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When you look back to the '80s, it's easy tp see (and hear) why Cyndi Lauper's solo debut was considered to be a major pop culture influence.
First of all, 1983/84's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" was a fashion statement. Cyndi's wardrobe in the video was literally the reason why "thrift store chic" became a thing during the decade.
More importantly, it was a harbinger for Cyndi's overall musical message: acceptance of all people. Wrestler Captain Lou Albano played her father in the video, and her real-life mother played her mom. Plus she used "regular-looking" people throughout, as opposed to models, starlets, and studs.
Interestingly, Cyndi was originally against recording the song. It was written by a singer/songwriter named Robert Hazard, and had an entirely different tone--more along the lines of "a guy looking for girls who want to have some fun." (Wink Wink). (Check the link below.)
Once the lyrics were altered, it was full speed ahead...and as a single, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" danced its way to #1 in 10 countries, the Top 10 in 10 more...and it stayed on the charts for several weeks in 1983 and 1984!
It became one of Cyndi's signature songs, and collected all sorts of kudos, including Grammy Award nominations for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Rolling Stone and MTV ranked it in their Top 50 of the "Greatest Pop Songs of All Time," and it also appeared on both the Rolling Stone and VH1 lists of the "Top 100 Music Videos."
What a solo debut! "GIrl's Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper: a fashion trendsetter, a message of acceptance, and, of course, a Great Song of 1983-84! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIb6AZdTr-A
Robert Hazard original version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aLNwOxPsjg
Tomorrow: Beverly Hills Hit!
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