Musical Notes — Cher

Voiceover by Lawrence Standifer Stevens

Written by Joseph E. Casanova

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At 69, Cher remains one of the most beloved entertainers of all time, selling out concerts everywhere and celebrating six decades of chart success.

You know you’ve arrived when Cher’s people apologize for losing your request for media credentials. “Oh, we’re so sorry!” one of her reps said. “Please refax and we’ll make sure your tickets and passes will be waiting for you at Will Call.”

After nearly a decade without a hit, Cher returned with the global smash “Believe,” which was Billboard’s top single of 1999, winning a Grammy for Best Dance recording.

It was 1999 and the Academy Award winner had embarked on her first solo outing, which included a performance at the Alamodome. A few months ago, her latest tour brought her and rock goddess Pat Benatar to Austin’s Erwin Center.

Backstage, my friend Julian and I watched her crew roll in racks and racks of costumes and accessories. Her opening act, Wild Orchid, smiled and waved to us. The trio featured a future superstar named Fergie.

“Believe” joins “Dark Lady”, “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves” and “Take Me Home” as part of her extensive repertoire.

The remix of “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” from 2010’s Burlesque made her the only artist to have a Billboard #1 single in each of the six decades.

Sunday nights in the early 1970’s were usually spent with Cher and her late ex-husband Sonny. Their hour-long variety show was a mixture of the couple’s witty banter, comedy sketches, and musical numbers.

My favorite character was the gum-smacking Laverne in wild big cat prints who joined series regular Teri Garr at the laundromat.

Even though she won an Oscar for Moonstruck, her more memorable roles were in the 1980’s dramas Silkwood and Mask.

Cher may want to turn back time, but for her millions of loyal fans, she remains ageless like fine wine and this blogger.