Cyndi Lauper, 72, is about to get some more flowers. She’s getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year and is on the final leg of her farewell tour. Cyndi has a new interview with Women’s World. She talks about her misspent youth, having anxiety, and the importance of wearing clothing that makes you feel alive.
An angry youth: “When I was younger, I was angry at the world. I was the oddball. Then I learned it was my job to make the world fairer. Sometimes, that’s just smiling at someone. It’s a tiny thing with a big impact. You must enjoy life as best as you can because hey, when you’re not here anymore, you’re not here! Making people happy is important. When I was a kid, I didn’t fit in. I always felt like a loser.”
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing: “I chose a job where I could wear whatever the hell I want. Find the kind of clothes that make you feel strong, inspired and confident. If you find a hat that makes you feel good, wear the hat! Find the shoes that make you feel comfortable, the clothes that make you feel alive. When you do things just for yourself, it will make you truly happy.”
On her upcoming Rock and Roll HOF induction: “I’m really happy. I’m proud to stand on the shoulders of the women who came before me … I started singing when I was 2 after the lady upstairs taught me a song in Italian. Then I sang it, everybody applauded, and I was hooked. The songs tell my story — we should all share our stories in some way. That’s what I focus on: bringing community together.”
She’s among good company: Her fellow 2025 classmates include Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes in the performers category. Other honorees include SALT-N-PEPA and Warren Zevon in the musical influence category and Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins and Carol Kaye in the musical excellence category.
This is some great advice from Cyndi: “Find the kind of clothes that make you feel strong, inspired and confident. If you find a hat that makes you feel good, wear the hat! Find the shoes that make you feel comfortable, the clothes that make you feel alive. When you do things just for yourself, it will make you truly happy.” Those are things I’ve learned both the easy and hard ways throughout the years. Society tries to make us accommodate what everyone else wants. We don’t have to do that! Cyndi’s right, nothing beats that feeling of self confidence. Wear what makes you feel good about yourself.
Cyndi is so wise. I also love that she said that her job is to “make the world fairer.”
Photos credit: Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Avalon, PA Images/INSTARimages, MediaPunch/Backgrid, Justin Ng/Avalon and via Instagram
As I have gotten older I do what I want when it comes to clothes and shoes. When I was young I wanted to wear what everyone else was wearing and as for the shoes I jammed them into uncomfortable tight fitting shoes (I have a wide foot and shoes then in wide widths weren’t pretty) which I no longer do . It helps that they make wide shoes that are pretty and look like the regular fitting ones. I always liked Cyndi and am happy she is finally being put into the rock and roll hall of fame!
She’s looks fantastic. I appreciate that she’s had great skin care and some good work, but she still looks like herself.
I’ve loved Cyndi Laura for decades upon decades. She has been such a great icon for the LGBTQ+ community. She also has supported women’s rights to choose or decades – listen to Sally’s Pigeons. I am thrilled to see her finally being acknowledged for her great contributions to music.
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Love this! Confidence starts with comfort—wise words from a true icon.