Cher Cher Background information Birth name Cherilyn Sarkisian Also known as Cherilyn LaPierre Cleo Cher Bono Born May 20, 1946 (1946-05-20) El Centro, California, U.S. Origin Los Angeles, California, U.S. Genre(s) Folk, Pop, Disco, Rock, Dance Occupation(s) Singer, actor Instrument(s) Vocals Voice type(s) Contralto[1] Years active 1963–present Label(s) Imperial (1965–1968) Atco (1965–1968) Atlantic (1969) MCA (1971–1974) Warner Bros. (1975–1977) Casablanca (1978–1980) Columbia (1982) Geffen (1987–1992) Warner Bros. (UK) (1995–2003) Warner Bros. (US) (2003–Present) Associated acts Sonny & Cher Sonny Bono Website www.cher.com Cher (IPA: /ʃɛɹ/[2] born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946)[3] is an American pop singer-songwriter, actor, director and record producer. She has won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, three Golden Globe Awards and a People’s Choice Award for her work in film, music and television. Cher began her career at the age of seven- teen and came to prominence as one half of the pop rock duo Sonny & Cher when their song "I Got You Babe" became an overnight hit in 1965. She subsequently established herself as a solo recording artist, and became a television star in the 1970s with the variety show The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, for which she won a Golden Globe Award. A well received performance in the film Silkwood earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1984. In the following years, Cher starred in a string of hit films[4] including Mask, The Witches of Eastwick, and Moonstruck, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1988. Cher is the only female solo artist to reach the Top Ten of the Billboard Hot 100 in each of the previous four decades.[5] Her hit dance single "Believe" is her biggest-selling record- ing and was the best-selling single of 1999.[6], having sold over 10 million copies worldwide.[7] She holds the Hot 100 record for the longest hit-making career span, with 33 years between the release of her first and most recent #1 singles, in 1965 and 1998.[8] Cher ended her 3-year-long "Farewell Tour" in 2005 as the most successful tour by a fe- male solo artist to that time.[9] With a career lasting over 40 years, Cher is an enduring pop culture icon and one of the most popular and biggest-selling artists in the the history of contemporary music, having sold over 100 million records world- wide.[10][11][12] After a three-year hiatus and retirement from touring city to city, Cher From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 1 returned to the stage in 2008 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas where she is currently performing her show Cher at the Colosseum. Early life Cher was born in El Centro, California, on May 20, 1946, at 7:25 a.m. Her father, John Sarkisian, was an Armenian refugee who worked as a truck driver.[13] Her mother, Ge- orgia Holt (born Jackie Jean Crouch[14]), born in Sharp County, Arkansas, June 20, 1927, an aspiring actress and occasional model, is of Cherokee, English and French descent. Ch- er’s half sister is actress Georganne LaPiere.[15][16] Cher’s parents divorced when she was young and she was raised primarily by her mother, who at one time was married to Gilbert LaPierre, a banker who adopted Cher.[13] Due to financial problems, Cher’s mother placed her in foster care for a time as a child. Later, her mother provided money for acting lessons to help further her career.[17] Due to severe, undiagnosed dyslexia, she left Fresno High School at the age of 16.[18] In those years Cher had a brief relationship with Warren Beatty.[19] Career 1962–1964: Early career The older Sonny (11 years her senior) was working for record producer Phil Spector at Gold Star Studios in Hollywood.[19] Sonny and Cher became fast friends, eventual lov- ers, and later married. Through Sonny, Cher started as a session singer, and sang backup on several of Spector’s classic recordings, in- cluding The Righteous Brothers’ "You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling", Darlene Love’s "A Fine, Fine Boy," The Crystals’ "Da Doo Ron Ron" and The Ronettes’ "Be My Baby". In the com- position by Darlene Love, the listener can clearly hear Cher and Sonny close to the mic (along with Love, who recorded her own backing vocals).[19] Her first solo recording was the unsuc- cessful single "Ringo, I Love You",[20] re- leased under the pseudonym of Bonnie Jo Mason and produced by Phil Spector.[19] Her second attempt was "Dream Baby," re- leased under the name "Cherilyn" and writ- ten and produced by Sonny Bono. Both were released in 1964. With Sonny continuing to write, arrange and produce the songs, Sonny and Cher’s first incarnation was as the duo "Caesar and Cleo."[21][22][23] They received little atten- tion, despite releasing the single "The Letter" in late 1964 which featured the B-side "Baby Don’t Go".[21] 1965–1966: Career development Prior to being known as Sonny and Cher, the duo released an album under the name of "Caesar and Cleo". The first "Sonny and Ch- er" album, Look At Us, was released in the summer of 1965.[24] This album contained the overnight smash single "I Got You Babe" which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1965.[25] Cher was 19 years old, Sonny 30. A re-released "Baby Don’t Go", peaked at #8.[26] Several more mid-level hits followed, not- ably "Just You", "But You’re Mine", "What Now My Love" and "Little Man", before "The Beat Goes On" returned the duo to the Top 10. Sonny and Cher charted a total of eleven Billboard Top 40 hits between 1965 and 1972, including six Top 10 hits. The duo became a sensation, traveling and performing around the world. Following an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in the fall of 1965 in which Mr. Sullivan had infam- ously pronounced her name ’Chur’ during their introduction, the singer began spelling her name with a (misleading) acute accent: Chér. The couple soon appeared on other hit television shows of the era including Americ- an Bandstand, Top of the Pops, Hollywood A Go-Go, Podunk, Hollywood Palace, Hullaba- loo, Beat Club, Ready Steady Go! and Shindig!.[24] While initially perceived as the slightly awkward and less important half of the popu- lar singing duo, Cher disguised her stage fright and nervousness with quick-witted barbs directed at her partner. She soon rose to prominence as the more outspoken, daring and provocative half of the team. With her dark, exotic looks, she became a fashion trendsetter, helping to popularize fashions such as bellbottoms,[27] eccentric gowns, in- corporated "hippie" attire and elaborate cos- tumes into live shows. Later in 1965 Cher released her debut solo album, titled All I Really Want to Do which reached #16 on the Billboard 200 al- bum chart.[28] The album contained a cover From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 2 of the Bob Dylan song "All I Really Want to Do" which peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100.[29] In 1966 Cher released her second solo al- bum on the Imperial Records label, The Sonny Side of Cher. It peaked at #26 in the U.S. charts, and #11 in the UK chart. It con- tained the singles "Where Do You Go (#25 on the Billboard Hot 100), as well as "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)"(#2 on the Bill- board Hot 100). Both hits were written and produced by Sonny Bono. In the United States, the latter was Cher’s biggest solo hit of the 1960s. Other artists to record versions of the song include Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra, Cliff Richard, Petula Clark, and Terry Reid. Also in 1966, she released anoth- er album, Cher; The album itself was not as successful as its two predecessors. However, it did manage to provide the European top ten hit "Sunny". 1967–1970: Career woes In an attempt to capitalize on the duo’s initial success, Sonny speedily arranged a film pro- ject for the duo to star in. But the 1967 fea- ture, Good Times, was a major bomb, despite the efforts of fledgling director William Friedkin and co-star George Sanders.[30] Ch- er continued to establish herself as a solo artist and released the album Backstage. The album was a flop.[31] Sonny and Cher’s career had stalled by 1968 as album sales dried up. Their gentle, easy-listening rock folk sound and drug-free life had become "unhip" in an era becoming increasingly consumed with psychedelic rock, and the overall evolutionary change in the American pop culture landscape during the late 1960s. Sonny and Cher’s only child together, Chastity Bono, was born on March 4, 1969.[32] The duo made another unsuccessful foray into film later in 1969 with Bono writ- ing and producing the film Chastity, intended as a dramatic debut for Cher as an actress. That film (directed by first and only-time dir- ector Alessio De Paulo) was also a commer- cial failure.[30] Sonny decided to forge ahead, carving a new career for the duo in Las Vegas resorts, where they sharpened their public persona with Cher as the wise-cracking singer, and Sonny as the good-natured recipient of her insults. In reality, Sonny controlled every aspect of their act, from the musical arrange- ments to the joke-writing. While success was slow to come, their luck improved when net- work TV talent scouts attended a show, not- ing their potential appeal for a variety series. 1971–1975: TV and musical stardom In 1971 Sonny and Cher starred in their first television special, The Sonny and Cher Nitty Gritty Hour.[33] A mixture of slapstick com- edy, skits and live music, the appearance was a critical success, which led to numerous guest spots on other television shows.