155-509: Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper ( / ˈ l ɔː p ər / LAW -pər ; born June 22, 1953) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and activist. Her album She's So Unusual (1983) was the first debut album by a female artist to achieve four top-five hits on the Billboard Hot 100 —" Girls Just Want to Have Fun ", " Time After Time ", " She Bop ", and " All Through the Night "—and earned Lauper
310-655: A New York Times best selling memoir that detailed her struggle with child abuse and depression. Lauper composed music and lyrics for the Broadway musical Kinky Boots , with Harvey Fierstein writing the book. The musical was based on the 2006 independent film Kinky Boots . It opened in Chicago in October 2012 and on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on April 4, 2013. In May, she won Best Score for Kinky Boots at
465-403: A filibuster -proof majority. In reference to the unalienable rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness Obama declared in the context of the partisan battles that "[b]eing true to our founding documents does not require us to agree on every contour of life; it does not mean we will all define liberty in exactly the same way, or follow the same precise path to happiness." Obama said that
620-705: A 2020 reboot of the list. In 2019, the album was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". In 1978, Lauper met saxophone player John Turi and formed the band Blue Angel . They recorded a demo tape of original music. Steve Massarsky heard the tape and liked Lauper's voice. He bought out Blue Angel's contract for $ 5,000 and became their manager. Lauper received many offers to go solo, but rebuffed any offer that didn't include
775-539: A Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance at the 1990 Grammy Awards for "I Drove All Night", but overall album sales for A Night to Remember were down. The music video for the album's song " My First Night Without You " was one of the first to be closed-captioned for the hearing impaired. Because of a friendship with Yoko Ono , Lauper took part in the May 1990 John Lennon tribute concert in Liverpool, performing
930-625: A World Tour called the " She's So Unusual: 30th Anniversary Tour ". A part of the show, Lauper sings the entire track listing of the record in the order it appears on the CD while telling stories about the production of the record and her life at the time she recorded it. Notes Note Sales figures based on certification alone. Shipments figures based on certification alone. Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. Second inauguration of Barack Obama The second inauguration of Barack Obama as president of
1085-589: A call for children to become engaged in public service by volunteering in homeless shelters, visiting seniors, or writing letters to U.S. troops. Since 1937, the four-year term of the president and vice president have ended and begun at noon on January 20, as prescribed by the Twentieth Amendment to the United States Constitution . Because January 20, 2013, fell on a Sunday, both Obama and Biden were officially sworn in privately, and then again
1240-586: A clear message to LGBT young people from the Gulf Coast to the Rocky Mountains that this country's leaders will fight for them until equality is the law of the land," Griffin said in a release. This was however rejected by Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage , which has led campaigns against legalizing same-sex marriage. Brown said gay couples are "already treated equally under
1395-474: A collaborative work with Wyclef Jean called "Slumdog Millionaire", performing it on the Late Show with David Letterman . In January 2010, Mattel released a Cyndi Lauper Barbie doll as part of their "Ladies of the 80s" series. In March 2010, Lauper appeared on NBC 's The Celebrity Apprentice , coming in sixth place. Memphis Blues —Lauper's 7th studio album—was released on June 22, 2010, and debuted on
1550-554: A concert film for Lauper called Cyndi Lauper in Paris . The concert was broadcast on HBO . Lauper made her film debut in August 1988 in the quirky comedy Vibes , alongside Jeff Goldblum , Peter Falk , and Julian Sands . Lauper played a psychic in search of a city of gold in South America. Deborah Blum and Tony Ganz produced the film, with David Wolff as associate producer. To prepare for
1705-562: A contentious moment in national politics", Georgetown University professor Donna Brazile called it "a deeply moving and patriotic speech" and "one of the most effective usages of the founding documents' principles as a supporting narrative -- drawing us from the past to the present to the future" by "a president sharing with the nation his values most personal and vision most spiritual." Oxford University historian Timothy Stanley wrote that Obama, compared to "one of those "bring us together", delivered "a more policy specific speech that reflected
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#17328585036311860-460: A controversy over a mid-1990s sermon "in which he called on Christians to fight the 'aggressive agenda' of the gay-rights movement". The substitution of Rev. Luis Leon, pastor of Saint John's Church near the White House, was announced on January 15. Myrlie Evers-Williams , widow of civil rights activist Medgar Evers , delivered the invocation. On January 8, 2013, Richard Blanco was named
2015-431: A debut album by a female artist. The album was re-released in 2014 to commemorate its 30th anniversary, and was called She's So Unusual: A 30th Anniversary Celebration . The re-release contains demos and remixes of previously released material, as well as new artwork. In 1978, Lauper formed the band Blue Angel . The band soon signed a recording contract with Polydor Records ; however, their debut album, Blue Angel ,
2170-549: A decade later. In 2012, Slant Magazine listed it as the 22nd best album of the 1980s, calling it an "absolutely peerless collection of profound pop jewels". In 2019, the Library of Congress selected She's So Unusual for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". The 30th Anniversary of She's So Unusual occurred in 2013. To honor it and to thank her fans for its success, Lauper embarked on
2325-566: A frequent Obama critic, expressed his opinion that Obama chose not to unite the country, but to divide the American people. "This is not the approach of a leader attempting to find solutions to problems but rather the tactics of a partisan trying to pick political fights. His vision for the next four years is clear: defend a broken system, ignore the fiscal crisis, and drive future generations further into debt." Other Republicans like John McCain ("I didn't hear any conciliatory remarks") and "pundits from
2480-767: A friend of hers who had died from AIDS. "Unhook the Stars" was used in the film of the same name . Again without support from her label, the release failed in America, spending a single week on the Billboard album chart at No. 188. This album also met with much critical praise, including People magazine, which declared it "'90s nourishment for body and soul. Lauper sets a scene, makes us care, gives us hope." On January 17, 1999, Lauper appeared as an animated version of herself in The Simpsons episode " Wild Barts Can't Be Broken ", singing
2635-536: A full album; however, he would later pen a glowing reappraisal of the record, conceding that "if a kook who's loved, respected, and taken seriously by her sisters fools boys into believing she can be fooled with, more power to her." She's So Unusual was voted the eleventh-best album of the year in The Village Voice ' s annual Pazz & Jop critics' poll for 1984. Retrospectively, AllMusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine deemed She's So Unusual "one of
2790-442: A leader who has stopped splitting differences and is prepared to make choices and fight for them." According to Stewart both Obama's supporters and opponents have a clearer idea what Obama will do in his second term. Former CNN producer and correspondent Frida Ghitis complained that Obama devoted nearly all his inaugural speech to domestic issues and said that international disengagement isn't an option for America. According to Ghitis
2945-438: A little girl born into the bleakest poverty knows that she has the same chance to succeed as anybody else, because she is an American, she is free, and she is equal, not just in the eyes of God but also in our own," he declared. Obama spoke of the need to reduce America's health care costs and America's deficit , but he repudiated that America must choose between "caring for the generation that built this country and investing in
3100-456: A local New York bar, Lauper met David Wolff, who took over as her manager. With his help, Lauper signed with Portrait Records , a subsidiary of Epic Records , in the spring of 1983 and soon began recording her debut album. The front cover of She's So Unusual was photographed on Henderson Walk in Coney Island , New York in the summer of 1983 by Annie Leibovitz . Lauper is depicted wearing
