**Cher: Determination Inside the Skill, Scandal, and Survival of Pop’s Most Immortal Star**
Cherilyn Sarkisian, known globally as Cher, has been a formidable force in the entertainment industry for over six decades. Born on May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California, Cher’s journey from a tumultuous childhood to becoming the “Goddess of Pop” is a testament to her resilience, talent, and unyielding determination.
### Early Life and Struggles
Cher’s early life was marked by instability. Her father, John Sarkisian, was an Armenian-American truck driver with drug and gambling issues, while her mother, Georgia Holt, was a former model and actress. The family moved frequently, and financial struggles were a constant. Despite these challenges, Cher’s mother encouraged her artistic inclinations, securing minor acting roles for her daughters.
Cher’s unconventional behavior and striking appearance set her apart from her peers. By the age of nine, she had developed a deep contralto voice and was already directing and choreographing school performances. Her fascination with film stars like Audrey Hepburn and Katharine Hepburn fueled her desire for fame, even though she felt unattractive and untalented.
### Breakthrough with Sonny Bono
At 16, Cher dropped out of school and moved to Los Angeles, where she met Sonny Bono. Their partnership, both personal and professional, would become legendary. Initially performing as Caesar & Cleo, they rebranded as Sonny & Cher and achieved massive success with hits like “I Got You Babe.” Their unique style and sound made them icons of the 1960s.
However, by the late 1960s, their popularity waned. The rise of heavier rock sounds and their monogamous lifestyle during the sexual revolution made them seem out of touch. Despite these setbacks, Cher’s solo career began to flourish. Her single “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” became a hit, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences on her own.
### Television Stardom and Musical Resurgence
The early 1970s marked a significant turning point for Cher. The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour debuted in 1971, becoming a massive hit and solidifying their status as television stars. Cher’s comedic timing, combined with her glamorous outfits designed by Bob Mackie, made her a fashion icon and a household name.
During this period, Cher’s music career also saw a resurgence. Her single “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves” topped the charts, proving her versatility and enduring appeal. The success of her albums “Chér” and “Half-Breed” further cemented her status as a solo artist.
### Personal Turmoil and Professional Triumphs
Cher’s personal life was often tumultuous. Her marriage to Sonny Bono ended in 1975, but she quickly rebounded with the release of the disco album “Take Me Home.” Her subsequent marriage to Gregg Allman was short-lived, but it produced her second son, Elijah Blue Allman.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw another career revival for Cher. Her rock-inflected albums “Cher,” “Heart of Stone,” and “Love Hurts” produced hits like “If I Could Turn Back Time” and “I Found Someone.” Her 1998 album “Believe” marked a new commercial peak, with the title track becoming a global sensation and pioneering the use of Auto-Tune, known as the “Cher effect.”
### Acting Acclaim and Continued Success
Cher’s talents extended beyond music. She made her Broadway debut in 1982 and received critical acclaim for her roles in films like “Silkwood,” “Mask,” and “Moonstruck,” the latter earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Her directorial debut came in 1996 with a segment in the anthology “If These Walls Could Talk.”
In the 2010s, Cher continued to make her mark in film with roles in “Burlesque” and “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.” Her albums “Closer to the Truth” and “Dancing Queen” both debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, becoming her highest-charting solo albums in the US.
### Legacy and Impact
Cher’s impact on the entertainment industry is immeasurable. She has sold over 100 million records, making her one of the world’s best-selling music artists. Her accolades include a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, an Academy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. She is the only solo artist to have a number-one single on a Billboard chart in seven consecutive decades.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Cher is known for her trendsetting fashion, political views, social media presence, and philanthropic efforts. She has been a vocal advocate for LGBT rights and HIV/AIDS prevention, using her platform to effect positive change.
### Conclusion
Cher’s journey from a struggling young girl to an immortal star is a story of determination, skill, and survival. Her ability to reinvent herself and remain relevant in an ever-changing industry is a testament to her talent and resilience. As she continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Cher’s legacy as the “Goddess of Pop” remains unchallenged.
Source: Independent, AllMusic, Billboard