[33] Sonny and Cher caught the eye of CBS head of programming Fred Silverman while guest-hosting The Merv Griffin Show, and Sil- verman offered the duo their own variety show.[34] The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour debuted in 1971 as a summer replacement series.[34] The show returned to prime time later that year and was an immediate hit, quickly reaching the Top 10.[34] The show re- ceived 15 Emmy Award nominations during its run, winning one for direction.[35] Among the many guests who appeared on The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour were Chuck Berry, Carol Burnett, George Burns, Glen Campbell, Dick Clark, Tony Curtis, Bobby Darin, Phyllis Diller, Farrah Fawcett, Merv Griffin, The Jackson Five, Jerry Lee Lewis, Liberace, Steve Martin, Ronald Reagan, Burt Reynolds, Lynn Anderson, The Righteous Brothers, Neil Sedaka, Dinah Shore, Sally Struthers, The Supremes, and Raquel Welch.[36] The duo revived its recording career, re- leasing four more albums for Kapp Records and MCA Records that included two more Top 10 hits: "All I Ever Need Is You", in 1971 and "A Cowboy’s Work Is Never Done", in 1972.[37] Now 25, Cher continued to establish herself as a solo recording artist, enlisting the help of hit producer Snuff Garrett. Her first solo number-one hit was "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves". Released in September 1971, the album of the same name peaked at #16 on the Billboard 200, and remained on the chart for 45 weeks.[38] Another single from the al- bum, "The Way of Love" peaked at #7 in March 1972.[38] Cher scored her second number one with "Half-Breed" in 1973 which became a signa- ture song from the gold-certified album Half- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 3 Breed.[39] In 1974 Cher had her third #1 solo hit with "Dark Lady", also from the album of the same name.[40] Performing "Dark Lady" in The Cher Show in 1974. By the third season of the Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, the marriage of Sonny and Ch- er was falling apart; the duo separated later that year.[34] The show imploded, while still in the top 10 of the ratings.[41] What followed was a nasty, very public divorce (finalized on June 27, 1975[42]). Cher won a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance By an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy for The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour in 1974.[43] Bono launched his own show, The Sonny Comedy Revue, in the fall of 1974[44][45] while Cher also announced plans to host and star in a new variety TV series of her own. Bono’s show was abruptly canceled, however, after only six weeks.[34] The couple would eventually reunite for two more seasons of their show.[36] The Cher Show debuted as an elaborate, all-star television special on February 16, 1975 featuring Flip Wilson, Bette Midler and special guest Elton John.[34] Cloris Leachman and Jack Albertson both won Emmy Awards for their appearances as guest stars a few weeks later,[34] and the series received four additional Emmy nominations that year. Oth- er guests included Pat Boone, David Bowie, Ray Charles, Dion, Patti Labelle, Cheryl Ladd, Wayne Newton, Linda Ronstadt, Lily Tomlin and Frankie Valli.[46] The variety series’ debut season ranked 22nd in the year- end Nielsen ratings.[47] A good deal of press was generated throughout 1975 regarding Cher’s exposed navel, and the daring ensembles created by famed designer Bob Mackie.[34] Her show featured numerous outlandish costume changes, even more than typical variety shows. The Cher show ran for two half-sea- sons, before a pregnant Cher pulled the plug herself,[48] deciding instead to reunite with her ex-husband for a revamped version of The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour.[41] Three days after finalizing her divorce from Sonny, Cher married rock musician Gregg Allman[49], a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, on June 30, 1975[50]. They had one son, Elijah[49], in July 1976. To- gether, they released the album, Two the Hard Way, under the rubric Allman and Wo- man, which featured a cover of the Smokey Robinson hit "You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me".[30] This project was not considered a critical or commercial success. They were di- vorced after two years of marriage.[49] 1976–1981: Solo career and misses From 1975 to 1978 Cher released a series of unsuccessful albums: Stars, I’d Rather Be- lieve in You and Cherished.[30] On February 2, 1976, The Sonny and Cher Show debuted with a Top 10 rating and high expectations.[34] Some of the guests who ap- peared on The Sonny and Cher Show in- cluded Frankie Avalon, Muhammed Ali, Ray- mond Burr, Ruth Buzzi, Charo, Barbara Eden, Farrah Fawcett, Terri Garr, Bob Hope, Don Knotts, Jerry Lewis, Tony Orlando, The Osmonds, Debbie Reynolds, The Smothers Brothers, Tina Turner, Twiggy, and Betty White.[51][52] However, ratings soon fell, and the show was cancelled after its second sea- son.[34] In 1976, Mego Toys released a line of toys and dolls, in the likeness of Sonny & Ch- er.[53] The release of these fashion dolls coin- cided with the popularity of The Sonny & Ch- er Show.[54] Their overall television success, though brief, was unique because variety programming in general was no longer at- tracting viewers, other than The Carol Bur- nett Show.[34] She made a brief return to prime time starring in the television specials Cher... Spe- cial, in 1978 (for which guest star Dolly Par- ton was nominated for an Emmy Award)[55][56] and Cher … and Other Fantas- ies in 1979.[57][58] One highlight for her fans was a song and dance number based on the classic musical West Side Story in which From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 4 Cher portrayed each of the main charac- ters.[56] In 1979 she legally changed her name to Cher, with no surname or middle name.[3][59] Sonny and Cher performed together for the last time on The Mike Douglas Show in the spring of 1979 (until their much-discussed 1987[60][61] Letterman appearance), singing a medley of "United We Stand" and "Without You".[62] Later in 1979, Cher would capitalize on the disco craze, signing with Casablanca Re- cords, and racking up another Top-10 single with "Take Me Home". Sales of the album Take Me Home may have been boosted by the image of a scantily-clad Cher in a Viking outfit on the album’s cover. The album was RIAA-certified Gold.[39] For her second Cas- ablanca release, Prisoner, Cher appeared on the album’s cover virtually naked and wrapped in chains, spurring controversy among some women’s rights groups for her perceived "sex slave" image.[63] This album produced the minor hit single "Hell on Wheels" and the tune was also featured in the film Roller Boogie.[64] In 1980, Cher penned her last disco song for the film Foxes, called "Bad Love." Later in the same year, Cher formed the rock band Black Rose with her then-partner, guitarist Les Dudek, and released the album Black Rose.[65] The album failed to sell, despite an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and the band broke up the following year.[33] In 1981 Cher released her first Top 5 hit in UK in ten years: "Dead Ringer for Love", a duet with Meat Loaf for his album Dead Ringer.[66] In 1982 Cher released I Paralyze, promoting it on American Bandstand and The Tonight Show, but critics panned the album and sales were disappointing.[67] 1982–1987: Film stardom and musical breakout With album sales and hit singles again at a standstill, Cher decided to expand her career into serious film acting. Her earliest enter- tainment ambitions had always lain in film, as opposed to music. Her earlier films, like Good Times and Chastity, had been poorly re- ceived. She soon found herself in an uphill battle trying to land credible roles for a wo- man now in her mid-30s with little acting ex- perience. At the time, she was quoted as saying that she didn’t really care if she ever made another record. In 1982, Cher landed her first major role in a Broadway production of Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean[68] and later in the same year was cast in the film version, which was directed by Robert Altman and earned her a Golden Globe nomination.[69] She was next cast alongside Meryl Streep and Kurt Russell in the drama Silkwood (1983) in which she played Streep’s blue-collar lesbian room- mate. She received her first Academy Award nomination, as Best Supporting Actress. She also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture for her performance.[70] Cher’s next film was a starring role in Mask in 1985, directed by Peter Bogdan- ovich. The film also starred Eric Stoltz, Laura Dern, Estelle Getty and Sam Elliott. It opened at #3 at the box office[71] and was con- sidered her first critical and commercial suc- cess as a leading actress. For her role as a mother of a severely disfigured boy, Cher won the Best Actress prize at the Cannes Film Festival and received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Pic- ture Drama.[72] In 1985, Cher was honored with Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year Award.[73] On May 22, 1986 Cher made her first ap- pearance on Late Night with David Letter- man.[74] In her pre-interview with the show’s producers, Cher had referred to host David Letterman with a derogatory term when asked why she had previously declined to ap- pear on his program. He later confronted her about this on air during their interview, ask- ing why she had refused so many earlier in- vitations. As she thought of an appropriate answer, he pushed her further saying, "Be- cause you thought..." to which she replied "You were an asshole.