3255-531: A month later in the week dated April 30, 1984. She's So Unusual entered the Australian albums chart in the week dated May 28, 1984 at no. 12. It went to peak in the top three of the albums chart. She's So Unusual and its singles earned Lauper six Grammy Award nominations, including Album of the Year and ultimately winning the awards for Best Recording Package and Best New Artist . "Girls Just Want to Have Fun"
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#17328585036313410-622: A performance of the United States national anthem, " The Star-Spangled Banner ". During the public inaugural ceremony at the United States Capitol on January 21, Associate Justice Sotomayor administered the oath to Vice President Joe Biden, and then Chief Justice Roberts administered the Presidential oath to President Barack Obama minutes after Vice President Biden received his oath. At the public inaugural ceremony, Vice President Biden
3565-569: A progression from her work in Blue Angel: "Here, boosted by a powerful, synth-based band, Lauper turns away from nouveau trash and trains her talent on some really first-rate material." Robert Christgau gave qualified praise in The Village Voice , complimenting Lauper for covering "two of the sharpest pop songs of the past five years" in "Money Changes Everything" and "When You Were Mine", while finding her " Betty Boop voice" less effective over
3720-463: A solo artist, but held out, wanting the band to be included in any deal she made. Blue Angel was eventually signed by Polydor Records and released a self-titled album on the label in 1980. Lauper hated the album cover, saying that it made her look like Big Bird , but Rolling Stone magazine later included it as one of the 100 best new wave album covers (2003). Despite critical acclaim, the album sold poorly ("It went lead", as Lauper later joked) and
3875-490: A speech "heavy on broad rhetoric and light on policy specifics" as noted by the Washington Post Obama's second inaugural speech was regarded as laying out a broad liberal or progressive agenda, supporting gay rights and climate change reform. Obama, who "largely eschewed foreign policy except to recommend engagement over war, and instead focused on addressing poverty and injustice at home", delved in broad strokes into
4030-538: A time of recent tragedy. ... an optimistic, careful piece meant to encourage, a balm." At the conclusion of his inaugural address, Obama walked back into the Capitol building, then turned for a moment to look out at the National Mall , filled with hundreds of thousands of flag-waving Americans. He said to those close to him: "I want to take a look one more time. I'm not going to see this again." Shortly afterward, he signed
4185-463: A variety of hair colors and eccentric clothing, and took a friend's advice to spell her name as "Cyndi" rather than "Cindy". Her unconventional sense of style led to classmates bullying and throwing stones at her. Lauper went to Richmond Hill High School , but was expelled although she later earned her GED . She ran away from home at 17, to escape her abusive stepfather, intending to study art. Her journey took her to Canada, where she spent two weeks in
4340-485: A vintage red prom-style dress that she purchased at the vintage clothing shop where she used to work, Screaming Mimi's. She is also seen holding a bouquet of flowers which were purchased from a vendor on the boardwalk at the time of the shoot. Lauper has heavy costume jewelry on her ears, arms, neck and her right ankle. She is barefoot, with the exception of the fishnet stockings, and her red high-heels appear to have been taken off in front of her as they lay on their sides at
4495-439: A worldwide hit, peaking at No. 4 in the U.S. and reaching the top five in eight other countries. The primary studio musicians were Eric Bazilian and Rob Hyman (of The Hooters ), Rick Chertoff , Richard Termini and Peter Wood. Lauper became popular with teenagers and critics alike, in part due to her hybrid punk image, which was crafted by stylist Patrick Lucas. Lauper co-wrote four songs on She's So Unusual , including
4650-404: A written statement that every four years on Inaugural Day America shows the world that its major political parties can disagree with civility and mutual respect. McConnell wrote that Obama's speech was a "fresh start" to address the issue of federal spending and debt: "Republicans are eager to work with the president on achieving this common goal and we firmly believe that divided government provides
4805-532: A year off from singing. She was told by doctors that she would never sing again, but regained her voice with the help of vocal coach Katie Agresta. In 1978, Lauper met saxophone player John Turi through her manager Ted Rosenblatt. Turi and Lauper formed a band named Blue Angel and recorded a demo tape of original music. Steve Massarsky , manager of The Allman Brothers Band , heard the tape and liked Lauper's voice. He bought Blue Angel's contract for $ 5,000 and became their manager. Lauper received recording offers as
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4960-399: Is how we will preserve our planet, commanded to our care by God." Obama commented on the role of government that "Progress does not compel us to settle centuries-long debates about the role of government for all time — but it does require us to act in our time." And he added while the American people never gave up their skepticism of a strong federal government, they also never believed that
5115-677: Is included in Rolling Stone 's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time , while " Time After Time " is included in VH1 's list of the 100 Best Songs of the Past 25 years. VH1 has ranked Lauper No. 58 of the 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll . Lauper is known for her distinctive image, featuring a variety of hair colors and eccentric clothing, and for her powerful and distinctive four-octave singing range. She has been celebrated for her humanitarian work, particularly as an advocate for LGBT rights in
5270-462: Is incomplete "until our wives, our mothers, and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts," and "until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law." Obama "made history", said Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin, when Obama connected the struggle of gay couple to the equal rights movement writ large. "By lifting up the lives of LGBT families for the very first time in an inaugural address, President Obama sent
5425-405: Is not complete until no citizen is forced to wait for hours to exercise the right to vote. Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country. Our journey is not complete until all our children, from
5580-406: Is now our generation's task to carry on what those pioneers began. For our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts. Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. Our journey
5735-458: Is one of the few singers to win three of the four major American entertainment awards ( EGOT ). She won the inaugural Best Female Video prize at the 1984 VMAs for " Girls Just Want to Have Fun ". This music video is recognized by MTV , VH1 and Rolling Stone as one of the greatest music videos of the era. She is featured in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 's Women Who Rock exhibit. Her debut album
5890-456: Is overseen by the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration . Military support to the 57th inauguration was coordinated by Joint Task Force National Capital Region , providing musical military units , marching bands , color guards , ushers, firing details, and salute batteries . On January 7, 2013, Louie Giglio was selected to deliver the benediction at the ceremony. Giglio at first accepted, but then withdrew in response to
6045-457: Is suggesting that what we call our earned entitlements – entitlements you pay for, like payroll taxes for Medicare and Social Security – are putting you in a 'taker' category." Ryan contended that Obama made a "switcheroo" in his speech by suggesting that Republicans have referred to beneficiaries of those programs as "takers." In reality, he said, that term refers to recipients of welfare and other non-"earned" entitlements. U.S. Senator Mike Lee ,
6200-672: Is the problem," the president reminded us that we could all fall victim to sudden misfortune. Instead of pinning blame for every social problem on the size of government, the president recognized both individual responsibility and the role of community in giving each child the opportunity to succeed." Van Jones noted both presidents invoked famous places of American history in their inaugural addresses but differed substantially in these places. While Reagan chose places of battles, Obama "tied Stonewall in with Selma and cemented his declaration that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights are civil rights." David Rothkopf, CEO and editor-at-large of
