Cyndi Lauper Rocks "Early Show" Stage
Cyndi Lauper took the stage by storm Friday morning on "The Early Show" as part of the "Early Summer Concert Series." Lauper's audiences sang along and swayed with her high energy performance as she high-fived the crowd and pointed the microphone at their direction.
Last month on her birthday, Lauper released her 11th album, titled "Memphis Blues," transitioning away from her pop roots into a deeper, more soulful sound.
"This is the album I've wanted to make for years," says Lauper. "All of these beautiful songs, and all of the great players on the album, were carefully chosen because I've admired them my entire life."
Lauper says her inspiration for making this new album was the American people, and the pain that many of them are experiencing during this time period.
"America is singing the blues right now," Lauper said. "I think as a musician and artist you need to stand in the spot that you are in and describe your surroundings and describe the times you live in. It's a snapshot, and I think art needs to be a snapshot of the world you live in."
Lauper has sold over 30 million albums during her long standing career. She has earned 13 Grammy nominations, two Emmys, two American Music Awards, and 18 MTV Video Music Awards.
"Memphis Blues" is continuing its run as the top blues album on the Billboard Charts since its debut.
Aside from her booming career, Lauper is also a wife and a mother. She and her husband, David Thornton, have been married since 1991, and have a son named Declyn. Lauper is a true hockey mom, making an effort to attend all of Declyn's games, sometimes even cancelling out certain concert dates.
Lauper also has many charities and side projects to keep her busy. She recently joined Lady Gaga as co-ambassador of the 2010 MAC Viva Glam Campaign, supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Lauper also launched the "We Give a Damn" organization fighting for GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender) rights. Her campaign features other celebrities like Whoopie Goldberg, Elton John and Anna Paquin who join her in the fight.
You can also look forward to a new reality show Lauper is currently developing with Mark Burnett, which will be based around her wacky life in New York. Her life is also being captured in literary form through an autobiography, which will be published by Simon & Schuster.
Lauper currently resides in Manhattan with her husband, son, and yellow lab Cleo. She has already sold out the first leg of her current tour, but whenever she has a night off, she enjoys nights out dancing with friends - because, after all, girls just want to have fun.
Editor's note: Simon & Schuster, Inc. has the same parent company as CBSNews.com, the CBS Corporation.