[75] She received a mix- ture of boos and laughter from the audience for the remark; however, Letterman quickly played off the incident as just fun. This was not the only time a chat show clash like this occurred. In 2001 Cher was interviewed by British talk show host and television presenter Clive Anderson. Anderson asked her, "Wow, Cher, you look like a million dol- lars... is that how much it cost?".[76] Cher returned to Late Night With David Letterman in an appearance on November From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 5 13, 1987,[60][61] this time with ex-husband Sonny Bono, reuniting to sing "I Got You, Babe" for what would be the last time. She has since made multiple appearances on Let- terman’s CBS show. In 1987 Cher starred in three films. She was cast as Alexandra, the female lead in the dark comedy/fantasy film The Witches of Eastwick with Jack Nicholson, Susan Saran- don and Michelle Pfeiffer. She played a law- yer in the thriller Suspect opposite Dennis Quaid, and starred in the romantic comedy Moonstruck, which co-starred Nicolas Cage and Olympia Dukakis and was directed by Norman Jewison. For her performance as a frumpy bookkeeper in Moonstruck, she won the 1987 Academy Award for Best Actress. She also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy, and the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Female Star.[72] 1987–1989: Return to musical success The music video for "If I Could Turn Back Time" was banned from some music televi- sions such as MTV. In 1987 Cher revived her recording career after a five-year hiatus, under the coordina- tion of rock producer and A&R man John Kalodner. Now with Geffen Records, Cher re- leased the first of three highly successful rock albums[48], featuring songwriting contri- butions from the likes of Diane Warren, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Desmond Child, Mark Mangold and Michael Bolton.[77] Dar- lene Love and Bonnie Tyler provided guest vocals.[77] Cher was released in 1987, and featured the comeback single "I Found Someone" written by Michael Bolton and Mark Mangold (previously a minor hit for Laura Branigan), as well as "We All Sleep Alone" (#14, 1988). The album was one of her biggest hits yet, being certified Platinum in the U.S.[39] and selling 3 million copies worldwide. In 1987 she also released her first fra- grance, Uninhibited.[78] In 1989 Cher released the album Heart of Stone. As on her previous album, Michael Bolton, Jon Bon Jovi, Diane Warren and Des- mond Child handled songwriting and/or pro- ducing duties.[79] The album was originally released with cover artwork featuring Cher sitting in front of a heart made of stone, cre- ating the illusion of a skull.[80] Heart of Stone became her most successful album to date, selling more than 4.5 million copies world- wide, and certified 3x Platinum by the RIAA.[39] The album’s biggest hit came with the rock hymn "If I Could Turn Back Time", which topped the charts in Australia for 7 non-consecutive weeks,[81] peaked at #3 in the U.S., reached #6 in the UK[82] and charted in various other countries around the globe. Further hits from the album were "Just Like Jesse James", "Heart of Stone", and it also contained the hit duet with Peter Cetera, "After All", #6 in U.S. The video for "If I Could Turn Back Time" caused controversy, because in it Cher wore a skimpy, see-through net outfit, which re- vealed a "butterfly" tattoo on her buttocks (detailed below). Many networks on televi- sion, including MTV, initially refused to air the video because of the partial nudity. MTV network eventually played the video, but only after 9 p.m. Cher launched the Heart of Stone Tour, which played throughout 1989 and 1990 in various parts of the world.[83] She also starred in the television special Ch- er - Live at the Mirage, which was filmed dur- ing a live concert in Las Vegas.[84] In the late 1980s, Cher was considered for the role of the Grand High Witch in a movie adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel The Witches, but the role was eventually given to Anjelica Huston. 1990–1992: Artistic develop- ment and commercial hits In 1990 Cher starred in the modest box office success Mermaids with Bob Hoskins, Winona Ryder, and Christina Ricci. The film received From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 6 many positive reviews from critics. Cher con- tributed two songs to its soundtrack. "Baby I’m Yours" and the album’s second single, "The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)", charted low on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 (at #33), but became a smash hit elsewhere, reaching #1 in the UK, #3 in Germany and France, and #5 in Australia. Around the globe, it became her most successful single to date, selling more than six million copies worldwide. In 1991 Cher completed her Geffen re- cording contract by releasing the album Love Hurts. This album had a big impact in Europe and in the rest of the world, particularly in the UK where it debuted at #1 and stayed there for 6 consecutive weeks. Unlike her previous two records, Love Hurts received less attention in the United States where it was certified gold; in European countries, the album was certified multi-platinum.[39] The European cover of the album was different from the American release, featuring Cher ly- ing on a white background wearing a red wig. The European release also included the worldwide hit "The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)". The album also sparked another hit single, "Love and Understanding", a num- ber 3 hit in UK as well as the album’s only major hit in her native U.S., entering the Top 20. The follow-ups "Save Up All Your Tears", "Love Hurts", and "Could’ve Been You" were minor hits in Europe. The album Love Hurts has sold more than 10 million copies world- wide becoming one of the biggest-selling al- bums of her career. In Germany, Cher received the prestigious ECHO award for the most successful female singer of the year. Cher embarked on the Love Hurts Tour throughout 1992. In the same period Cher released two VHS fitness programs, Cherfitness: A New Attitude and Cherfitness: A Body Confidence. In 1992 the European compilation Greatest Hits: 1965-1992 became a huge suc- cess, again peaking at #1 in the United King- dom for seven non-consecutive weeks, and charting in the Top 10 in several other coun- tries. The album, which contained three newly-recorded tracks ("Oh No Not My Baby", "Many Rivers to Cross" and "Whenev- er You’re Near") was available in the United States only as an import. 1992–1996: Commercial ups- and-downs and controversies In 1992 Cher took some time off, following what was widely reported as a case of Epstein-Barr virus or chronic fatigue syn- drome.[85] She made few public appearances during this period with the exception of ap- pearing in a series of infomercials launching hair-care products for her friend Lori Dav- is,[86] and for the sweetener Equal. Cher made cameo appearances in the Robert Altman films The Player (1992) and Pret-a-Porter (1994). In 1994 she collabor- ated with MTV’s cartoons Beavis and Butt- head for a rock version of Sonny & Cher’s "I Got You Babe". The next year she and Chris- sie Hynde, Neneh Cherry and Eric Clapton topped the UK Singles Chart for one week with the charity single "Love Can Build a Bridge". In 1995, she recorded an album, mainly of covers, titled It’s a Man’s World. The album was released in Europe at the end of 1995 and in North America in the summer of 1996. The album sparked two European hits: "Walking in Memphis" and "One by One". It’s a Man’s World was a moderate success, with more than three million copies worldwide; however, sales in the United States were limited. Cher starred in Faithful (1996) with Ryan O’Neal and Chazz Palminteri, and scored a minor comeback when she co-executive-pro- duced and appeared in the highly anticip- ated, controversial HBO abortion drama If These Walls Could Talk, with Demi Moore, Sissy Spacek and Anne Heche. Nancy Savoca co-wrote all three segments and directed the first two sections starring Moore and Spacek, but Cher directed and co-starred in the third segment, earning a Golden Globe Nomination as Best Supporting Actress in a made-for- television movie. 1998: Sonny Bono dies Cher was in London in January 1998 when a call from daughter Chastity brought news of Sonny Bono’s death in a skiing accident.[87] He was 62. At the time of his death, Bono, by then a popular California Congressman, was married to his fourth wife, Mary Bono.[88] Al- though they had been divorced for nearly 23 years and Sonny was remarried with two more children, Cher accepted an invitation to From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 7 deliver the eulogy. The funeral, unbeknownst to Cher, was broadcast live on CNN. In front of millions, she tearfully and effusively praised Bono, calling him "the most unforget- table character I’ve ever met."[89] Cher paid tribute to Bono in the CBS special Sonny and Me: Cher Remembers (1998), calling her grief "something I never plan to get over."[90] In 1998, Sonny & Cher received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television. Cher appeared at the event with Mary Bono, who accepted the award on behalf of her late husband. 1998–2000: Popularity of Believe Cher’s 23rd studio album, 1998’s Grammy Award-winning Believe marked an extreme departure for Cher, as the record was a sparkling collection of up-tempo dance tracks. The album was a critical and commer- cial success, reaching the top spot in nearly every country where it was released, includ- ing the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and France. Believe has been certified 4x Platinum in the United States and has sold 20 million copies world- wide.