Meet Joe Salg: Inside the Collection
We’d want to look at Joe's Cyndi Lauper collection, "Time After Time." Take a look!
May. 11, 2025
When Joe Salg first heard Cyndi Lauper’s single "Time After Time" as a teenager, he was hooked — as we all were. Lauper represented everything he had been searching for: acceptance of one’s true colors, whatever they might be.
He started collecting her albums and any memorabilia he could get his hands on. Then came the ultimate quest: to collect the most unique items related to the pop icon. He estimates his collection has about 2,000 and 3,000 pieces—many of which even Lauper has never seen.
Today, Salg is the proud owner of The Cyndi Lauper Museum, an institution admired and acknowledged by Lauper herself.
Let’s just say: when it comes to Cyndi Lauper, Joe proves that super fans just wanna have fun... and maybe a museum too. Take a look at this collection dedicated to the pop icon!
Click here to learn more about Joe's Cyndi Lauper museum!
1. Flyer Microphone
This famous microphone dates back to 1977 and marks the first time Cyndi Lauper was front and center as a lead singer.
She was performing with a band called Flyer, which primarily did covers. At the time, Lauper hadn’t yet received proper vocal training — and one night, she blew out her vocal cords while using this very mic.
Doctors warned she might never sing again. But true to form, Cyndi wasn’t ready to let the music end.
She would go on to record her first multi-platinum album, proving that real success doesn’t happen "time after time" without hard work.
To Joe, it’s the most important piece in the museum because it represents the early struggles behind the superstar.
Joe acquired the microphone from Flyer’s bassist, who donated it to the museum. While it's priceless to Joe, it’s estimated to be worth around $3,500.
Fans love this item for the powerful story it tells and because it makes for a great photo op and prop.
2. Signed Cyndi Lauper Bra
This is one of Cyndi Lauper’s most unexpected but iconic items: one of her bras!
Joe found it through a charity auction called Bras for a Cause. Cyndi was visiting a radio station when she heard about the cause and wanted to contribute.
In true Cyndi fashion, she went into the bathroom, signed one of her bras with a personal message to loved ones facing breast cancer, and donated it on the spot.
The bra reflects her generous spirit and support for meaningful causes.
According to our expert, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind piece — next level for any music collector, and especially for a dedicated Cyndi Lauper fan.
This item would now be worth around $1,500.
3. Billboard Magazine Corset
This is an iconic Cyndi Lauper costume, worn for her feature in Billboard magazine’s 2018 Icons issue.
The concept was to showcase Cyndi and all her glam in a glamorous setting — and this outfit delivered.
When Joe saw it, he knew he had to have it. It was bold, unusual and completely unforgettable. The costume is a pop culture hybrid, with buttons featuring other music legends such as Blondie.
The outfit appeared both online and in print, making it very rare.
Our expert estimates its value at around $3,500. It’s more than a costume — it’s a wearable piece of art.
4. Stage Worn Cyndi Lauper Wig
This is the only Cyndi Lauper wig in existence outside of her own team!
Getting your hands on a Cyndi wig is no easy task. Cyndi's team decided to retire this one from her collection and gift it to Joe for his collection.
That’s right — it came straight from Cyndi herself. Joe is the only known collector to own one of her signature wigs.
This particular wig was worn from 2012 to 2014, including during the 30th anniversary of her She’s So Unusual tour. It went through several transformations: styled in braids, dreads, pulled up, and even dyed more red at one point. The hair practically has a personality of its own!
According to our expert, Cyndi’s hair is one of her defining staples. Her hair was always loud and proud and was an extension of who she was.
This one-of-a-kind piece is valued at around $8,000. It would take everything in our power not to wear it around town!
5. 2008 Grammys Dress
This elegant dress might not be as flashy as you’d expect from Cyndi Lauper — and that’s what makes it special. She wore it to the 50th anniversary of the Grammys.
Cyndi had held on to all of her Grammy looks over the years, and this was one of the few she ever released.
Joe acquired the dress through Cyndi’s team, who occasionally retire her outfits for charity. He paid its fair market value, not including the celebrity connection — but to him, its historical and sentimental value is priceless.
According to our expert, the dress is worth around $2,000.
6. Handwritten Cyndi Lauper Lyrics
These handwritten lyrics come straight from the pop icon herself — Cyndi Lauper’s own pen on paper.
They’re the full lyrics to her timeless hit "Time After Time."
Joe received this one-of-a-kind piece in a personal trade with Cyndi. She wanted some extra vintage photos he had, and in exchange, she offered him a set of handwritten lyrics.
She didn’t sign the page, but the handwriting speaks for itself.
According to our expert, the lyrics could be worth around $5,000.
He collects Cyndi Lauper memorabilia, but Cyndi Lauper wants things from him — a true sign of a great collector.
7. The total value of Joe's Cyndi Lauper collection:
