Cyndi Lauper

It's that anonymous person who meanders through the streets and feels what's happening there, feels the pulse of the people, who's able to create.

Just like I am obsessed with the history of fashion, I love reading about the history of makeup.

There's ageism in everything. I don't give a hoot. It isn't what other people think; it's what you think. But it's hard to come to terms with getting older. I admire people like Vivienne Westwood.

My music is about a joyful experience. I've learned that if you can affect other people, you should.

The more you practice and study, the better you are... so I still practice and study all the time.

Before I became famous I had a very full life, and that gave me a lot to pick from. I always use everything. It always comes in handy. Working with animals... Well, I just enjoyed that. That was the most peaceful time.

Dick Clark was a really great influence in my career; he helped me a lot with his whole organization, and they were awesome to me at all different points - but one thing that I really disagreed with him on was when he said that what I do, pop music, is a disposable art form.

When I sing I have a lot of visions. Like what's happening now in my life.

Fame doesn't redeem you. It takes a long time to get there, and when you're finally there, you realise you still have authority figures telling you what to do.

I don't have good business sense. You never get much money for the arts. But I like independence. I like to grow.

I'm in the business where you get the business all the time.

I come from a line of great Sicilian women, and their mentality is to endure and push through to the other side.