The ’80s became a lot more unusual, and wonderful, when singer/songwriter Cyndi Lauper came on the scene. The new Paramount+ documentary, “Let the Canary Sing” explores the life and continuing legacy of one of pop music’s greatest artists.
Born Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper in 1953, Lauper grew up in a tumultuous household, finding an escape through music and fashion. Lauper surrounded herself early on with queer and transgender people, including her sister Elen, while trying to make her way as a vocalist in New York City cover bands. The documentary follows Lauper’s days as lead vocalist for the band Blue Angel, the grounding and loving force of her gay friends and Lauper’s longtime love story with manager Dave Wolff.
Fans get an intimate look inside the legendary musician’s struggles, including a harrowing year when Lauper’s four-octave range was in danger due to vocal damage in the late ‘70s and the lawsuit brought on by a former manager. The documentary’s name is inspired by the words spoken by the judge in the case: “Let the canary sing.”
From her meteoric rise, buoyed by her clever association with professional wrestling, “Let the Canary Sing” follows Lauper’s triumphs, challenges and the crushing pressure of fame.
As the AIDS crisis looms in the ‘80s, one of Lauper’s most beloved songs, “True Colors,” came out of losing her close friend Gregory Natal to AIDS. Lauper was an early and fervent supporter of the LGBTQ+ community at a time when her queer fans needed her most. Lauper’s sister Elen, actor/singer Billy Porter and ‘80s icon Boy George all appear in the documentary to share the impact Lauper had on the LGBTQ+ community and greater acceptance for queer and trans people.
Lauper’s long career has taken her on some untraditional paths.
In 2008, the longtime activist started True Colors United, a nonprofit focused on outreach, advocacy and assistance for LGBTQ+ homeless youth.
In 2012, she collaborated with gay writer Harvey Fierstein on the Broadway musical, “Kinky Boots.” “Kinky Boots” starred Billy Porter as the gender-defying drag queer Lola, who would go on to save a local shoe factory by helping pivot the business to making shoes for drag queens and trans women. Lauper won a Tony Award for Best Original Score, and the musical went on to run for six years. The musical has continued to have a long life, with tours and regional productions worldwide.
Lauper has continued making music through the years, including branching out and crossing genres, like her 2010 blues album, “Memphis Blues.”
With the release of “Let the Canary Sing,” Lauper has announced her “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour,” which will include dates in 23 cities across the U.S. and Canada.
Fans of Lauper will delight in the documentary’s behind-the-scenes footage and personal moments of a life and career well-lived.
“Let the Canary Sing” is available now on Paramount+. Fans can also pick up the soundtrack to the film on vinyl now.