remember hearing industry panelists comparing Lauper with Madonna and giving her more props for success. Obviously, both made a mark on the entertainment scene like we’ve never witnessed before. Madonna has already made into the Rock Hall, so now it’s Cyndi’s time.

Lauper has sold over 50 millions albums, but it was her debut album, “She’s So Unusual,” that started the momentum for the American singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist from Brooklyn.

I can remember getting that cassette tape for Christmas in 1983 and playing it to death. The music was so much fun and it definitely helped to define the era. Casey Kasem would get so excited on American Top 40 when artists would set new records.

Lauper was one of those who did. “She’s So Unusual” was the first debut album by a female artist to achieve four Top 5 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 — “Girls Just Want To Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” “She Bop” and “All Through The Night.”

Lauper’s success was so grand that she took home the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1985.

So many hits followed including “True Colors” and “Change Of Heart” from her follow up album, “True Colors.” “Goonies ‘R Good Enough,” “Hole In My Hear All The Way To China,” “I Drove All Night,” “My First Night Without You,” “You Don’t Know,” “Sisters Of Avalon” and “Shine” among several others.

Lauper’s success story stretches far beyond the realm of making hit songs. She’s an Emmy Award-winning actress having earned the honor from her guest starring role on TV’s “Mad About You.” She also dominated Broadway with her 5-time Tony Award-winning musical, “Kinky Boots.” That honor put her into a group of just a few artists who have earned a Grammy, an Emmy and a Tony Award.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have seen Lauper live and in concert on three different occasions. The first time was when she opened for Cher. Much to our surprise, Lauper was seated right near us in disguise until the show began. The lights came on and Lauper removed her hat, stood up and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m Cyndi Lauper.” I think the noise level created by her fans was one of the coolest things I have witnessed before at a show.

I was blown away by her level of talent, but even more so by just how humble she truly is on stage and with her audiences. There’s no pretense, stage act or fakeness at all with her. She’s about as real as a person can be and that’s not always the case with successful stars. Her love for her musicianship is so evident as she plays a number of unique instruments and incorporates her repertoire to fit them, too. I loved it!

To any of the naysayers who don’t feel Lauper is worthy, you’re showing your true colors. I’m pretty sure we’re going to see her inducted on her first nomination. As of the time I am writing this column, she’s just a couple votes behind George Michael in the Fan Vote at rockhall.com.

— David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: The Farr Side: Lauper deserves to be in Hall of Fame