Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper started her recording career in 1980 as the singer for retro-'50s group Blue Angel. In 1983, her first solo album SHE'S SO UNUSUAL made the big-voiced New Yorker a superstar. Her impressive pipes and colourful image should have shot her into the same stratosphere as Madonna, but despite a handful of huge hits, Lauper's career didn't maintain its initial momentum. She continued to release estimable recordings (including a 2003 album showing her knack for standards) and also pursued an acting career, with fine performances in VIBES, THE OPPORTUNISTS, and other films.

• pop