6355-443: Is this country is one of opportunity," House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said. He added that there were partisan differences over "the way we get there to help everybody. ... Hopefully, we can bridge those differences." Cantor however warned, that, if Obama follows what Cantor called a liberal agenda, then that agenda it's not designed to bring Republicans and the president together. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell stated in
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6510-491: Is willing to negotiate with its adversaries "not because we are naïve about the dangers we face, but because engagement can more durably lift suspicion and fear" was reminiscent of Kennedy's words that "civility is not a sign of weakness ... Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate." Barack Obama described the American state of affairs with references to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as
6665-454: The Billboard 200 at No. 42 and rose to its #4 peak. In 1986, Lauper appeared on the Billy Joel album The Bridge , with a song called "Code of Silence". She is credited as having written the lyrics with Joel and she sings a duet with him. In the same year, Lauper also sang the theme song for the series Pee-wee's Playhouse , credited as "Ellen Shaw". In 1987, David Wolff produced
6820-442: The Billboard 200 chart and stayed in the chart's top forty for 65 weeks. It has sold over 7 million copies in the United States and 16 million copies worldwide. This makes it Lauper's best-selling album to date and one of the best-selling albums of the 1980s . In 2003, She's So Unusual was ranked at number 494 on Rolling Stone ' s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time , and it subsequently placed at number 184 in
6975-452: The Billboard Hot 100 . " Time After Time " became her first number-one hit on the chart and experienced similar success worldwide. Lauper found success with the next two singles as well, with both " She Bop " and " All Through the Night " peaking in the top five. This makes Lauper the first female singer to have four top five singles on the Hot 100 from one album. She's So Unusual was promoted by
7130-572: The 1984 MTV Video Music Awards , among several nominations. In the year end Top 100 of 1984 in New Zealand, the single was included on the top spots. " Time After Time " was the second single released from the album, and was released in April 1984. It repeated the success of the previous single and spent two consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Lauper's first number one hit on
7285-504: The 2007–2009 recession in the United States as follows: "This generation of Americans has been tested by crises that steeled our resolve and proved our resilience. A decade of war is now ending. An economic recovery has begun. America's possibilities are limitless." Obama then added a collective call to action: "My fellow Americans, we are made for this moment, and we will seize it - so long as we seize it together." Noting that "Decisions are upon us, and we cannot afford delay" Obama stressed
7440-822: The Best New Artist award at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards in 1985. Her success continued with the soundtrack for the motion picture The Goonies (1985) and her second record True Colors (1986). This album included the number-one single " True Colors " and " Change of Heart ", which peaked at number three. Her cover of the Marvin Gaye song " What's Going On " was a moderate hit in 1987. In 1989, Lauper saw success with " I Drove All Night " and in 1993, had her first dance club hit with " That's What I Think ". Since 1983, Lauper has released eleven studio albums and participated in many other projects. In 2010, Memphis Blues became Billboard 's most successful blues album of
7595-738: The Billboard Blues Albums chart at No. 1, and at No. 26 on the Billboard Top 200. The album remained No. 1 on the Blues Albums chart for 14 consecutive weeks; Memphis Blues was nominated for Best Traditional Blues Album at the 2011 Grammy Awards . Lauper made international news in March 2011 for an impromptu performance of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" while waiting for a delayed flight at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires. A video
7750-624: The Billboard 200 chart in the week dated December 24, 1983 at no. 193. The album reached the Top 10 by the end of March 1984 in its 15th week on the chart. It achieved a peak position of no. 4 on the chart dated June 2, 1984, after having stayed on the Billboard 200 for 24 weeks up to that point. Overall, the album stayed 77 weeks on the Billboard 200. It became one of the best-selling albums of 1984. She's So Unusual has since sold over seven million copies in
7905-528: The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir . Vice President Biden took his oath from Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor . After completing his oath of office as the vice president, Biden received in his honor the first playing of four ruffles and flourishes and the march " Hail, Columbia " by members of the armed forces. This was followed by a performance of " America the Beautiful " by James Taylor . After
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#17328585036318060-517: The Declaration of Independence by telling his audience: "What makes us exceptional, what makes us America, is our allegiance to an idea articulated in a declaration made more than two centuries ago: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." Obama went on, saying " all of us are created equal " and that the shared equality of the American people guided the United States "through Seneca Falls and Selma and Stonewall"—linking
8215-512: The Fun Tour throughout 1983 and 1984. The album is primarily new wave -based, with many of the songs being influenced by synthpop and pop rock . Upon its release, the album received positive reviews from music critics, who noted Lauper's unique vocals. Lauper earned several awards and accolades for the album, including two Grammy Awards at the 27th Grammy Awards , one of which was for Best New Artist . She's So Unusual peaked at number four on
8370-812: The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies and the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee. The committee began construction of the inaugural platform on September 20, 2012. The swearing-in ceremony and the inaugural luncheon for President Obama and Vice President Biden were planned by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, a committee composed of United States Senators Charles Schumer of New York, committee chair, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Harry Reid of Nevada , and United States Representatives John Boehner of Ohio , Eric Cantor of Virginia and Nancy Pelosi of California. The committee
8525-613: The PMRC's "Filthy Fifteen". " All Through the Night " was single number four, released in September 1984. Like Lauper's previous three singles, "All Through the Night" reached the top five of the Hot 100 with a peak of number five. It was written by, and originally recorded by Jules Shear , who provided backup vocals as well. The song was a moderate international success, reaching the top ten in 6 countries, and received Gold certification in Canada . In
8680-588: The Prince song, " When You Were Mine ", released on January 31, 1985, in Canada and Japan only. It achieved little success, reaching number #62 on the Canadian Singles Chart . In a contemporary review for Rolling Stone , Kurt Loder highlighted Lauper's "wild and wonderful skyrocket of a voice", which he felt recalled the "long-gone golden age" of "pre- Beatles girl-group pop", and lauded She's So Unusual as
8835-535: The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of 2,000,000 copies. The single was a success internationally, reaching the top ten in 19 countries and number one in 10 countries, including; Australia , Canada , Ireland , Japan , New Zealand , Brazil and Norway . "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" received nominations at the 1985 Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance , and won Best Female Video at
8990-546: The Seneca Falls Convention , Selma to Montgomery marches and Stonewall riots as key moments in women's rights activism , the civil rights movement , and the LGBT rights movement in the United States together. Additional words indicated a commitment to LGBT rights: "Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law—for if we are truly created equal, then surely
