Cher

Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, is an American singer, actress, and television personality often referred to as the "Goddess of Pop". With a career spanning six decades, Cher has made an indelible mark on music, film, and pop culture. Known for her distinctive contralto voice, flamboyant fashion, and groundbreaking contributions to entertainment, she remains a celebrated figure in the industry.

ABOUT

Cher first gained popularity in 1965 as one-half of the folk-rock couple Sonny & Cher, with their hit song "I Got You Babe." Over the years, she has reinvented herself multiple times, transitioning from a music icon to a successful solo artist and an acclaimed actress. Her distinctive style, vocal prowess, and bold personality have afforded her an enduring and influential presence in the entertainment world.

BEFORE FAME

Cher was born and raised in El Centro, California. Her early life was marked by financial struggles and instability, but she found a way to cope through performance. At 16, she dropped out of school, moved to Los Angeles, and pursued her dream of becoming an entertainer. She met Salvatore "Sonny" Bono in 1962, who became her mentor, partner, and eventually her husband. Their collaboration led to the formation of Sonny & Cher and subsequent stardom.

TRIVIA

• Cher is one of the few artists to have won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, and three Golden Globe Awards.
• She made history as the first artist to have a number-one single on a Billboard chart in each of the past six decades.
• Cher famously performed on TV wearing elaborate and often provocative costumes, which have become an integral part of her stage persona.
• She is known for her role in films such as "Moonstruck," for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress, and "Mermaids."
• In 1998, she implemented the use of Auto-Tune in her song "Believe," which became a global hit and changed pop music production.

FAMILY LIFE

Cher's personal life has been as public as her professional career. She married Sonny Bono in 1964, and they had one child, Chaz Bono, before their divorce in 1975. In 1975, she briefly married musician Gregg Allman, and they had one son, Elijah Blue Allman. Despite facing public scrutiny over her relationships and family choices, Cher has remained a devoted mother and advocate, particularly for LGBTQ+ rights.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout her illustrious career, Cher has collaborated with numerous artists and has been associated with several key figures in entertainment. She worked closely with Sonny Bono during the 1960s and 70s, and her collaborations with music producers like David Geffen and Bob Mackie were influential. Additionally, her friendships and professional associations include icons like Tina Turner, Madonna, Elton John, and Lady Gaga.

Cher's legacy is one of transformation and resilience, highlighting her adaptability and enduring impact on popular culture. She continues to inspire new generations with her artistry and unyielding spirit.