Money After Time: How Cyndi Lauper Lost and Rebuilt Her Fortune
Through her unique and daring career, Cyndi Lauper has experienced significant financial hardships including a journey from bankruptcy to becoming a celebrated artist. Lauper skyrocketed to fame in the 1980s with her debut album She’s So Unusual, becoming the first female artist to have four top-five hits from a single album, including “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time.”
Early Financial Struggles
Before achieving solo fame, Lauper was part of the band Blue Angel. The Independent reports that the group faced managerial disputes, leading to a lawsuit from their manager, Steve Massarsky, who claimed they owed him $80,000. This legal battle compelled Lauper to file for bankruptcy, marking a challenging period in her early career.
Rise to Wealth and Fame
Lauper's fortunes changed with her debut solo album, "She's So Unusual," released in 1983. The album, featuring hits like "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and "Time After Time," sold over 16 million copies worldwide, catapulting her to international stardom. Subsequent albums, including "True Colors" and "Twelve Deadly Cyns," further solidified her success, with millions of records sold globally.
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Diversifying Income Streams
Beyond music sales, Lauper expanded her career into acting, earning an Emmy Award for her role on "Mad About You" in 1995. She also ventured into Broadway, composing the score for the musical "Kinky Boots," which won multiple Tony Awards and generated over $320 million on Broadway.
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Recent Financial Moves
In February 2024, Lauper sold a majority stake in her music catalog to Sweden's Pophouse Entertainment Group, founded by ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus. While the financial terms were not disclosed, such deals are often valued in the tens of millions. This partnership aims to explore new creative projects, including immersive theater experiences, to further her legacy.
Conclusion
Cyndi Lauper's financial journey reflects her ability to navigate the volatile entertainment industry. From early setbacks to building a diverse and successful career, her story underscores the importance of adaptability and creative vision in achieving lasting success.