9145-537: The "Kids' Inaugural: Our Children. Our Future." event at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Katy Perry , Usher , and members of the cast of Glee honored military families in concert. Other celebrity participants included Mindless Behavior , Far East Movement , and Nick Cannon , who served as emcee for the event. In keeping with the service theme of the day, Michelle Obama issued
9300-608: The 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln 's Emancipation Proclamation and the completion of the Capitol dome in 1863. This theme emphasized the perseverance and unity of the United States, reflecting the "Forward" theme employed during the closing months of Obama's reelection campaign . Inaugural events in Washington, D.C., from January 19 to 21, 2013, featured concerts, a national day of community service on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day ,
9455-530: The 2012 Obama campaign headquarters in Chicago . Proceeds from ticket sales for the staff inaugural ball, where tickets sold at $ 10.00 apiece, were used to support a memorial fund for Okrent. President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, gathered at the Washington National Cathedral on January 22, 2013, for a national day of prayer. The prayer service
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#17328585036319610-467: The 63rd annual Outer Critics Circle Awards . The musical led the 2013 Tony Awards , with 13 nominations and six wins including Best Musical and Best Actor . She won the award for Best Original Score . Lauper was the first woman to win solo in this category. After a six-year run and 2,507 regular shows, Kinky Boots ended its Broadway run on April 7, 2019. It is the 25th-longest-running Broadway musical in history. It grossed $ 297 million on Broadway. In
9765-770: The Beatles song "Hey Bulldog", and the John Lennon song "Working Class Hero". She also took part in Ono and Lennon's son Sean 's project called "The Peace Choir", performing a new version of Lennon's " Give Peace a Chance ". On November 24, 1991, Lauper married actor David Thornton . Lauper's fourth album Hat Full of Stars was released in June 1993 and was met with critical acclaim, but failed commercially, unsupported by her label. The album, which tackled such topics as homophobia , spousal abuse , racism, and abortion sold fewer than 120,000 copies in
9920-713: The Brink was released in the United States on May 27, 2008. Other projects for 2008 included the True Colors Tour and a Christmas duet with Swedish band The Hives , entitled " A Christmas Duel ". The song was released as a CD single and a 7" vinyl in Sweden. Lauper also performed on the "Girls Night Out", headlining it with Rosie O'Donnell in the US. In 2009, Lauper guest starred on her first of five episodes of Bones on FOX , as psychic Avalon Harmonia. On November 17, 2009, Lauper performed
10075-720: The Capitol's National Statuary Hall . There was some controversy regarding the choice of water for the luncheon, as Senator Schumer's endorsement of the Saratoga Spring Water Co. providing sparkling water for the event was met with criticism from the President of DC Water , George S. Hawkins , as well as from conservation activists Adam Macon and Kirstin Urquiza. Ultimately, these objections were taken into account, with Schumer later informing Hawkins that still water, if requested by guests, would be sourced from DC Water. Following
10230-460: The Capitol's guest book. Then, in the President's Room of the U.S. Capitol, with the bipartisan congressional leadership looking on, Obama signed documents submitting the nominations of his nominees for several Cabinet posts, the secretaries of State, Defense and Treasury and the head of the CIA. During the subsequent luncheon, Obama dined on bison and lobster with select members of Congress and guests in
10385-610: The Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, for example, called the speech "the strongest embrace of 20th-century liberalism since Lyndon Johnson and the Great Society . And Brian Balogh, a professor of history at the University of Virginia 's Miller Center, added that Obama's second inaugural address mattered in comparison to previous second inaugural speeches "because future historians will mark it as
10540-510: The D.C. establishment" also complained about Obama's speech. The Washington Post 's Dana Milbank, for example, wrote that Obama's address "was less an inaugural address for the ages than a leftover campaign speech combined with an early draft of the State of the Union address." While Professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University Julian Zelizer called the speech a "powerful oration for
10695-550: The FP Group (publishers of Foreign Policy magazine), wrote that Obama rightly demanded equal rights for gays and equal pay for women. According to Rothkopf Obama's words sketched an America better than what the Founding Fathers of the United States imagined. Rothkopf wrote: "The great beauty of the speech was not in any particular phrase, but in that the man in question and the country he leads were in so many ways far beyond what
10850-427: The Grammy Pre-Telecast at the Nokia Theatre, L.A. on Jan 26, where she later accepted a Grammy for Kinky Boots (Best Musical Theater Album). She%27s So Unusual She's So Unusual is the debut studio album by American singer and songwriter Cyndi Lauper , released on October 14, 1983, by Portrait Records . It stands out for its commercial success, achieving four top-five singles—a pioneering achievement for
11005-463: The Hooters in the VH1 Classics special Decades Rock Live! In 2006, she sang " Message to Michael " with Dionne Warwick and "Beecharmer" with Nellie McKay on McKay's Pretty Little Head album. On October 16, 2006, Lauper was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame . In 2007, she served as a guest performer on the song "Lady in Pink" on an episode of the Nick Jr. show The Backyardigans . Lauper's tenth studio album, Bring Ya to
11160-480: The Hot 100 and eventually spending a total of 20 weeks on the chart and receiving Gold certification from the RIAA for 1,000,000 copies sold. Like the previous single, "Time After Time" was an international success and reached the top ten in 15 countries. The song received a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year . In the year end Top 100 of 1984 in New Zealand, the single was included on the top spots. The third single from
11315-636: The Inaugural Ball, an invitation-only public gala held as a unified celebration for all Americans. Both inaugural balls were held on January 21 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Jennifer Hudson serenaded the Obamas as they danced to Al Green 's " Let's Stay Together " during both the Commander-in-Chief's Ball and the Inaugural Ball. Other performers who were scheduled to perform at
11470-464: The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, acted as the day's Master of Ceremonies . Courtney Williams, Senior Chief Musician and concert moderator for the U.S. Navy Concert Band , served as the platform announcer. Myrlie Evers-Williams , the widow of slain civil-rights leader Medgar Evers , delivered the invocation , followed by a performance of " The Battle Hymn of the Republic " by
11625-626: The National Anthem to the melody of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun". That same year, Lauper opened for Cher 's Do You Believe? Tour alongside Wild Orchid . She also appeared in the films Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle and The Opportunists . She contributed to the soundtrack of the 2000 animated film, Rugrats in Paris: The Movie , performing the song "I Want a Mom That Will Last Forever". On October 12, 2000, Lauper took part in
11780-721: The Save the Music Foundation. She released her ninth studio album The Body Acoustic and made appearances on Showtime 's hit show Queer as Folk in 2005, directed a commercial for Totally 80s edition of the board game Trivial Pursuit in 2006, served as a judge on the 6th Annual Independent Music Awards and made her Broadway debut in the Tony-nominated The Threepenny Opera as Jenny. She performed with Shaggy , Scott Weiland of Velvet Revolver and Stone Temple Pilots, Pat Monahan of Train, Ani DiFranco , and
11935-682: The United States was the 57th inauguration, marking the commencement of his second and final term, with Joe Biden as vice president . A private swearing-in ceremony took place on Sunday, January 20, 2013, in the Blue Room of the White House , followed by a public inauguration ceremony on Monday, January 21, 2013, at the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. The inauguration theme, "Faith in America's Future," commemorated
12090-406: The United States "must be a source of hope for the poor, the sick, the marginalized, the victims of prejudice ..." and stand for "human dignity and justice." Barack Obama also challenged those who favor aggressive use of the powerful U.S. military, calling them to remember the policies of presidents past. "We are also heirs to those who won the peace and not just the war, who turned sworn enemies into