[91] The Grammy Award-winning first single and title track was a worldwide smash, easily becoming the biggest hit of Cher’s en- tire career. By March 1999, the song reached #1 in 23 countries around the world includ- ing the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Australia.[92] It was the best-selling recording of the year.[93] "Believe" made Cher the oldest woman (at age 52) to have a number one hit in the Hot 100 rock era. It also gave her the distinction of having the longest span of #1 hits (more than 33 years) and the largest gap between number ones (10 days short of 25 years). Ch- er is also the only female artist to have solo Top 10 hits in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. On the U.K. Singles Chart, "Believe" claimed the number one slot for seven consecutive weeks, and also became the biggest-selling single ever by a female artist in United Kingdom. It sold over 10 mil- lion copies worldwide.[7] From the album, three other singles were released, with "Strong Enough" becoming a perfect follow- up hit in Europe, peaking at #3 in Germany and France as well as the U.K. Top Five, but failing to gain equally huge success in North America. "All or Nothing" and "Dov’è L’Amore" were also solid hits in Europe, but didn’t get much attention in her native country. Cher published her first memoir in late 1998, titled The First Time. Rather than a tell-all, the book was an intriguing collection of Ch- er’s most significant "first-time" memories from her childhood, life and Hollywood ca- reer. In January 1999 Cher performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" in front of the Super Bowl XXXIII television audience. Cher also performed on the highly rated television spe- cial VH1 Divas Live 2, performing alongside contemporaries Tina Turner, Elton John, Chaka Khan, Faith Hill, Mary J. Blige, LeeAnn Rimes, Diana Ross, Brandy and Whit- ney Houston. Later in 1999, Cher co-starred in the well-received Franco Zeffirelli film Tea With Mussolini (1999) with Judi Dench, Mag- gie Smith, Joan Plowright and Lily Tomlin. Her successful worldwide Do You Believe? Tour travelled throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, with the Emmy-nomin- ated television special Cher: Live at the MGM Grand In Las Vegas airing by year’s end. On November 30, 1999, she released a compilation album The Greatest Hits that continued to build upon her huge popularity in Europe. The album entered the German Charts at #1 (her second consecutive Ger- man No. 1 album) and peaked at number 7 on the official UK Albums Chart. This compil- ation was released only outside the United States, due to the release of the North Amer- ican only compilation, If I Could Turn Back Time: Cher’s Greatest Hits which was re- leased that same year. In Germany she be- came again best selling female artist of the year and was receiving her second ECHO Award (she and Madonna are the only female artists to do so). The Do You Believe? Tour continued throughout 2000 and became her most suc- cessful tour to that time. 2000–2002: Legacy of achievement In May 2000, Cher was presented with the Lifelong Contribution to the Music Industry Award, at the World Music Awards. She released an independent alternative- rock album titled Not.com.mercial (pronounced "not-dot-com-mercial").[95] This album was written mostly by Cher after at- tending a songwriting retreat in France in From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 8 1994. The album was quickly rejected by re- cord labels for being "not commercial." Cher chose instead to sell the recording exclus- ively through her website.[95][96] This marked the first time that Cher had written a majority of the material for one of her al- bums. In an online review, Rolling Stone de- scribed "Fit To Fly", a Cher-penned track from the album, as "the best Cher song ever." The tune was Cher’s tribute to American vet- erans of war. Performing "Believe" during the VH1 Divas in 2002. In February 2002, still in a dance mode, Cher released the highly anticipated follow- up to Believe: Living Proof, which entered the Billboard 200 at number nine, making it her highest-charting album debut and ex- tending her album-chart span to an excess of 37 years. It did not repeat the success of Be- lieve, showing no longevity in the charts. Outside the United States, things were little better: in the United Kingdom, France and Australia, Living Proof failed to reach the Top 40, while charting best in Germany by enter- ing at #13. The album included several re- mixed songs that found their way onto the Hot Dance, Maxi-Single Sales, Club Play and Adult Contemporary charts. The album was eventually certified gold in the United States and Germany, and earned her two Grammy nominations. That year, Cher won the Dance/Club Play Artist of the Year and was presented with a special Artist Achievement Award at the Bill- board Music Awards. In May 2002 Cher performed on the VH1 television special VH1 Divas Las Vegas, with Shakira, Celine Dion, The Dixie Chicks, Anastacia, Cyndi Lauper and Mary J. Blige. In June, she announced plans for Living Proof: The Farewell Tour, which she claimed would be the final live concert tour of her career, though she vowed to continue recording and releasing music. 2002–2005: The Farewell Tour Performing during The Farewell Tour. The show itself was a tribute to her near-40-years in show business. It featured vintage performance and video clips from the 1960s onwards, highlighting her successes in music, television, and film, all set amongst an elaborate backdrop and stage set-up, com- plete with backing band, singers and dan- cers, including aerial acrobatics. Dates were added, and the tour was extended several times, covering virtually all of the U.S. and Canada (plus 3 shows in Mexico City), sever- al cities in Europe, as well as the major cities of Australia and New Zealand. Going well past its original cut-off date, it was eventually redubbed the "Never Can Say Goodbye Tour".[97] In April 2003 The Very Best of Ch- er, a CD collection of all of her greatest hits spanning her entire career, was released. The album peaked at number four on the Bill- board 200 album chart, extending her album chart span to over 38 years. The compilation has been certified double platinum and has sold 3.5 million copies worldwide. She found success on television once again in the spring of 2003 with Cher: The Farewell Tour Live, an NBC special taped on 7 and November 8, 2002 at Miami’s Americ- an Airlines Arena and aired in April 2003, at- tracting 17.3 million viewers.[98] It earned From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 9 Cher her first Emmy Award as Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special. She re- leased the album Live: The Farewell Tour later in 2003, a collection of live tracks taken from the tour. She was also seen, as herself, in the Farrelly Brothers comedy Stuck on You (2003) with Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear. In the film, she spoofed her own image, ap- pearing in bed with a high-school boyfriend (Frankie Muniz). Also in 2003, Cher recorded a duet of "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" for Rod Stewart’s As Time Goes By... The Great American Songbook Volume II album. In February 2004, she received another Grammy Award nomination for Best Dance Recording for her song "Love One Another". During 2004, a Sonny & Cher DVD was re- leased with nine Sonny & Cher shows from the famous Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour and The Sonny and Cher Show, featuring some of the best shows during the 1970s. In 2004, Cher released the album Gold, a 2-CD collection of all her greatest hits, span- ning from her days as one-half of Sonny & Cher to her Living Proof era. It was only a year following the release of her multi-platin- um The Very Best of Cher album, though All- music nevertheless gave it four and a half out of five stars. Cher closed the farewell tour in April 2005 at the Hollywood Bowl. It was the most suc- cessful tour by a single female solo artist at that time.[99] 2008–Present: Las Vegas resid- ency at Caesars Palace During 2007, in the seventh volume of Chrome Hearts, Cher confirmed that she is working on her twenty-sixth studio album. Recordings have taken place but the release date is not yet determined. Recently, it has been confirmed that she will be recording an album of covers from the ’60s. Cher is also working on a rock album. No release date for it has been announced. On February 7, 2008 Cher, at 61, an- nounced that she had reached a deal to per- form 200 shows over three years live at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Her new show, titled Cher at the Colosseum, debuted on May 6, 2008.[100] She is being paid $60 million for her return.[101] The elaborate show includes eighteen dan- cers, four aerialists and multiple costumes Advertisement with Cher’s Las Vegas show. designed by Bob Mackie. Choreography is directed by Doriana Sanchez who also worked with Cher on her past three major tours. On February 10, 2008 Cher made a brief appearance at the Grammy Awards, introdu- cing a performance by Tina Turner and Bey- once Knowles. Cher appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show in May 2008 to discuss her new show and performed her hit "Take Me Home". Cher also performed "Proud Mary" with Tina Turn- er, which they had previously performed on the Divas Live ’99 2 concert in 1999. On November 3, 2008, Cher appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and confirmed that she will star in a new movie titled "The Drop-out". with Johnny Knoxville[102]. Cher began performing again in February 2009. She had to delay the final of her 2008 shows owing to illness; she claimed to have "Vegas throat". [103] Personal life Marriages and relationships Cher had a relationship with actor Warren Beatty when she was a teenager.