Cher, Reconsidered

I can well imagine being exasperated at Cher if I were a music critic (“Written Off ... Unfairly?,” by Robert Hilburn, Aug. 18). As one of the masses, however, I have the ability to sit back and take in her movies, her plays, her TV shows, her celebrity, as well as her music.

I had the pleasure of catching Cher’s farewell tour in Oakland, and she mentioned that although she’s giving up the grand arena spectacles, she will continue to make her “own little records.” Her recent “little record” “not.com.mercial” shows, I think, where Cher’s artistic direction is pointed (have a listen to it, it’s at www.cher.com). It will be exciting to see where Cher’s style heads now that chart-topping is no longer her MO.

It is sad that she is not thought of as a trailblazer. But there’s life in the old girl yet and, as she always does, I’m sure she will be surprising, unexpected, delightful. And someday, her name will take pride of place in that pesky hall of fame.

SAM FJELLSTROM

Highgate Hille

Queensland

Australia

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Thanks for the reconsideration of Cher. Those of more recent vintage may not realize what an influence Sonny and Cher had. While hall of fame membership is a dubious yardstick (aside from a couple of good records, what’s the real lasting impact of Dion, Del Shannon or Martha & the Vandellas?), surely Sonny & Cher’s mid-’60s output qualifies them over others who have been inducted. If Dusty Springfield, then why not Cher?

Too often the hall of fame seems to be open to anyone who ever had a hit regardless of importance to the development of the music. It ought to be more than that.

JONATHAN SHARKEY

Port Hueneme