12245-515: The United States . Her charitable efforts were acknowledged in 2013 when she was invited as a special guest to attend President Barack Obama's second inauguration . Lauper was born in Brooklyn , New York City, to a Catholic family. Her father, Fred, was of Swiss-German descent, and a descendant of Christen Lauper, a leader of the Swiss peasant war of 1653 . Her mother, Catrine ( née Gallo ; 1930–2022),
12400-563: The United States and peaked at No. 112 on the Billboard charts. The video for the album's song " Sally's Pigeons " features the then-unknown Julia Stiles as the young Cyndi. In 1993, Lauper returned to acting, playing Michael J. Fox 's ditzy secretary in Life with Mikey . She also won an Emmy Award for her role as Marianne Lugasso in the sitcom Mad About You . On November 19, 1997, aged 44, Lauper gave birth to her son, Declyn Wallace Lauper Thornton. Her fifth album, Sisters of Avalon ,
12555-527: The United States past and its future as he called on ordinary Americans to "shape the debates of our time." Rejecting the belief that in America "freedom is reserved for the lucky, or happiness for the few" and arguing that "preserving our individual freedoms ultimately requires collective action" Obama said "now decisions are upon us, and we cannot afford delay. We cannot mistake absolutism for principle or substitute spectacle for politics or treat name-calling as reasoned debate. We must act." Barack Obama used
12710-423: The United States, where it was certified seven times platinum by the RIAA. At least until 1986, the album was the second best-selling album in Canada by a female artist during the decade, behind Whitney Houston 's self-titled debut album , selling more than 900,000 copies. In Japan, the album debuted at no. 14 on the albums chart in the week dated March 26, 1984. It reached its peak position of no. 5 just over
12865-474: The Vice President on the same date at Number One Observatory Circle , the official residence of the vice president. While reciting his oath, Biden's hand rested upon a Bible that had been in his family since 1893 and which he had used in every swearing-in ceremony since entering the U.S. Senate in 1973. Obama used a Bible owned by the family of First Lady Michelle Obama when he took his oath of office. This
13020-658: The Year (for "Time After Time"). She wore almost a pound of necklaces at her award ceremony. It also won the Grammy for Best Album Package , which went to the art director, Janet Perr . The video for "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" won the inaugural award for Best Female Video at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards, and made Lauper an MTV staple. The video featured professional wrestling manager "Captain" Lou Albano as Lauper's father, and her real-life mother, Catrine, as her mother, and also featured her attorney, her manager, her brother Butch, and her dog Sparkle. In 1984–85, Lauper appeared on
13175-413: The aides and campaign staff for their work, telling the group that "'it makes [him] know that America's future is in good hands' ... 'as long as all of you understand the immense and incredible power that you possess when you work together, when you join voices.'" During the staff inaugural ball, President Obama also paid tribute to Alex Okrent, a 29-year-old campaign staffer who died after collapsing at
13330-440: The album was " She Bop ", released on July 2, 1984. This single reached number three on the Hot 100, becoming her third consecutive top five hit, and spent a total of 18 weeks on the chart. With sales of over 1,000,000 copies, the song was certified Gold by the RIAA. The single proved to be another international success for Lauper, reaching the top ten in 8 countries. "She Bop" was controversial upon release and placed at number 15 on
13485-526: The aspirations Obama "expressed for America are the ones he should express for our tumultuous planet." She expressed her hopes that Obama "can remember America's leadership position and devote more attention to those around the world who see it as a source of inspiration and encouragement." After neglecting to mention a single foreign country by name during his address, The Economist concluded that Obama's "second term will have little emphasis on foreign affairs." Gergen noticed that Obama stressed equality in
13640-556: The assurance the country will continue to change for the better." Senior political columnist for Newsweek and The Daily Beast John Avlon lauded Obama for "an audacious speech to the extent that Obama sought to reclaim politicized concepts like American exceptionalism from their conservative contexts, making the case that the combination of diversity and opportunity makes the American Dream possible for each new generation." But Avlon also criticed Obama writing that "the scope of
13795-458: The band broke up. The members of Blue Angel had a falling-out with Massarsky and fired him as their manager. He later filed an $ 80,000 suit against them, which forced Lauper into bankruptcy. After this Lauper temporarily lost her voice due to an inverted cyst in her vocal cord. After Blue Angel broke up, Lauper spent time, due to her financial problems, working in retail stores, waitressing at IHOP (which she quit after being demoted to hostess when
13950-448: The bottom of the photo. The cover shot was captured in front of the wax museum , The World In Wax Musee. It can be seen behind Lauper that the museum had been closed for some time and at the time of closure was featuring a wax statue of Puerto Rican baseball great Roberto Clemente . The wooden awning above the doorway with the two blue panels read the name of the museum. The first panel read "The World" and second panel read "In Wax". This
14105-751: The cast recording . In 2016, the West End production won Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards . Lauper has sold over 50 million records worldwide. She has won awards at the Grammys , Emmys , Tonys , the New York's Outer Critics Circle, MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), Billboard Awards , and American Music Awards (AMAs). An inductee into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame , Lauper
14260-506: The committee were former presidents Jimmy Carter , George H. W. Bush , Bill Clinton , and George W. Bush , along with Ambassador Matthew Barzun , Eva Longoria , Jane Stetson and Frank White. Other positions were held by Jim Messina , who oversaw the Inaugural parade, Stephanie Cutter , Jen O'Malley Dillon , Julianna Smoot , Rufus Gifford and Patrick Gaspard . On the evening of January 19, 2013, Michelle Obama and Jill Biden hosted
14415-502: The country's civil war experience and its slavery history with allusions to phrases used by Abraham Lincoln: "Through blood drawn by lash and blood drawn by sword, we learned that no union founded on the principles of liberty and equality could survive half-slave and half-free ." This was an allusion to "until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword" from Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration address . The inaugural address of John F. Kennedy
14570-428: The court treats with special consideration : women and racial minorities. President Obama also spoke firmly about climate change , immigration reform , and gun control , and argued that they represented important issues for this generation to solve. Noting that "none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires and crippling drought and more powerful storms" Obama stated that his administration "will respond to
14725-494: The covers of Rolling Stone magazine, Time , and Newsweek . She appeared twice on the cover of People , and was named a Ms. magazine Woman of the Year in 1985. In 1985, Lauper participated in USA for Africa 's famine-relief fund-raising single " We Are the World ", which sold more than 20 million copies since then. Lauper appeared with professional wrestler Hulk Hogan , who
14880-405: The crowds as the president of the United States at 11:53 AM Eastern Time, which was 2,137 words long and took 18.5 minutes to deliver. This was followed by a performance by vocalist Kelly Clarkson , who sang " My Country, 'Tis of Thee ". Poet Richard Blanco then delivered the inaugural poem, followed by Rev. Luis Leon, who delivered the benediction. Vocalist Beyoncé concluded the ceremony with
15035-463: The difficult, partisan reality of 2013." Obama's moral commitment to gay rights - expressed in the words "for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well" was "controversial but admirably courageous." For Maria Cardona, a former senior adviser to Hillary Clinton , "Obama's message is still one of hope and change. ... He gave his supporters hope he will continue to fight for them. He gave all Americans
