Hidden Highlights: 10 Cher Performances Only True Devotees Remember

Cher, the Goddess of Pop, has graced the world with her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence for over six decades. While hits like “Believe” and “If I Could Turn Back Time” remain etched in popular memory, there are many performances that only the most dedicated fans remember. Here, we dive into ten hidden highlights of Cher’s illustrious career that showcase her versatility and enduring talent.

1. “All I Really Want to Do” on The Ed Sullivan Show (1965) In her early days with Sonny Bono, Cher captivated audiences on The Ed Sullivan Show. Her rendition of Bob Dylan’s “All I Really Want to Do” introduced her unique contralto voice to the world, setting the stage for her solo career.
2. “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour (1972) Cher’s emotional performance of this heartfelt ballad on her iconic TV show with Sonny demonstrated her ability to convey deep emotion through her music, a quality that would define her career.
3. “Take Me Home” on The Cher Show (1979) As disco fever peaked, Cher embraced the genre with “Take Me Home.” Her energetic and glittering performance on her self-titled variety show highlighted her adaptability and kept her relevant in a changing musical landscape.
4. “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” in Las Vegas Residency (1980) In her Las Vegas residency, Cher revisited one of her earlier hits, “Bang Bang.” This stripped-down, acoustic version allowed her vocal prowess to shine, offering a raw and intimate experience for her audience.
5. “We All Sleep Alone” on The Late Show with David Letterman (1988) During a promotional tour for her album “Cher,” her performance of “We All Sleep Alone” on David Letterman’s show was both powerful and poignant, reinforcing her return to the rock scene.
6. “Many Rivers to Cross” at VH1 Divas Live (1999) Cher’s stirring rendition of this Jimmy Cliff classic during the VH1 Divas Live concert showcased her ability to tackle challenging material with grace and emotional depth, earning her a standing ovation.
7. “Song for the Lonely” on The Farewell Tour (2002) Despite announcing it as her farewell tour, Cher delivered an electrifying performance of “Song for the Lonely,” proving that her energy and passion for performing were far from waning.
8. “Walking in Memphis” at Live Aid (2005) Paying tribute to the legacy of American music, Cher’s performance of Marc Cohn’s “Walking in Memphis” at Live Aid was a celebration of her ability to cross genres and connect with diverse audiences.
9. “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” on Dancing with the Stars (2010) Performing this powerful ballad from the movie “Burlesque,” Cher’s appearance on Dancing with the Stars was a triumphant declaration of resilience and longevity in an industry known for its fleeting fame.
10. “I Got You Babe” with Sonny Hologram on The Voice (2017) In a heartwarming and technologically advanced performance, Cher sang “I Got You Babe” alongside a hologram of Sonny Bono on The Voice. This performance was a nostalgic tribute to her late ex-husband and musical partner, blending past and present in a poignant moment for fans.

These performances, while perhaps not as widely recognized as her chart-topping hits, highlight Cher’s ability to reinvent herself and remain relevant across decades. For true devotees, these moments are cherished memories that encapsulate the essence of a legend who has truly done it all. Whether in a glittering disco outfit or a simple acoustic setting, Cher continues to prove that her place in the pantheon of music greats is well deserved.