(Host) Recently, commentator John Killacky, executive director of the
Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, has been reflecting upon a pop
icon’s longevity and relevance in a career that has – so far – spanned
six decades.
(Killacky) Fifty years ago an overly mascaraed
teenybopper waif was a backup singer for Phil Spector studio sessions
with boyfriend Sonny Bono. In 1965 the duo had their own number one
hit," I Got You Babe." Since then, Cher has persevered with talent and
forthrightness: living life on her terms, morphing herself unabashedly
in public, while tantalizing us with her bad boy romances, tattooed body
parts, fashion faux pas, and plastic surgeries.
Pop careers
usually last only a few years. Not so with Cher. Every time the
zeitgeist passed her by, she reinvented herself and came back stronger –
collagened lips, tri-color wigs, air brushed photos, and all. Hippie
folk rocker, television comedian, Vegas shtick, award winning actress,
and infomercial queen, she kept singing in every incarnation. She’s the
only artist to score a No. 1 single on the Billboard charts in each of
the last six decades with her story songs, pop ditties, love duets,
power ballads, and disco hits.
With Cher we were always
guaranteed spectacle: over-the-top fabulous bejeweled Bob Mackie
costumes, bugle beads for miles, Goth headpieces, sparkly fishnets, and
mink capes. And those of us who saw it, will never forget the infamous
X-rated underwear as she skipped around on a navy battleship while
singing "If I Could Turn Back Time?"
In the late 90s, the
Lazarus of pop returned once more with the techno-smash "Believe." There
should have been something ridiculous about a middle-aged superstar
playing the role of a love sick, love lost, love starved club diva.
Instead, she made herself matter to yet another new generation of music
fans, as she trip-hopped her way through this surprising delight.
"Believe" became her best selling song.
Well, pop culture’s
uber-goddess is at it again. Our priestess of glam is getting ready to
release her first new album in twelve years. The lead single is just
out. "Woman’s World" is a massive uplifting anthem, so full of resurgent
hooks I can’t get it out of my head. Verses and choruses cascade and
are synthesized together resulting in a feel good glissando of
empowerment and joy. Other enticing cuts promised on the new CD include a
divalicious duet with the mega-star of the moment Lady Gaga and two
songs written by Pink.
I’m too old to be on the dance floor much
these days, but I’m once again thrilled by Cher, emboldened by her
dogged determination. Now 66 years old, with yet another comeback hit,
she’s going on the road next year. While she probably won’t tour in
our Green Mountain State, Boston, Montreal, and New York will be close
enough for me.