18 Comments

My heart is full knowing that you went to a Cher camp. I'll need details. Also, what else could she call a Christmas album besides "Christmas"? Effort is unnecessary since the gay community will keep her career going long after her departure from this planet. Put a club mix behind literally anything she utters and the dance floor will be full.

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I had fun with this one, especially knowing how self-effacing she enjoys being, Jami! Tongue was planted firmly in cheek, yes, but it was also gratifying to finally give this legend her due, from when she was a talented teen to still being active nearing 80!

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That interview with Fallon is adorable!

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That's why I had to include it! She was so humorous, self-effacing and self-aware. As I re-read it and a couple comments, I couldn't help take away the influence Cher must have had on strong female artists like Madonna and Gaga....kinda ones we might not expect would be influenced by Cher, but as both have had multi-media careers (movies, recording, stage-work, incorporating comedy, choreography, costuming and make-up), it would stand to reason.

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Not just female artists. She has a dedicated gay following.

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True dat! Again, "Will & Grace" and their devotion to her screams that fact loudly....and hilariously!

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The Cher puns write themselves. Merry Christmas, Brad!

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True, Paul, but they do have to be given the pencils! Merry Christmas to you and fam, too, Paul!

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Can't stop laughing!

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Thanks, Jonathan! Not unlike an impersonator (female or otherwise), one only pokes fun at the targets one loves and respects! Through it all, I hope my respect for someone who literally is a rock legend (yes, rock) comes through loud and clear.

I know Cher's public persona well enough to know she'd be chuckling heartily right along (I mean, her guest spots on "Will & Grace" alone prove that)!

More laughing? Hear ya go....The Collector's Edition of W&G appearances for La Cher: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCVOM3SjUtk Enjoy, and thanks again, Jonathan! Merry Christmas!

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And a very Merry Christmas to you!

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Haha this was laugh out loud funny Brad! A very informative and enjoyable read with a heavy side of snark! I loved it!!

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Thanks so much, Mark! It's an arrow in my quiver, so I'm happy to have a venue in which to use it! My brother was a stand-up in the '70s, and I helped write his act, as well as some local Houston TV material he used on a UHF show at one point!

Mad props to Steve, too, whose easy and natural humor I thought was a perfect match for The Great White Snark.🦈Uh-oh, I smell merch!

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founding

This was hilarious. I loooved the puns and humorous bits, and I am sure Cher herself would enjoy them too!

What I particularly liked is how well you balanced the jokes with this profound respect one as a reader can tell you have for her as an artist. Masterful writing, on every level.

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Thanks so much, Andy! And, knowing that her hilariously refreshing wit doesn't exclude herself in her ribbing is the reason I felt comfortable nudging her just a bit! As you know, I wouldn't spend this much time crafting a loving tribute to and about someone in whom I was completely disinterested! You'll notice the FR&B count of Bon Jovi articles hovers near zero!

By now, everyone knows how much I revere the songcraft, production, and output of Spector's Gold Star studios....the fact that Cher was part of that rare and stunning magical "laboratory" is enough for me to bow in reverence. Without her talent and drive, an early-'60s teenaged background singer could've just hung up her stilettos and called it a career, and just ironed Sonny's furry vest at home for the next few years!

So, along with her talent, lessons in perseverance, the strength to try new things, the deflection of the negative from critics, and the ability to take it all in stride are among the many "presence" we can open from her this "Christmas". Thanks again, Andy!😉

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founding

At the risk of preaching to the choir, but with the conviction that puns here are not only accepted but, importantly, encouraged... I can but Cher your views, 100%!

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Woo-hoo! Thanks to you and your Sonny disposition!☀

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I would like to have attended Cher Camp.

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