[19] From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 10 Sonny Bono and Cher first met in 1962. They claimed to be have been married as early as 1963, and had a wedding ceremony in Tijuana, Mexico on October 27, 1964. Their only child is Chastity Bono, born on March 4, 1969.[104] Sonny and Cher divorced on June 27, 1975 after 13 years together. The divorce resulted in the cancellation of The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. Later that year, Cher married her second husband, rock star Gregg Allman. Their son, Elijah Blue Allman of the band Deadsy, was born on July 10, 1976. They separated in 1977 and were officially divorced in January 1979. Between Bono and Allmann, Cher re- vealed that she had a fling with Elvis Presley while they were performing in Las Vegas, but rejected him when he asked her up to his room because she was too nervous of spend- ing the night with him. In February 2008, Ch- er stated on Good Morning America that she deeply regrets turning him down.[105] In the interview, she also claimed to being asked out by Marlon Brando on a plane ride.[105] Cher was also involved with record executive David Geffen, KISS bassist Gene Simmons, and senior account manager Garreth Craw- ford.[106] In the 1980s, Cher dated several younger men that included actors Tom Cruise[107] and Val Kilmer, and Rob Camilletti, the 22-year- old bagel baker and bartender whom she met on her 40th birthday and lived with for three years.[108] It was widely speculated in the tabloid press that the couple were planning to marry, but this never occurred. Cher was involved with Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sam- bora for two years in the early 1990s, and was also linked to musicians Eric Clapton and Mark Hudson.[19] Personal wealth Cher owns several pieces of real estate, in- cluding homes in Aspen, Colorado, [USA]], and London, UK, and maintains a home in Malibu, California, USA, which she listed for sale in 2008 at $45 million.[109] In April 2006 it was reported that Cher had purchased a condominium in the Sierra Towers in West Hollywood, California, for $3.5 million.[110] In July 2006 it was announced that Cher, in conjunction with Sotheby’s and Julien’s Auctions, was planning to auction about 800 of her personal possessions from her Italian Renaissance-themed Malibu estate, including numerous antiques, art collectibles, paintings, career memorabilia, furniture (in- cluding her bed) as well as numerous pieces of jewelry, clothing, stage costumes, gowns, a 2003 Hummer H2 and her 2005 Bentley. The event, which took place October 3–5, 2006, in Beverly Hills, California, raised $3.3 million. Cher had said a large percentage of the proceeds will benefit the Cher Charitable Foundation. [111] Cher reportedly received $180 million for mounting her comeback at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.[112] As a gay icon The reverence held for Cher by members of the gay community has been attributed to her accomplishments in her career, her sense of style and her longevity.[113] Alec Mapa of The Advocate elaborates: "While the rest of us were sleeping, Cher’s been out there for the last four decades living out every single one of our childhood fantasies...Cher embod- ies an unapologetic freedom and fearlessness that some of us can only aspire to."[113] Cher has often been imitated by drag queens.[114] Thomas Rogers of Salon magazine commen- ted that "[d]rag queens imitate women like Judy Garland, Dolly Parton and Cher because they overcame insult and hardship on their path to success, and because their narratives mirror the pain that many gay men suffer on their way out of the closet."[114] Cher’s per- formance as a lesbian in the film Silkwood as well as her transition to dance music and so- cial activism in recent years has further con- tributed to her becoming a gay icon.[115] Her daughter Chastity Bono came out as a lesbian at the age of seventeen, which caused her feelings of "guilt, fear and pain".[115] However, Cher soon came to accept her daughter’s sexual orientation, and came to the conclusion that LGBT people "didn’t have the same rights as everyone else, [and she] thought that was unfair".[116] She became the keynote speaker for the 1997 national Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) convention.[115][116] Cher has since become one of the gay community’s most vocal advocates. In 1998 Cher was honored with a GLAAD Media Award (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) and in November 1999, The Advocate named Cher one of the ’25 Coolest Women’.[117] In October 2005 the Bravo program Great Things About Being... declared Cher "the number one greatest thing about being gay."[118] William J. Mann, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 11 author of Gay Pride: A Celebration of All Th- ings Gay and Lesbian, comments "[w]e’ll be dancing to a ninety-year-old Cher when we’re sixty. Just watch".[119] The NBC sitcom Will & Grace acknow- ledged her status by making her the idol of gay character Jack McFarland.[120] Cher guest-starred as herself twice on the sitcom, in 2000 and 2002.[120] In 2000 Cher made a cameo on the show, in which Jack believed her to be a drag queen, and said he could "do" a better Cher himself. In 2002 she played God in Jack’s imagined version of Heaven.[120] Political interests Unlike her late ex-husband Sonny Bono, Cher has always been a staunch Democrat. She has attended and performed at Democratic Party conventions and events. Today, she considers herself a Democrat by default, but more of an Independent because of what she perceives to be the recent moderate to con- servative leanings of the current Democratic Party. Cher has always defined herself as an anti-war activist; she demonstrated against the Vietnam War, and the video for "Turn Back Time" in 1989 was sometimes inter- preted as an admonition against the army: "Make love, not war."[121] On October 27, 2003 Cher anonymously called a C-SPAN phone-in program. She re- counted a visit she had made to maimed sol- diers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and criticized the lack of media cover- age and government attention given to in- jured servicemen.[122] She also remarked that she watches C-SPAN every day. Though she simply identified herself as an unnamed entertainer with the USO, she was recog- nized by the C-SPAN host, who subsequently questioned her about her 1992 support for in- dependent presidential candidate Ross Perot. Back from her last tour in Europe, Cher declared that Europeans had a very bad im- age of Americans, mostly because of the Bush administration. "[Europeans] see us as the real terrorists since this stupid war in Iraq and because of all the innocent civilians that were killed within the first [...]somehow they’re right." She shared the stage with Muhammad Muhammad in N.Y.C, an Americ- an actor who used to tell stories about the changes in American Muslim’s lives since 9/11. On Memorial Day weekend in 2006 she called in again, endorsing Operation Helmet, an organization started by a doctor that provides helmet upgrade kits free of charge to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as to those ordered to deploy in the near future. She identified herself as a caller from Malibu, California, and proceeded to complain about the current presidential administration. She read aloud a letter from a soldier on the ground in Iraq, praising Operation Helmet’s efforts, and decrying the lack of protection afforded by the military’s provisions for troops.[123] Cher appeared on The Ed Schultz Show in May 2006 to discuss her work in support of U.S. troops fighting abroad, as well as re- turning veterans. Schultz noted her involve- ment with both Operation Helmet and the In- trepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which is con- structing an advanced training skills facility at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Anto- nio, Texas. The center will serve military per- sonnel who have been catastrophically dis- abled in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and those severely injured in other opera- tions, as well as in the normal performance of their duties, combat and non-combat related. During the interview with Schultz, Cher again said she is an independent. Her com- ments about the current political scene in the U.S. led him to interject, "You’re fed up with everybody", to which she replied, "I really am. I couldn’t be a Republican ’cause I think I believe in too many services for poor people, but I’m fed up with the Democrats. I just think...you’re gonna find all their spines where you find the elephant’s graveyard." Toward the end of the interview, Schultz asked Cher what she thinks about today’s protest songs. She responded, "You know, I think it’s the duty of artists to say what they want, in favor or in opposition. Unfortu- nately, I think that, with [the Bush adminis- tration], you haven’t been able to really voice any opposition because of 9/11, if you say anything opposed to the administration, somehow they’ve been able to wrap them- selves in the flag, so that if you have any op- posing viewpoint, you’re unpatriotic." She was about to offer her thoughts on this, but stopped, saying, "I don’t know what you can say on your program, so I won’t talk the way I normally talk." Implying her comments would be salty, she did add, though, "I don’t like it...it rubs me the wrong way. And if I From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 12 could say all those seven words [that George Carlin’s famous routine suggests cannot be said on TV], that’s what I’d be saying." Cher supported Senator Hillary Clinton in her Presidential campaign, as she noted on Entertainment Tonight in February 2008. Clinton, in return, said she was thrilled to have Cher’s support. After Barack Obama won the Democratic nomination, Cher sup- ported his candidacy on radio and TV pro- grams, including a November 3 appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show. Cher is still involved with Operation Hel- met, and appeared with Dr. Bob Meaders (founder of Operation Helmet) on C-SPAN again on June 14, 2006. She then appeared with him on Capitol Hill on June 15, 2006. It has been reported that Cher has so far donated over US$130,000 to Operation Hel- met.