15190-426: The early 1970s, Lauper performed as a vocalist with various cover bands . One, called Doc West, covered disco songs as well as Janis Joplin . A later band, Flyer, was active in the New York metropolitan area, singing hits by bands including Bad Company , Jefferson Airplane and Led Zeppelin . Although Lauper was performing on stage, she was not happy singing covers . In 1977, Lauper damaged her vocal cords and took
15345-401: The end of wars, and stated that "no one has a greater stake in a peaceful world than its most powerful nation". During the speech, Obama linked the Seneca Falls Convention , Selma to Montgomery marches and Stonewall riots . Approximately one million people attended the inauguration, and millions more watched from around the world. The inauguration was planned primarily by two committees:
15500-401: The familiar, both musically and visually", helping to "usher in an electronic era for popular rock" and envisioning "a world where women danced through New York in ruffle skirts and combat boots , partied with a sense of purpose, and were just as powerful at their most vulnerable as their most ferocious." The album has sold over 16 million copies worldwide. She's So Unusual debuted on
15655-443: The first female artist to have four consecutive Billboard Hot 100 top five hits from one album. The LP stayed in the Top 200 charts for more than 65 weeks, and since has sold 16 million copies worldwide. Cyndi won Best New Artist at the 1985 Grammy Awards . She's So Unusual also received nominations for Album of the Year , Record of the Year , Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (for "Girls Just Want to Have Fun"), and Song of
15810-409: The following day in a public ceremony. This was the fifth time, since the start of Rutherford B. Hayes 's term in office, in 1877, that the oath of office was officially administered in a Sunday private ceremony. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office to the President on January 20 in the Blue Room at the White House. Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor administered the oath to
15965-499: The generation that will build its future." "The commitments we make to each other — through Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security — these things do not sap our initiative; they strengthen us," Obama said. "They do not make us a nation of takers; they free us to take the risks that make this country great." While praising U.S. Armed Forces members for their bravery and strength, Obama asserted that "enduring security and lasting peace do not require perpetual war." This statement
16120-557: The government can fix all ills. In order to prepare America for a rapidly changing world he stressed the need for the political leaders of America to act in common cause. The president argued that "now decisions are upon us and we cannot afford delay." Obama also made what appeared to be an oblique reference to the partisan battles between himself, the Republican-controlled House and the Senate — where Democrats had control but not
16275-500: The great new wave /early MTV records" and "a giddy mix of self-confidence, effervescent popcraft, unabashed sentimentality, subversiveness, and clever humor", concluding that "if Lauper couldn't maintain this level of consistency, it's because this captured her persona better than anyone could imagine". Slant Magazine ' s Sal Cinquemani called it "a pop classic" with a "rare balance of camp and candor that set Lauper apart from her contemporaries and continues to retain her place in
16430-477: The hits "Time After Time" and "She Bop". On the songs she did not write, Lauper sometimes changed the lyrics. Such is the case with " Girls Just Want to Have Fun ". Lauper found the original lyrics to be misogynistic, so she rewrote the song as an anthem for young women. The album includes five cover songs, including The Brains ' new wave track " Money Changes Everything " (No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100) and Prince 's " When You Were Mine ". The album made Lauper
16585-509: The inaugural balls included Usher , Alicia Keys , Black Violin , Brad Paisley , Far East Movement , Fun , members of the Glee cast, John Legend , Maná , Smokey Robinson , Soundgarden , and Stevie Wonder . On January 22, a private staff-only inaugural ball was held for White House aides and administration staff, Obama for America campaign staff, and the Inaugural Committee staff,
16740-458: The inaugural poet for Barack Obama 's second inauguration, the fifth person to play that role. He was the first immigrant, first Latino, first gay person, and at the time, the youngest to be inaugural poet. The 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee organized several other inauguration-related events at the direction of the President and Vice President of the United States, such as the concerts, parade, balls and prayer service. The co-chairs of
16895-510: The kind of robust defense of government's role in the nation's life that has seldom been heard from Democratic politicians after President Bill Clinton declared in 1996 that 'the era of big government is over.'" Republican congressional leaders had a muted, bipartisan response to Obama's second inaugural address and expressed their hope for cooperation between their party and Obama. "There are plenty of areas of disagreement but there are also some things that, fundamentally, we agree on -- and that
17050-439: The law." "They have the same civil rights as anyone else; they have the right to live as they wish and love whom they choose," he said in a release. "What they don't have is the right to redefine marriage for all of society." Obama's second inaugural speech was regarded as laying out a broad liberal or progressive agenda, supporting gay rights and climate change reform. David Gergen , professor of public service and director of
17205-517: The love we commit to one another must be equal as well." These words made Obama the first president to use the word gay as a reference to sexual orientation in an inaugural address. Some analysts interpreted his statement as a reaffirmation of President Obama's previously stated support for same-sex marriage . Others noted that all nine justices of the Supreme Court were seated nearby when Obama linked gay and lesbian rights to two other groups whom
17360-430: The luncheon, Obama returned to the White House in the inaugural parade. The inaugural parade route ran along Pennsylvania Avenue , N.W. from the U.S. Capitol, ending at the north face of the White House. During most of the parade, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama traveled in the armored limousine . The President and First Lady exited their limousine, walking on Pennsylvania Avenue for portions of
17515-526: The manager sexually harassed her), and singing in local clubs. Her most frequent gigs were at El Sombrero. Music critics who saw Lauper perform with Blue Angel believed she had star potential due to her four-octave singing range. In 1981, while singing in a local New York bar, Lauper met David Wolff, who took over as her manager and had her sign a recording contract with Portrait Records , a subsidiary of Epic Records . On October 14, 1983, Lauper released her first solo album, She's So Unusual . The album became
17670-540: The moment that Obama explained why he is a progressive. The programs that Obama called for were characteristically liberal: reaffirming the social safety net, equal pay for women, etc. Nothing new here -- just the Obama classic. What differed this time, and what this moment was made for (to twist the president's own words) was articulating the progressive rationale for these programmatic ends. "Preserving our individual freedoms ultimately requires collective action," Obama proudly told
17825-543: The nation." The Washington Post' s Zachary A. Goldfarb, who covers economic policy and the White House for the Post, rejected the notion that Obama's speech was liberal. He wrote: "Obama did not advance a liberal agenda. A consequential one, certainly, but one that reflects centrist views or center-left ones at most. The agenda seems liberal only when judged against the liberal-conservative divide we're used to in Washington. ... Obama's inaugural speech sounded liberal because he offered
17980-633: The need of shielding the weak, the poor and those lacking health care and demanded equality for all races and gay rights, and security from gun crime for children . In the Washington Post , Chris Cillizza stated in this context that Obama's overall inaugural message was "That we are all in this together and that we will ultimately be judged by how we treat the lowest among us." Cillizza pointed to five sentences of Obama's speech which contained not only Obama's agenda for his second term but also "outlined what he wanted his second term to be—and to mean": It
