Cyndi Lauper Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What is Cyndi Lauper’s Net Worth?

With a net worth of $50 million, Cyndi Lauper is recognized as an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Achieving fame in the 1980s, she emerged as a leading pop star of that era. Her extensive and successful career has now lasted more than four decades. Notable hits that contribute to her acclaim include “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “Time After Time.” Her distinct four-octave vocal range differentiates her from other pop artists, and she has sold over 50 million records globally.

Early Life

Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper was born on June 22nd, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in a Catholic household with two siblings. Following her parents’ divorce when she was five, they remarried, only to separate once more. Influenced by The Beatles and Judy Garland while living in Queens, she received a guitar from her sister at the age of 12, which sparked her songwriting journey.

Due to her unique style, characterized by colorful hair, Cyndi was often bullied in school, ultimately leading to her expulsion. At 17, to escape an abusive stepfather, she moved out and traveled through Canada, finally settling in Vermont, where she took art classes at Johnson State College.

By the 1970s, Lauper began performing as a vocalist in cover bands throughout New York. However, her desire to create original music clashed with this role. In 1977, a severe injury to her vocal cords left her with the grim prognosis that she may never sing again. Nonetheless, a year spent recovering under a vocal coach’s guidance allowed her to recapture her ability to sing.

Early Career

Cyndi Lauper achieved her first notable success by co-founding the band Blue Angel with a saxophonist. Signing with Polydor Records in 1980, they released an album that, while not commercially successful, showcased Lauper’s extraordinary vocal talent to industry insiders.

Following the disbandment of Blue Angel and facing further vocal challenges, Cyndi had to step away from music and take on various jobs. Upon returning to clubs to perform, she caught the eye of David Wolff, who would become her manager and help secure a deal with Portrait Records.

Solo Success

In 1983, Cyndi Lauper’s solo career took off with the release of her debut album, She’s So Unusual. The album was a major hit, featuring iconic tracks like “Time After Time” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” Lauper quickly gained fame, especially among teenage audiences, thanks to her punk aesthetic. The music video for “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” was pivotal in her rise to stardom, winning an award at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1984.

In 1985, she contributed to the soundtrack for the classic 80s film The Goonies and followed up with her second album, True Colors, in 1986. Despite not achieving the same level of success as her debut, it still sold millions of copies. Lauper made her film debut in 1988 with Vibes, and later in 1989, she released her third album, A Night to Remember.

Her 1993 album Hat Full of Stars was lauded by critics but struggled commercially, addressing challenging themes like homophobia and domestic violence. However, she found commercial success with her 1995 greatest hits compilation, Twelve Deadly Cyns, which went multi-platinum. In 1997, Lauper released Sisters of Avalon, exploring notably darker themes.

Cyndi Lauper wrote a song to pay tribute to a friend who lost their battle with AIDS. Subsequently, in 1998, she put out a Christmas album.

In 2004, Lauper launched an album titled Shine exclusively for the Japanese market. She followed this up in 2005 with The Body Acoustic, which included acoustic renditions of numerous previous hits. Her sixth studio album, Bring Ya to the Brink, came out in 2008. In 2010, she placed sixth on the reality show The Celebrity Apprentice and released the album Memphis Blues, which became the highest-selling Blues album of that year.

Later, in 2016, she brought out an album named Detour, showcasing a collection of country classics as reinterpreted by Cyndi Lauper.

Kinky Boots

The acclaimed musical Kinky Boots debuted in Chicago in 2012 before transitioning to Broadway. It featured lyrics and original music composed by Cyndi Lauper, earning her several accolades for Best Score. The production later amassed over $320 million during its run on Broadway.

Record Sales

Cyndi Lauper’s albums have achieved remarkable commercial success, with millions of copies sold. Her album She’s So Unusual from 1983 sold over 16 million copies globally. Following that, in 1986, she managed to sell an additional 7 million copies with True Colors. The 1994 compilation Twelve Deadly Cyns further boosted her earnings with over 6 million sales. In 2009, Floor Remixes added to her record sales with over 1.35 million copies sold.

Catalog Sale

In February 2024, Cyndi Lauper sold her music catalog to Pophouse Entertainment Group, a Swedish investment firm founded by ABBA member Bjorn Ulvaeus. Although the specific financial details were not disclosed, it was estimated that the deal was likely in the tens of millions based on similar transactions.

Personal Life and Activism

Cyndi Lauper was in a six-and-a-half-year relationship with Dave Wolff, who had been her manager. It was during the filming of Off and Running that she met actor David Thornton, whom she married later that same year, and the couple eventually welcomed one son.

Lauper has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ rights, inspired by her sister’s sexual orientation. She frequently participates in pride events and penned the song “Above the Clouds” to honor Matthew Shepard, a gay man who tragically lost his life to a hate crime in Wyoming.

Celebrated as a feminist icon, Lauper has been recognized for “paving the way” for female artists in Rock N’ Roll, including figures like Katy Perry and Lady Gaga. Her song “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” is regarded as an anthem for young women. Unlike some of her contemporaries, such as Madonna, Lauper’s portrayal of femininity is noted for its more “playful” essence, and her “pop-punk” aesthetic has created new trends worldwide.