[124] Humanitarian work Cher has been involved with many humanit- arian groups and charity efforts over the years. After appearing in the movie Mask, she served as National Chairperson and Honorary Spokesperson of the Children’s Craniofacial Association. Over the years while touring, she frequently donated concert tickets to families and non-profit groups for children and youth with facial deformities. Such donations were alluded to in an episode of the TV series X-Files titled The Post Modern Prometheus. In 1993 Cher participated in a humanitari- an effort to Armenia (where her father was born), bringing much needed food and medic- al supplies.[125] In 1998 she co-hosted the an- nual Amfar AIDS Benefit at the Cannes Film Festival with Elizabeth Taylor. She is also the namesake of the Cher Charitable Foundation, which donates funds to various charities and causes close to her heart. Image and enduring popularity Cher’s lasting legacy in popular culture has long been disputed. She has stated of herself that "singers don’t consider me a singer and actors don’t consider me an actor," despite her achievements in both arenas. She is highly respected for her considerable career longevity and ability to bounce back when critics have long written her off. She has also been quoted as saying, "Some years I’m the hottest thing, and the next year, people are so over me." She has described herself as a "hit and miss artist" and "more of a stylist than a musician." Fan base Cher has a very large and devoted fan base. Their devotion is evidenced through the bien- nial Cher Convention that began in Chicago in 2000 when her song "Believe" reached number one. The event was held in Las Vegas in 2002 and 2004, Los Angeles in 2006, and in 2008 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Las Vegas convention coincided with the beginning of Cher’s second run at Caesars Colosseum.[92] All convention pro- ceeds went to the Children’s Craniofacial As- sociation, a 501(c)3, for which Cher is the National Spokesperson. The Cher Expo, a biennial event that began in 2007, brings Cher fans together for a two-night, one-day event. All expo proceeds go to a non-profit charity. The 2009 Cher Expo in Atlanta, Georgia, will benefit "Keep a Child Alive." Influence In her early career Cher was a fashion trend- setter, popularizing long straight hair, bell- bottoms and an exposed midriff. She is noted as being one of the first females to expose her bellybutton on television.[45] She stepped that up a notch in 1989 when she boarded the U.S. Navy’s USS Missouri ship in thong and fishnets for the "If I Could Turn Back Time" music video, becoming one of the first video by a mainstream pop artist to be banned by MTV (after the video was banned, it grew to mass popularity, forcing MTV to play the video after 9 p.m.). Through her 1970s television shows she became a sex symbol and pushed the censors with her re- vealing outfits and creative ensembles, fre- quently designed by Bob Mackie. She has also inspired many celebrities who have noted her as being a major influence on them, such as Britney Spears,[126] Beyonce Knowles,[127] Tracy Chapman,[126] Oprah Winfrey, Cyndi Lauper, Gene Simmons, Meryl Streep, Anastacia, Rosie O’Donnell,[128] Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, Elton John among others.. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 13 In July 1999 Cher ranked 43rd on VH1’s 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll poll and in September 2002 ranked 26th on VH1’s 100 Sexiest Artists.[129] She has appeared on the cover of People magazine thirteen times [130]. In a 2007 poll, A&E’s Biography magazine ranked her as the third favorite actress of all time behind two of her Holly- wood idols, Katharine Hepburn and Audrey Hepburn.[130] Discography Filmography Film Year Film Role Notes 1965 Wild on the Beach Herself 1967 Good Times Herself 1969 Chastity Chastity 1982 Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean Sissy Nominated — Golden Globe Award for Best Support- ing Actress – Motion Picture 1983 Silkwood Dolly Pelliker Golden Globe Award for Best Support- ing Actress – Motion Pic- ture Nominated — Academy Award for Best Support- ing Actress Nominated — BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Support- ing Role 1985 Mask Florence ’Rusty’ Dennis Cannes Film Award Nominated - Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Pic- ture Drama Suspect Kathleen Riley The Witches of Eastwick Alexandra Medford 1987 Moonstruck Loretta Castorini Academy Award for Best Actress Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Pic- ture Musical or Comedy Nominated — BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role 1990 Mermaids Rachel Flax 1992 The Player Herself 1994 Prêt-à-Porter Herself 1996 Faithful Margaret 1999 Tea with Mussolini Elsa Morganthal Strauss- Armistan 2003 Stuck on You Cher/ Honey 2010 The Drop- Out[131] TBA Television Year Title Role Notes 1968 Where the Girls Are 1970 The Sonny & Cher Nitty Gritty Hour Herself - co-host 1971-1974 The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour Herself/ various characters Nominated - Emmy Award, four times 1975-1976 Cher Herself - host Nominated - Emmy Award 1976-1977 The Sonny and Cher Show Herself - co-host 1978 Cher... Special Herself From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 14 1979 Cher... and Other Fantasies Herself 1990 Cher Extra- vaganza: Live at the Mirage Herself 1996 If These Walls Could Talk (1996) Dr. Beth Thompson (segment "1996") also director Nominated — Golden Globe Award for Best Support- ing Actress – Series, Min- iseries or Television Film 1998 Sonny & Me: Cher Remembers Herself VH1 Divas Live 2 Performer 1999 Cher: Live at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Herself Nominated - Emmy Award 2000 Will & Grace Herself episode - "Gypsies, Tramps and Weed" VH1 Divas Las Vegas Herself/ performer 2002 Will & Grace Herself (as God) episode - "A.I.: Artifi- cial Insemination" 2003 Cher: The Farewell Tour Herself Emmy Award See also • List of best selling music artists • List of best-selling albums worldwide • List of Best Selling Singles Worldwide • UK Best selling singles artists of all time • List of number-one hits (United States) • List of artists who reached number one on the Hot 100 (U.S.) • List of number-one dance hits (United States) • List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Dance chart • List of Number 1 albums from the 1990s (UK) • List of Number 1 singles from the 1990s (UK) • List of artists who reached number one in Ireland • List of artists who reached number one on the Australian singles chart • List of persons who have won Academy, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Awards References [1] Cher. [2] inogolo:pronunciation of Cher [3] ^ "Search results for ’Lapiere born in California in 1934’". Ancestry.com. http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ sse.dll?gsfn=&gsln=LAPIERE&gsby=1946&gsbco=2 Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [4] "Cher - Rotten Tomatoes Celebrity Profile". Rotten Tomatoes.com. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/ celebrity/cher/. Retrieved on 2008-10-24. [5] "She’s one Cher thing", Evening Post: TV.9, 1999-09-06 [6] "The Billboard Hot 100 1999." Billboard. Accessed March 23, 2009. [7] ^ "Cher and Share Alike." Undercover.com.au. September 9, 2003. Archived from the original [1] November 12, 2005. [8] Farber, Jim (1999-08-29), "CHER AT HOME IN VEGAS", New York Daily News: 8 [9] "Cher." Biography Channel. Accessed March 23, 2009. [10] "Cher inks 3-year deal for Caesars Palace shows". MSNBC. 2008-02-07. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/ 23059743/. [11] "People: Cher, Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio". International Herald Tribune. 2008-02-08. http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/02/08/ arts/peepsat.php. [12]Cher – Living Proof - The Farewell Tour 2004. Budapest Week.com. [13]^ Film Reference.com [14]Ancestry of Cher. [15]Cheever, Susan (1993-05-17). "Up front: In a Broken Land". People. http://www.cilicia.com/ armo_article_cherarmeniatrip.html. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [16] "The Very Best of Cher". Warner Bros. 2003-04-01. http://www.blender.com/ From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 15 guide/reviews.aspx?id=789. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [17] "Cher Biography". TV.com. http://www.tv.com/cher/person/5400/ biography.html. