The Cher singles discography documents the solo and collaborative single releases by American singer‑songwriter and actress Cher (born Cherilyn Sarkisian, 20 May 1946). It comprises commercially issued singles, promotional releases, and notable featured appearances that have been distributed in physical formats (such as vinyl, cassette, CD) and digital platforms worldwide. The discography is commonly catalogued alongside Cher’s broader discography, which also includes albums, EPs, and soundtracks.
Overview
- The discography spans a career of over six decades, beginning with her first solo single “Ringo, I Love You” (1964) and extending to releases in the 2020s.
- Cher has issued more than 70 singles in various markets, encompassing solo material, duets (most prominently with Sonny Bono), and guest‑featured tracks.
- Her singles have achieved significant commercial success across North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia, with numerous entries on national charts and certification by industry bodies (e.g., RIAA, BPI, ARIA).
Chronological Highlights
| Decade | Notable Singles (solo) | Chart Peaks (US Billboard Hot 100) |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | “Bang Bang (My Heaven)” (1966), “You Better Sit Down Kids” (1967) | “Bang Bang” #19, “You Better Sit Down Kids” #9 |
| 1970s | “Half‑Breed” (1973), “Dark Lady” (1974) | Both reached #1 |
| 1980s | “If I Could Turn Back Time” (1989) | #3 |
| 1990s | “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)” (1990), “Believe” (1998) | “Believe” #1 |
| 2000s | “Song for the Lonely” (2001), “Song for the Lonely” (2001) | Various international top‑10 placements |
| 2010s | “Woman’s World” (2013), “I’m Still Here” (2017) | Moderate chart activity, strong digital sales |
| 2020s | “Skin” (2020), “Take It Like a Man” (2021) | Limited chart impact, notable streaming figures |
Number‑One Singles (US)
- “I Got You Babe” – duet with Sonny Bono (1965) – #1 (Billboard Hot 100)
- “Half‑Breed” (1973) – #1
- “Dark Lady” (1974) – #1
- “Believe” (1998) – #1
International Impact
- “Believe” topped charts in more than 20 countries and earned multi‑platinum certifications globally.
- “If I Could Turn Back Time,” “The Shoop Shoop Song,” and “Strong Enough” each secured top‑10 positions in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and several European nations.
Formats and Releases
- Early singles were released on 7‑inch vinyl; later periods saw 12‑inch maxi‑singles, CD singles, and digital download/streaming releases.
- Promotional singles and limited‑edition pressings have been issued for radio airplay and market‑specific campaigns, often featuring alternate mixes or remixes (e.g., “Believe” club mixes).
Chart and Certification Summary (selected data)
- US Billboard Hot 100: 34 entries, 4 number‑ones, 9 top‑10 hits.
- UK Singles Chart: 22 entries, 2 number‑ones (“The Shoop Shoop Song,” “Believe”), 7 top‑10 hits.
- RIAA Certifications: Multiple gold and platinum singles, with “Believe” achieving 4× Platinum (digital sales).
Legacy and Influence
Cher’s singles have contributed to her reputation as a versatile pop icon, influencing subsequent generations of performers through her adoption of evolving production styles—from 1960s folk‑pop to 1990s dance‑oriented electronic music. The commercial performance of her singles underscores her adaptability to shifting musical trends and her capacity to secure chart success across disparate eras.
References
- Billboard chart archives.
- Official Charts Company (UK) database.
- Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certification records.
- British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certification database.
- Discogs release catalogues for Cher.
Note: All data reflect information available from recognized industry chart and certification sources as of the latest update (2024).