Cher [Cherilyn Sarkisian]

Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, is an iconic American singer, actress, and television personality. She first gained fame in the 1960s as part of the duo Sonny & Cher, which blended pop and folk-rock genres. Their hit "I Got You Babe" (1965) became a cultural anthem of the era. Cher is known for her distinctive contralto voice and has successfully navigated various musical styles, including pop, rock, disco, and dance. Her solo career took off in the 1970s with hits like "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" (1971) and "Believe" (1998), the latter featuring pioneering use of Auto-Tune, which influenced pop music production. Her impact extends beyond music; she has won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Moonstruck" (1987) and is recognized for her contributions to LGBTQ+ rights and fashion. Cher is often hailed as a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry, maintaining a career that spans over six decades. She has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists in history.