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [18] "Famous People Who Overcame Dyslexia". The Dyslexia Mentor. http://www.dyslexiamentor.com/famous/ famousdyslexics_005.php. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [19]^ "Cher Biography". Yahoo! Movies. http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/ contributor/1800023318/bio. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [20] "What female singer recorded a song called “Ringo, I Love You”?". beatlestrivia.com. http://beatlestrivia.com/what-female- singer-recorded-song-called-ringo-i-love- you/. Retrieved on 2009-04-29. [21]^ Lamb, Ward (1999-10-13). "Sonny & Cher". Rhino Handmade. http://www.fortunecity.com/greenfield/ wilderness/468/ward.htm. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [22] "CHER: Back To The Dance Floor!". About.com. http://dancemusic.about.com/cs/features/ a/CherBackDean.htm. Retrieved on 2009-04-20. [23] "Early Bio". home.att.net. http://home.att.net/~movie.stars.1950/ sonny_cher.html. Retrieved on 2009-04-19. [24]^ "Cher Tickets". ticketluck.com. http://www.ticketluck.com/concert- tickets/Cher/index.php. Retrieved on 2009-04-24. [25]The Billboard Hot 100: "I Got You Babe". Billboard.com. [26]The Billboard Hot 100: "Baby Don’t Go". Billboard.com. [27]Cobb, Nathan. "Bell-bottoms back, but the thrill is gone." The Boston Globe. (July 19, 1993). [28]Cher: Biography and Much More from Answers.com [29]The Billboard Hot 100 [30]^ Ladd, M.E.. "Cher Sounds". Cher Scholar. http://www.cherscholar.com/ recordreview.htm. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [31] ""Backstage Overview"". allmusic.com. http://www.allmusic.com/cg/ amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3ifixqw5ldde. Retrieved on 2009-04-30. [32] "Chastity Bono on IMDb". imdb.com. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0095106/. Retrieved on 2009-04-30. [33]^ "Queen of Gay Glamour". mondostars.com. http://www.mondostars.com/ entertainment/cher.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-16. [34]^ "Sonny and Cher shows". TVParty.com. http://www.tvparty.com/sonnycher.html. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [35] "Cher Artist Information". tickco.com. http://www.tickco.com/ cher_concert_tickets.htm. Retrieved on 2009-03-16. [36]^ "SONNY & CHER COMEDY HOUR". justplaincher.net. http://www.justplaincher.net/ content-26.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-16. [37] "The Sonny & Cher All I ever need is you album (A new producer)". cherscholar.net. http://www.cherscholar.com/all-i- ever.htm. Retrieved on 2009-03-21. [38]^ ""Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves"". superseventies.com. http://www.superseventies.com/ sw_gypsystramps.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-16. [39]^ RIAA Gold and Platinum Search for albums by Cher [40] "Cher - Half Breed & Dark Lady". everythingcher.com. http://www.everythingcher.com/pages/ 93cher.htm. Retrieved on 2009-03-21. [41]^ "Sonny and Cher". tvclassics.com. http://www.tvclassics.com/sc.htm. Retrieved on 2009-03-17. [42] "Sonny and Cher divorce". history.com. http://www.history.com/this-day-in- history.do?action=Article&id=3403. Retrieved on 2009-03-16. [43] "Cher Awards". IMDb.com. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000333/ awards. Retrieved on 2009-03-17. [44] "Sunday Evening". tvobscurities.com. http://www.tvobscurities.com/articles/ fall74.php. Retrieved on 2009-03-21. [45]^ "Cher". TV.com. http://www.tv.com/ cher/show/2946/summary.html. Retrieved on 2009-01-28. [46] "CHER SHOW". justplaincher.net. http://www.justplaincher.net/ From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 16 content-25.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-21. [47] "Cher Bio". gossiprocks.com. http://www.gossiprocks.com/cher. Retrieved on 2009-03-17. [48]^ "About Cher". ticketspecialists.com. http://www.ticketspecialists.com/ lasvegas/cher_tickets.htm. Retrieved on 2009-03-21. [49]^ "Mini Biography". imdb.com. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000333/ bio. Retrieved on 2009-03-21. [50] "Rock Almanac: June 30, 2008". spinner.com. http://www.history.com/ this-day-in- history.do?action=Article&id=3403. Retrieved on 2009-03-16. [51] "SONNY & CHER SHOW - SEASON ONE". justplaincher.net. http://www.justplaincher.net/ content-17.html. Retrieved on 2009-04-26. [52] "SONNY & CHER SHOW - SEASON TWO". justplaincher.net. http://www.justplaincher.net/ content-18.html. Retrieved on 2009-04-26. [53] "Mego Catalog Library: 1976 Cher". megomuseum.com. http://megomuseum.com/catalog/1976/ cher1.shtml. Retrieved on 2009-04-26. [54] "Cher Dolls Fan Site". hieroglyph.net. http://www.hieroglyph.net/ frameset4.html. Retrieved on 2009-04-12. [55] "Cher... Special". imdb.com. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0284954/. Retrieved on 2009-04-26. [56]^ "Cher... Special". justplaincher.net. http://www.justplaincher.net/ content-24.html. Retrieved on 2009-04-26. [57] "Cher and Other Fantasies". nytimes.com. http://tv.nytimes.com/show/ 43474/Cher-and-Other-Fantasies/ overview. Retrieved on 2009-04-26. [58] "Cher... and Other Fantasies". imdb.com. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0328948/. Retrieved on 2009-04-26. [59] "Cher Mini Bio". mahalo.com. http://www.mahalo.com/Cher. Retrieved on 2009-04-26. [60]^ "Sonny & Cher Boost Ratings". The New Mexican. Santa Fe, New Mexico. November 29, 1987, p. 35, accessed through NewspaperARCHIVE.com on March 13, 2009. [61]^ "Sonny and Cher Reunited on David Letterman Show." Aiken Standard. Aiken, South Carolina. November 15, 1987. p. 3. accessed through NewspaperARCHIVE.com on March 13, 2009. [62]Bianco, Robert (2006-08-13). "Mike Douglas, former TV show host, dies". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/ life/people/2006-08-11-douglas- obit_x.htm. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [63] "Prisoner : by Vinícius". justplaincher.net. http://www.justplaincher.net/ modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id= Retrieved on 2009-04-26. [64] "Roller Boogie Music". www.susan-a- miller.com. http://www.susan-a- miller.com/rollerboogie/music.html. Retrieved on 2009-04-26. [65] "Cher’s Lost Recording Part2". tvparty.com. http://www.tvparty.com/ cherecords2.html. Retrieved on 2009-04-26. [66] "Dead Ringer for Love UK Charts". chartstats.com. http://www.chartstats.com/ songinfo.php?id=9693. Retrieved on 2009-04-29. [67] "Cher 80’s bio". Project80s.com. http://www.project80s.com/lyrics/artist- lyrics.php?artist=Cher. Retrieved on 2009-04-29. [68]Cher at the Internet Broadway Database [69]Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (1982 film) Awards and Nominations at IMDB [70] ""Silkwood (1983) awards and nominations."". IMDb.com. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086312/ awards. Retrieved on 2009-04-29. [71] "Mask (1985)". boxofficemojo.com. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/ ?page=weekend&id=mask85.htm. Retrieved on 2009-04-29. [72]^ "Cher, awards and nominations". movies.msn.com. http://movies.msn.com/ celebrities/celebrity-awards-and- nominations/cher/. Retrieved on 2009-04-29. [73] "Past Men and Women of the Year". hastypudding.org. http://www.hastypudding.org/ From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 17 index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=59. Retrieved on 2009-04-29. [74] "IMBd Video: May 22,1986". imdb.com. http://www.imdb.com/video/hulu/ vi1289355289/. Retrieved on 2009-04-29. [75] "May 22, 1986". brainyhistory.com. http://www.brainyhistory.com/events/ 1986/may_22_1986_159064.html. Retrieved on 2009-04-29. [76] "So, Clive, why did it all go wrong?". guardian.co.uk. http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/ 2001/aug/12/features.review27. Retrieved on 2009-04-29. [77]^ "Cher ’87". discogs.com. http://www.discogs.com/Cher-Cher/ release/1136855. Retrieved on 2009-05-02. [78] "Cher seeks a perfume share". Chicago Sun-Times, 1988-11-08. http://www.highbeam.com/doc/ 1P2-3898918.html. Retrieved on 2009-02-28. [79] "Heart of Stone album". discogs.com. http://www.discogs.com/Cher-Heart-Of- Stone/release/523315. Retrieved on 2009-04-30. [80] "Heart of Stone". Planet Perplex. http://www.planetperplex.com/en/ img.php?id=40. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [81] "If I Could Turn Back Time on Australian Chart". australian-charts.com. http://australian-charts.com/ showitem.asp?interpret=Cher&titel=If+I+Could+Turn+Back+Time&cat=s. Retrieved on 2009-05-02. [82] "If I Could Turn Back Time on UK Chart". chartstats.com. http://www.chartstats.com/ songinfo.php?id=16759. Retrieved on 2009-05-02. [83] "Review/Music; Yearning and Self- Reliance by Cher". nytimes.com. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/ fullpage.html?res=9C0CE2D91230F931A25756C0A966958260. Retrieved on 2009-05-02. [84] "Extravaganza: Live at the Mirage The New York Post Review". nytimes.com. http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/9106/ Cher-Extravaganza-Live-at-the-Mirage/ overview?scp=1&sq=Cher%20mirage&st=cse. Retrieved on 2009-05-02. [85] "Interview with Cher". BBC.co.uk. 2006-11-05. http://www.bbc.co.uk/ communicate/archive/cher/page3.shtml. Retrieved on 2007-10-16. [86] "Lori Davis Hair". American Telecast Products. http://www.americantelecast.com/ loridavishair.php. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [87]Rock, Lucy. "Cher’s so sad she’d never made peace with Sonny." The Mirror (London, UK). January 7, 1998. [88]Weinraub, Bernard. "Sonny Bono, 62, Dies in Skiing Accident." New York Times. January 7, 1998. [89] "Cher’s Eulogy for Sonny." About.com. [90] "Cher." Superior Pics.com biography. [91] "Rolling Stone Rock and Roll Diary". Rolling Stone. January 23, 2007. [92]^ "Cher". Cher Convention.com. http://cherconvention.com/Cher.htm. