Cher Singer, Actress, and Pop Culture Icon

Cher (born May 20, 1946) is an American singer, actress, and television personality whose career has spanned more than six decades, earning her the title of the "Goddess of Pop."

Rising to fame in the 1960s as part of the duo Sonny & Cher, she became known for her contralto voice and bold style. Cher went on to achieve solo success with chart-topping hits like "Believe" and "If I Could Turn Back Time".

Beyond music, Cher established herself as a talented actress, winning an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Moonstruck (1987). She has also appeared in numerous other acclaimed films, including Silkwood and Mask.

A cultural trailblazer, Cher is celebrated for her influence on fashion, music videos, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and her ability to continually reinvent herself in popular culture.

Photo: Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (edited)

Date of Birth: May 20, 1946

Place of Birth: El Centro, California, U.S.

Nationality: American

Known for: Music Career, Academy Award for Moonstruck, Cultural Icon

Full Discography

Year	Album Title	Category	Notes
Studio Albums
1965	All I Really Want to Do	Studio	Debut solo album; produced by Sonny Bono.
1966	The Sonny Side of Chér	Studio	Includes the hit “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)”.
1967	With Love, Chér	Studio	Showcased mature vocal tone and orchestrations.
1969	3614 Jackson Highway	Studio	Critically praised Muscle Shoals session album.
1971	Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves	Studio	First major solo hit; title track topped Billboard Hot 100.
1973	Half-Breed	Studio	Controversial but commercially successful album.
1974	Dark Lady	Studio	Title song became her third US No. 1 single of the decade.
1979	Take Me Home	Studio	Disco-inspired comeback; gold certification.
1982	I Paralyze	Studio	Features the single “I Paralyze” co-written by John Farrar.
1987	Cher	Studio	Marked her rock reinvention; includes “I Found Someone.”
1989	Heart of Stone	Studio	Multi-platinum success featuring “If I Could Turn Back Time.”
1991	Love Hurts	Studio	Contained European hit “The Shoop Shoop Song.”
1995	It’s a Man’s World	Studio	Interpretations of male-sung classics; strong UK charting.
1998	Believe	Studio	Massive global hit; pioneer of Auto-Tune effect in pop.
2001	Living Proof	Studio	Continued dance-pop success; supported by Farewell Tour.
2013	Closer to the Truth	Studio	First album in 12 years; included “Woman’s World.”
2018	Dancing Queen	Studio	ABBA cover album inspired by her role in Mamma Mia! 2.
Collaborative / Sonny & Cher Albums
1965	Look at Us	Collaboration	Includes the iconic duet “I Got You Babe.”
1966	The Wondrous World of Sonny & Cher	Collaboration	Follow-up album with folk-pop sound.
1967	In Case You’re in Love	Collaboration	Contains “Little Man” and “The Beat Goes On.”
1972	All I Ever Need Is You	Collaboration	Revived duo’s career during their TV success.
1973	Mama Was a Rock and Roll Singer, Papa Used to Write All Her Songs	Collaboration	Last studio album before duo’s breakup.
Compilations & Live Albums
1975	Greatest Hits	Compilation	First major anthology of her early hits.
1999	The Greatest Hits	Compilation	UK No. 1; covered entire Warner & Geffen periods.
2003	The Very Best of Cher	Compilation	Certified multi-platinum; definitive career overview.
2014	Icon	Compilation	Universal Music budget release featuring remastered singles.

Awards & Honors

Winner of an **Academy Award** for Best Actress for Moonstruck (1988).
Received a **Grammy Award** (2000) for Best Dance Recording – “Believe.”
Winner of an **Emmy Award** (2003) for The Farewell Tour television special.
Recipient of a **Golden Globe Award** for The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour and Silkwood.
Honored with a **Kennedy Center Honor** (2018) recognizing her lifetime artistic contribution.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Cher is the only artist to have a No. 1 single on a Billboard chart in six consecutive decades. Her achievements span Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, an Academy Award, and three Golden Globe Awards.

Personal Life

Known for her independent spirit, Cher has been a prominent advocate for social issues and remains a beloved figure worldwide, admired for her resilience and reinvention.

Legacy

Cher’s cultural impact extends far beyond entertainment. As an enduring icon of self-expression and empowerment, she continues to influence new generations of artists and fans.