18135-412: The one recited by others who serve in this Capitol, was an oath to God and country, not party or faction — and we must faithfully execute that pledge during the duration of our service." The president also addressed the issue of wealth inequality in the United States noting that America "cannot succeed when a shrinking few do very well, and a growing many barely make it." "We are true to our creed when
18290-433: The opening words of the U.S. Constitution 's preamble, " We, the people ", to suggest how to reconcile America's founding truths and the current discord and dysfunction of its embittered political system. He also referenced America's Declaration of Independence stating that our inalienable rights, such as Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness , may be self-evident, but never have been self-executing. Obama again invoked
18445-461: The parade. Vice President Biden, and his wife Jill, also walked the parade route. In a departure from the number of evening balls for the first Obama inauguration, only two official inaugural balls were held to on January 21 celebrate the second inauguration. President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama attended the Commander-In-Chief's Ball held for members of the U.S. military and attended
18600-521: The perfect opportunity to do so. Together, there is much we can achieve." He also praised Obama's speech as "a really good speech. People can criticize President Obama about a lot of things. But not his ability to communicate. I think he communicated to the American people a message of hope, a message of action and I liked it very much." Other Republicans were critical of Obama. House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan said Obama mischaracterized Republicans' position on federal entitlement programs. "No one
18755-470: The performance of "America the Beautiful", Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office to President Obama. After he had completed the oath of office as the president, Obama received in his honor the 21-gun salute and the first playing of four ruffles and flourishes and the march " Hail to the Chief " by members of the armed forces. Following the salute, Obama delivered his inaugural address to
18910-501: The politically gridlocked capital — and, implicitly, the Republicans who have fought his ideas during the 2012 U.S. presidential election — was moving too slowly at a critical moment. "We cannot mistake absolutism for principle, or substitute spectacle for politics, or treat name-calling as reasoned debate," Obama said. "We must act, knowing that our work will be imperfect." Obama added that "the oath I have sworn before you today, like
19065-510: The pop pantheon." In Classic Pop , John Earls praised the album as a testament to Lauper's "will, exuberance and vocal control" and versatility "across synth-pop , rock and power ballads ", while Terry Staunton wrote in Record Collector that Lauper's "cartoon-like kooky personality was underpinned by a formidable songwriting talent." Arielle Gordon of Pitchfork said that with She's So Unusual , "Lauper shoehorned rebellion into
19220-687: The prayer service included religious leaders from the National African American Clergy Network, Islamic Society of North America, in addition to the Metropolitan Community Churches that served as a spiritual refuge and place of worship for gay Christians. The loudest response from the audience at the National Mall coincided with Obama's remarks supporting equal pay for women and equal treatment for LGBT people , when he stated that America's journey to equality
19375-513: The rest of the band. Blue Angel was eventually signed by Polydor Records and released a self-titled album on the label in 1980. Despite some positive critical attention, the album was a commercial failure. The members of Blue Angel also had a falling-out with Massarsky and fired him as their manager. He later filed an $ 80,000 suit against them, which forced Lauper into bankruptcy. After Blue Angel broke up, Lauper spent time working in retail stores and singing in local clubs. In 1981, while singing in
19530-624: The role, Lauper took a few classes in finger waving and hair setting at the Robert Fiancé School of Beauty in New York, and studied with a few Manhattan psychics. The film flopped and was poorly received by critics, but would later be considered a cult classic. Lauper contributed a track called " Hole in My Heart (All the Way to China) " for the Vibes soundtrack, but the song was not included. A music video
19685-568: The single " The Goonies 'R' Good Enough ," from the soundtrack to the film The Goonies , and an accompanying video which featured several wrestling stars. The song reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Lauper received a nomination at the 1986 Grammy Awards : Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for "What a Thrill," another in the same category the following year (for the album track "911") and yet another in 1988, Best Long Form Music Video for Cyndi Lauper in Paris . Lauper released her second album, True Colors in 1986. It entered
19840-479: The speech was sprawling and dotted with policy references more suited to a State of the Union address. It was not tightly framed or focused on a single concept, nor was there a single clear phrase that summed up the speech, at least at first listen." President Jimmy Carter former deputy chief speechwriter Gordon Stewart wrote that Obama's "magnificent" second inaugural address was far better than his first inaugural address . Stewart lauded that Obama for emerging "as
19995-419: The streets of Detroit to the hills of Appalachia, to the quiet lanes of Newtown, know that they are cared for and cherished and always safe from harm. Richard Blanco read a poem he wrote for the occasion, One Today . One critic called it "a rare break from the staid custom of ceremony that the rest of the afternoon brought" and another described it as "art meant to orient, to reconfirm collective identity in
20150-478: The summer of 2013, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of her debut album She's So Unusual , Lauper embarked on an international tour covering America and Australia. The show consisted of a mix of fan favorites and the entirety of the She's So Unusual record. She was a guest on 36 dates of Cher 's Dressed to Kill Tour , starting April 23, 2014. A new album was confirmed by Lauper on a website interview. Lauper hosted
20305-506: The surest of friends, and we must carry those lessons into this time as well," said Obama. Obama vowed America "will remain the anchor of strong alliances" and it will support democracy around the world. The inaugural address made at several points references to famous speeches of America's former leaders. Barack Obama referenced Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech by noting that "we cannot walk alone." Obama also made several references to past presidential inaugurations. He referenced
20460-623: The swearing-in ceremony, a luncheon and parade, inaugural balls , and an interfaith inaugural prayer service . Chief Justice of the United States John G. Roberts administered the presidential oath to Obama during the swearing-in ceremonies on January 20 and 21, 2013. In his second inauguration address, Obama proclaimed that "while freedom is a gift from God, it must be secured by His people here on Earth". He called for laws to combat climate change , enactment of immigration reform and gun control . Obama stated that more progress
20615-531: The television show Women in Rock, Girls with Guitars performing with Ann Wilson of Heart and with the girl group , Destiny's Child . A CD of the songs performed was released exclusively to Sears stores from September 30 to October 31, 2001, and was marketed as a fundraiser for breast cancer. In 2002, Sony issued a best-of CD, The Essential Cyndi Lauper . Lauper also released a cover album with Sony/ Epic Records entitled At Last (formerly Naked City ), which
20770-438: The threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations." He also argued that America must lead in this area: "The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. But America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it. We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries — we must claim its promise." "That
20925-550: The tradition of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and Martin Luther King's " I Have a Dream ". According to Gergen the speech Obama's was "firmest attempt to build upon Lincoln and King - and in effect, his address made him their modern heir." President Obama's green jobs adviser in 2009, Van Jones, called Obama's speech "offered the best rebuttal to date" since "President Ronald Reagan launched an era of anti-government politics with his first inaugural address .". Comparing Reagan and Obama, Van Jones wrote: "Instead of "government
