by Cher’s Rise to Stardom: A Story of Talent, Resilience and Reinvention
Cherilyn Sarkisian, known to the world simply as Cher, has captivated audiences for over six decades with her iconic voice, stunning fashion sense and ability to continually reinvent herself. At 75 years old, she remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time with over 100 million records sold worldwide. However, her journey to worldwide fame and status as a pop culture icon was far from easy. Cher overcame doubters, personal struggles and the challenges of constantly evolving trends through her undeniable talent and relentless spirit.
Cher was born in 1946 in El Centro, California and had a difficult childhood. Her parents divorced when she was young and she was raised primarily by her mother. Money was tight and Cher learned from a young age to be independent and self-reliant. As a teenager, she moved to Los Angeles with hopes of becoming a star. It was there in 1962 that she met Sonny Bono, who was working as a songwriter and producer at the time. They quickly fell in love and married when Cher was just 16 years old.
Sonny recognized Cher’s vocal abilities and became her mentor, helping to hone her talents. He wrote and produced songs for her to perform, including her first single “Ringo, I Love You” in 1964. While the song didn’t achieve commercial success, it kickstarted Cher’s career in music. Eager to break into the industry, Sonny and Cher began performing folk-rock songs as a duo act. Their big break came in 1965 with the release of their signature hit “I Got You Babe.” The song, with its playful lyrics and infectious melody, rocketed to number one on the Billboard charts and became a worldwide pop sensation.
Sonny and Cher’s unique sound, which blended elements of folk, rock and pop, resonated widely with audiences. But it was their undeniable chemistry and contrasting personalities as a couple that truly captivated the public. Cher brought her powerful vocals and outgoing, flirtatious stage presence, while Sonny served as her more reserved counterpart. Their good looks and “Beauty and the Beast” dynamic made them one of the most popular acts in pop music. Between 1965-1972, they achieved four top-ten hits and released five studio albums together.
As their success in music grew, Sonny and Cher began expanding into television. In 1971, they launched their variety show “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour.” The hour-long program was a ratings smash, blending music, comedy sketches and outrageous costumes. Cher in particular pushed fashion boundaries with her revealing, one-of-a-kind Bob Mackie designs. Her outfits, ranging from sheer chiffon gowns to embellished jumpsuits, became cultural touchstones and cemented her status as a style icon. Through their show, Sonny and Cher transcended the music industry and inserted themselves into mainstream pop culture.
At the height of their fame, it seemed Sonny and Cher had it all – success, money, fame. But behind the scenes, their personal relationship was crumbling. After nearly a decade together both professionally and privately, they divorced in 1975. Many speculated Cher’s career would flounder without Sonny’s support and guidance. However, she was determined to thrive as a solo artist on her own terms. Her first self-titled album released later that year became a commercial success, producing the top-ten single “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves.”
Cher continued building momentum by embracing the disco sound exploding in popularity at the time. Her 1976 album “Cher” included the dance anthem “Take Me Home,” further cementing her as a relevant force in music. But her biggest solo hit was yet to come. In 1998, Cher released “Hell on Wheels” from her album “Black Rose.” The rock ballad “Hell on Wheels” showed off her powerful vocals and demonstrated her ability to cross genres. Then in 1999, she scored one of the largest-selling singles of all time with “Believe.”
The song, written and produced by sought-after musician Mark James, represented a bold evolution for Cher. “Believe” incorporated elements of pop, dance and electronica to create a wholly unique sound. It also featured Cher’s vocals processed through Auto-Tune, one of the first mainstream uses of the technology that would go on to define popular music. Released at age 52, “Believe” proved Cher was ageless and willing to take creative risks. The single topped the charts worldwide, sold over 20 million copies and earned Cher a historic three number-one hits in three different decades. She cemented her status as the highest-earning female performer in history.
While finding success in music, Cher also pursued acting starting in the late 1960s. Her early films included roles in “Chastity” and “Good Times.” But her most acclaimed performance came in 1987’s romantic comedy “Moonstruck.” Cher’s nuanced portrayal of a widowed bookkeeper won her the Academy Award for Best Actress. She accepted the Oscar in one of the most iconic looks of all time – a sheer black dress with massive shoulders designed by Bob Mackie. Roles in films like “Silkwood,” “Mask” and “Mermaids” followed, showcasing her range and talent on the big screen.
In addition to music and films, Cher has also been a fashion pioneer. From her daring outfits on “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour” to her outrageous Bob Mackie Met Gala ensembles, Cher has pushed boundaries and influenced trends. She’s been a symbol of nonconformity, feminism and unapologetic self-expression through her fashion. Cher also hasn’t been afraid to age in the public eye. Now in her 70s, she continues to perform and record music while embracing her wrinkles and grey hair – a rarity in the ageist entertainment industry.
Throughout her illustrious career spanning over half a century, Cher has proven herself an artist who constantly evolves and reinvents. From folk-rock duo to solo superstar to Oscar-winning actress, she’s conquered every medium she’s worked in through raw talent and relentless passion. She’s survived industry changes, personal hardships and doubters at every turn through her charisma, work ethic and fearless spirit. At 75, Cher remains a symbol of resilience, individuality and living life on her own terms. Her story is a true testament to the power of never giving up on yourself – and a reminder that you can achieve anything if you believe in your abilities and stay true to who you are.