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [93]http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/ yearend_chart_display.jsp?f=The+Billboard+Hot+10 end+Singles&year=1999 [94]Sue Sillitoe, Sound On Sound, February, 1999. "Recording Cher’s ’Believe’". Accessed 12 November 2008. [95]^ "Singer of the Week - Cher". AskMen.com. http://www.askmen.com/ women/singer/52c_cher.html. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [96] "Official website". cher.com. http://www.cher.com. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [97] "On the road with Cher". Adobe. http://www.adobe.com/motion/cher.html. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [98] "Cher to Take Final Bow in Los Angeles". Entertainment Magazine. 2005-01-31. http://emol.org/music/artists/cher/ farewell0105.html. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [99] "Cher." Biography Channel. Accessed March 23, 2009. [100]"Cher". Cher.aeglive.com. http://cher.aeglive.com/. Retrieved on 2008-10-24. [101]http://www.accesshollywood.com/ believe-it-chers-returning-to- vegas_article_8308 [102]http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/01/19/ cher-joins-johnny-knoxville-for-the-drop- out/ [103]"Cher cancels six Vegas shows". DailyMail. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ tvshowbiz/article-1069902/Cher-health- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 18 mystery-cancels-Vegas-shows.html. Retrieved on 2008-10-06. [104]"Biography of Chastity Bono." All American Speakers.com. [105]̂ "Nervous Cher Turned Down a Date With Elvis". contactmusic.com. 2008-02-07. http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/ article/ nervous%20cher%20turned%20down%20a%20date%20with%20elvis_1058762. [106]"David Geffen Biography". Hollywood.com. http://www.hollywood.com/celebs/ fulldetail/id/190723. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [107]Hyman, Vicki. "Tom Cruise inspires some crazy talk from Cher, Oprah Winfrey." NewJersey.com. April 30, 2008. [108]Wilson, Cintra (2000-02-22). "Cher". Salon.com. http://archive.salon.com/ people/bc/2000/02/22/cher/print.html. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [109]Brenoff, Ann (2008-08-17). "Cher’s Malibu spread on block for $45 million". The Los Angeles Times. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/ article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/17/ RE6R127NIN.DTL&type=realestate. Retrieved on 2008-08-24. [110]Clemence, Sara (2006-02-17). "Movers & Shakers - Cher Holder". Forbes. http://www.forbes.com/realestate/2006/ 02/16/cher-luxury-homes- cx_sc_0217movers_ls.html. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [111]"Cher Auction! 700 Items Offered From Malibu Home". Access Hollywood. 2006-07-31. http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ ah1078.shtml. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [112]"Llega Cher a los 62 años con 200 millones de discos vendidos". El Universal. 2008-05-19. http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/ 507814.html. Retrieved on 2008-05-20. [113]̂ Mapa, Alec (2003-04-15), "We love you, Auntie Cher", The Advocate (887): 51, ISSN 00018996 [114]̂ Rogers, Thomas (2009-01-21). "Where have all the drag queens gone?". Salon. http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2009/ 01/31/drag/. [115]̂ Bernstein, Robert (2003). Straight Parents, Gay Children: Keeping Families Together. Thunder’s Mouth Press. pp. 166. ISBN 1560254521. http://books.google.com/ books?id=RJ5-svzhDuMC. [116]̂ Plumez, Jacqueline Hornor (2002). Mother Power. Sourcebooks, Inc.. pp. 182. ISBN 1570718237. http://books.google.com/ books?id=atozg9Eq2WsC. [117]"The Advocate’s 25 Coolest Women", The Advocate, 1999-11-23 [118]"Great Things About Being...Queer". Great Things About Being.... 2005-10-04. [119]Mann, William J. (2004). Gay Pride: A Celebration of All Things Gay and Lesbian. Citadel Press. pp. 14. ISBN 0806525630. http://books.google.com/ books?id=bw60KNSQNpoC. [120]̂ "Memorable Will & Grace guest stars: Cher". Entertainment Weekly. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/ 0,,1178303,00.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-22. [121]Davidson, Jeff (2006-06-13). "Cher Goes To Washington". TMZ.com. http://www.tmz.com/2006/06/13/cher- goes-to-washington. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [122]Mraz, Steve (2006-07-24). "Cher: ‘I don’t have to be for this war to support the troops’". Stars and Stripes. http://www.operation-helmet.org/ documents/news-stories/News-Stripes- Cher-Jul24-06.html. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [123]"Cher and Operation Helmet Join Forces to Help American Soldiers". Warner Bros. Records. 2006-06-12. http://www.marketwire.com/mw/ release_html_b1?release_id=134759. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [124]Mraz, Steve (2006-07-13). "Cher visits wounded servicemembers at Landstuhl". Stars and Stripes. http://www.operation- helmet.org/documents/news-stories/ News-Stripes-Cher-Jul13-06.html. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [125]"Cher: ‘I support the troops’". Cher World. 2006-07-16. http://www.cherworld.com/news/?cat=3. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [126]̂ "Letter from the Editor-Cher: Critically Revised." [127]"Beyonce’s Style Icons: Charlize, Halle, Cher & Diana Ross." Yahoo.com. October 22, 2008. [128]" What others have to say about Cher." From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 19 [129]"Cher Timeline". Rock On The Net. http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-c/ cher_main.htm. Retrieved on 2007-01-28. [130]̂ "Cher bio". netglimse.com. http://www.netglimse.com/celebs/pages/ cher/index.shtml. Retrieved on 2009-02-15. [131]Cher to star with Johnny ’Jackass’ Knoxville. External links • Cher’s Official Website • Official Cher Fan Club Website • Warner Bros. Records • Children’s Craniofacial Association (CCA). National Chairperson: Cher • Cher Convention Foundation. Dedicated to raising funds for CCA kids. Information-sites: • Cher at the Internet Movie Database • Cher at Allmusic • Cher at TV.com • Cher at Discogs • Cher at Last.fm Fan-sites: • Cher World • Just Plain Cher • The Cher Expo • Cher Las Vegas Persondata NAME Cher ALTERNATIVE NAMES LaPierre, Cherilyn Sarkisian SHORT DESCRIPTION singer, actress, songwriter, author, entertainer DATE OF BIRTH May 20, 1946 PLACE OF BIRTH El Centro, California, USA DATE OF DEATH PLACE OF DEATH From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 20 Awards and achievements Preceded by Jean Stapleton for All in the Family Golden Globe Award for Best Television Actress - Comedy/ Musical 1974 for The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour Succeeded by Valerie Harper for Rhoda Preceded by Jessica Lange for Tootsie Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion Pic- ture 1984 for Silkwood Succeeded by Peggy Ashcroft for A Passage to India Preceded by Helen Mirren for Cal Cannes Film Festival for Best Actress 1985 for Mask Succeeded by Barbara Sukowa for Rosa Luxemburg Preceded by Marlee Matlin for Children of a Lesser God Academy Award for Best Actress 1987 for Moonstruck Succeeded by Jodie Foster for The Accused Preceded by Sissy Spacek for Crimes of the Heart Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy 1988 for Moonstruck Succeeded by Melanie Griffith for Working Girl Preceded by - Hollywood Walk of Fame 1998 for Television Succeeded by - Preceded by Mariah Carey World Music Award 1999 Honored with Legend Award Succeeded by Michael Jackson Preceded by Madonna for Ray of Light Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording 1999 for Believe Succeeded by Baha Men for Who Let the Dogs Out? Preceded by America: A Tribute to Heroes Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Spe- cial 2003 for The Farewell Tour Succeeded by No award given Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cher" From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 21 Categories: Cher, Living people, 1946 births, American contraltos, American dance musicians, American disco musicians, American female singers, American film actors, American house musicians, Armenian-Americans, Armenian people, English Americans, Americans of Chero- kee descent, German-Americans, Imperial Records artists, American pop singers, American record producers, American rock singers, American singer-songwriters, American television actors, Best Actress Academy Award winners, Best Musical or Comedy Actress Golden Globe (film) winners, Best Musical or Comedy Actress Golden Globe (television) winners, Best Sup- porting Actress Golden Globe (film) winners, Actors from California, California Democrats, Emmy Award winners, English-language singers, Female rock singers, Grammy Award win- ners, LGBT rights activists from the United States, MCA Records artists, Native American singers, People from El Centro, California, People from California, People from Imperial County, California, Warner Bros. Records artists, Atlantic Records artists, Columbia Records artists, Geffen Records artists This page was last modified on 21 May 2009, at 22:32 (UTC). All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License. (See Copyrights for details.) Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a U.S. registered 501(c)(3) tax- deductible nonprofit charity. Privacy policy About Wikipedia Disclaimers From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cher 22