21080-421: The woods with her dog Sparkle, trying to find herself. She eventually traveled to Vermont , where she took art classes at Johnson State College and supported herself working odd jobs. In 2019, Lauper gave the commencement address at Northern Vermont University – Johnson , the academic institution that now includes Johnson State. At this event, NVU bestowed upon her a honorary degree of Doctor of Letters . In
21235-507: The year end Top 100 of 1985 in New Zealand, the single was included on the list. Single number five was " Money Changes Everything ", released in December 1984. It was a moderate success and reached number #27 on the Hot 100, Lauper's first single to not reach the top ten. It also did moderately well in Australia, reaching #19 on its chart. The sixth and final single from the album was a cover of
21390-590: The year, remaining at number one on the Billboard Blues Albums chart for 13 consecutive weeks. In 2013, she won the Tony Award for best original score for composing the Broadway musical Kinky Boots , making her the first woman to win the category by herself. The musical was awarded five other Tonys including Tony Award for Best New Musical. In 2014, Lauper was awarded the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for
21545-438: Was a commercial failure. The band parted ways after firing their manager, who sued Lauper for $ 80,000 and forced her into bankruptcy. Lauper went on to sing in many New York night clubs, and caught the eye of David Wolff, who became her manager and subsequently got her signed to Portrait Records . Six singles were released from the album, with " Girls Just Want to Have Fun " becoming a worldwide hit and her first song to chart on
21700-457: Was airbrushed out of the photograph. The cover won Janet Perr the Grammy Award for Best Recording Package in 1985. The lead single from the album was " Girls Just Want to Have Fun ", released on September 6, 1983. This single achieved massive success in the United States with its music video playing in heavy rotation on several stations, and eventually peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 . It received Platinum certification from
21855-408: Was also referenced. Obama's "this generation of Americans has been tested by crises that steeled our resolve and proved our resilience" and later description of "brave men and women in uniform, tempered by the flames of battle" was an allusion to Kennedy's line of a "new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace." Obama's assertion that America
22010-419: Was attended by dignitaries and guests of diverse faiths for a day of prayers, readings, and musical performances. As in the case of the prayer service for the 2009 inauguration, the theme of the interfaith worship service reflected inclusiveness and religious diversity, ranging from a mix of Protestant pastors, female Rabbi, Hindu, and Muslim religious leaders to Catholic and Episcopal bishops. Featured speakers at
22165-480: Was cast as her "bodyguard" and would also later make many appearances as herself in a number of the World Wrestling Federation 's " Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection " events, and played Wendi Richter 's manager in the inaugural WrestleMania event . Dave Wolff, Lauper's boyfriend and manager at the time, was a wrestling fan as a boy, and engineered the rock and wrestling connection. In 1985, Lauper released
22320-536: Was held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, a tradition started by the President and First Lady during the 2009 inauguration to express thanks for the work of the staff. Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett provided entertainment for the group. President Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama led the group in the chant, "fired up, ready to go" that was carried over from the 2008 and 2012 election campaigns. President Obama expressed gratitude and honored
22475-568: Was later posted on YouTube. In November 2011, she released two Christmas singles exclusive to iTunes . The first release was a Blues-inspired cover of Elvis Presley 's classic " Blue Christmas ", and the second was a new version of " Home for the holidays ", a duet with Norah Jones . In June 2012, Lauper made her first appearance for WWE in 27 years, to promote WWE Raw 's 1000th episode to memorialize "Captain" Lou Albano . In September 2012, Lauper performed at fashion designer Betsey Johnson 's 40 year Retrospective Fashion show. She also released
22630-422: Was made in the foreign policy section of his inaugural address in which Obama promised diplomacy of engagement backed with military steel, but he did not dwell on specific crises like Iran . "We will show the courage to try and resolve our differences with other nations peacefully - not because we are naive about the dangers we face, but because engagement can more durably lift suspicion and fear." He also declared
22785-406: Was needed on human rights and civil rights (including racial minority rights , women's rights , and LGBT rights ). He vowed to promote democracy abroad and stated that the United States must "be a source of hope to the poor, the sick, the marginalized, the victims of prejudice" around the world. Additionally, the president vowed to keep existing alliances strong, emphasized the economic recovery and
22940-417: Was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance , and "Time After Time" was nominated for Song of the Year . Lauper earned ten MTV Video Music Award nominations. "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" received six nominations including Video of the Year , and won for Best Female Video . "Time After Time" received three nominations and "She Bop" received one nomination. She's So Unusual
23095-529: Was of Italian ( Sicilian ) descent. Lauper's siblings are her younger brother Fred (nicknamed Butch), and older sister Ellen. Lauper's parents divorced when she was five. Her mother remarried and divorced again. Lauper grew up in the Ozone Park neighborhood of Queens and, as a child, listened to such artists as The Beatles and Judy Garland . At age 12, she began writing songs and playing an acoustic guitar given to her by her sister. Lauper expressed herself with
23250-655: Was only the third time in history that a vice president was sworn in outside of the Capitol grounds, after William King 's in Matanzas , Cuba in 1853, and Harry Truman at the White House in 1945. The public inaugural ceremony took place at the West Front of the United States Capitol on January 21, 2013. The ceremony opened with the playing of pre‑recorded music and a live performance of the Fifth-grade chorus from Public School 22 , followed by "The President's Own" United States Marine Band . Senator Charles Schumer , chair of
23405-400: Was ranked at number 494 on Rolling Stone ' s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time in 2003, rising to number 487 in a 2012 update of the list, then to number 184 in a 2020 update. Rolling Stone also placed She's So Unusual at number 41 on its 2002 list of 50 essential albums by women in rock, and the record retained the placement on a similar list published by the magazine
23560-426: Was released in 2003. At Last received one nomination at the 2005 Grammy Awards : Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) , for " Unchained Melody ". The effort was also a commercial hit, selling 4.5 million records In April 2004, Lauper performed during the VH1 's benefit concert Divas Live 2004 alongside Ashanti , Gladys Knight , Jessica Simpson , Joss Stone and Patti LaBelle , in support of
23715-548: Was released in Japan in 1996, and elsewhere in 1997. The album was written and produced with the help of Jan Pulsford (Lauper's keyboard player) and producer Mark Saunders. As in Hat Full of Stars , some of the songs in Sisters of Avalon addressed dark themes. The song " Ballad of Cleo and Joe " addressed the complications of a drag queen 's double life. The song "Say a Prayer" was written for
23870-486: Was released, a high energy, comic action/adventure romp through a Chinese laundry. The song reached No. 54 on the US charts, but fared better in Australia, reaching No. 8. A Night to Remember – Lauper's third album – was released in the spring of 1989. The album had one hit, the No. 6 single " I Drove All Night ", originally recorded by Roy Orbison , three years before his death on December 6, 1988. Lauper received
24025-582: Was sworn in using the Biden family Bible, while President Obama was sworn in using two Bibles owned by Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. President Obama became the 17th U.S. president to be re-elected for a second term of office. After Barack Obama had recited the oath of office, he delivered his inaugural address. The inaugural address was 2,137 words long and President Obama took 18.5 minutes to deliver it between 11:53 a.m. and 12:12 p.m. In
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