Cyndi Lauper Once Got Kicked Out of Jazz School for Rock Music—Now She’s a Two-Time Rock Hall Nominee

The iconic Cyndi Lauper is once again in the running for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, proving that her rebellious spirit and groundbreaking career continue to leave a lasting impact.

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From Jazz School Rebel to Rock Hall Contender

At 71 years old, the “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” singer is among the artists nominated for the Rock Hall’s Class of 2025, marking her second nomination after first appearing on the ballot in 2023.

Despite the excitement surrounding her nomination, Lauper remains unfazed by the outcome.

“I’ve been singing rock and roll most of my life, so I know I’m a rocker,” she tells TH.

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Her passion for rock music hasn’t always been welcomed. In fact, Lauper recalls that she was thrown out of jazz school for refusing to quit her rock band—an early sign that she was destined to break barriers.

“I even got in trouble several times in my life for not quitting the rock band,” she says. “I got thrown out of a jazz school because I wouldn’t quit that rock band.”

Cyndi Lauper Press Shoot, London 15/06/1983

Who’s Competing for a Spot in the Rock Hall?

Lauper is up against an impressive lineup of nominees, including:

🎸 Bad Company
🎸 The Black Crowes
🎤 Mariah Carey
🎵 Chubby Checker
🎶 Joe Cocker
🔥 Billy Idol
🎸 Joy Division/New Order
🎸 Maná
🎤 Oasis
🎤 OutKast
🎵 Phish
🔥 Soundgarden
🎸 The White Stripes

A Push for More Women in the Rock Hall

Lauper acknowledges the slow but steady shift toward recognizing more female artists.

“It’s exciting that more women are being acknowledged,” she says, reflecting on last year’s induction of legends like Cher and Mary J. Blige.

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She also sees her nomination as part of a greater musical legacy.

“We all stand on the shoulders of the people who came before us, and we know that the people who come after us will stand on our shoulders,” she explains.

“It’s a whole musical chain, and everything affects your music.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 14: Cyndi Lauper poses at the Tribecca Film Festival premiere after party for the Cyndi Lauper documentary "Let the Canary Sing" at Serafina UWS on June 14, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images)

What’s Next?

The final Rock Hall inductees will be announced in April, with the official induction ceremony set for fall 2025 in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, Lauper is keeping busy with her “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” Farewell Tour, which has been extended with a second North American leg this summer.

“I’m excited, I’m grateful. And we’ll see what happens,” she says.

💥 Will this be the year Cyndi Lauper finally takes her place in the Rock Hall? Stay tuned!