Long before the Grammy nominations, sharing stages with Elton John and Bonnie Raitt, or a revolutionary transition, Cidny Bullens was just another student walking the halls of Masconomet High School.
Class of 1968 Masconomet alumni Cidny Bullens discovered a love for music early on, having begun playing the guitar at just 11 years old. By the time he moved to Topsfield at the age of 15, music was at the height of its cultural change, and Bullens was absorbing it all. The mid-’60s were a time of growth in music, where artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan transformed the industry. Protest songs, folk movements, and the energy of R&B shaped the way people thought about music; it became a statement of resistance and change. For Bullens, this period was invigorating, and it acted as a window into the world he knew he wanted to be a part of.
“When I arrived at Masco in the middle of my sophomore year, I found my group of ‘counter-culture’ friends. We were dubbed ‘The Mafia’ because the powers-that-be thought of us as too disruptive, controversial, and influential to the other students,” Bullens said. “My friends gave me the confidence to keep playing and singing. I consider and treasure that time as the foundation of my career.”
For some musicians, they can trace their beginnings to a singular moment of inspiration or encouragement, but for Bullens, it was a series of experiences. The environment and people and people around him gave him a place to start, but it was ultimately the constant drive to succeed that pushed him forward.
“My dream was to be a ‘rock star,’ meaning with all that goes along with that, the fame and the glory, all the bells and whistles. And I was headed in that direction, I was good at putting on a show with my music. And I was noted for that,” said Bullens. “Don’t forget, although I am not in the rock history books as such, I was the first female rock ‘n roller who wrote my own songs and played electric guitar.”
After high school, Bullens quickly entered the rock scene in the 1970s as a backup singer for Elton John. This opportunity marked the beginning of a long and dynamic career, one that would launch him into collaborations alongside some of the biggest names in rock music while also empowering him to create his own path as a singer-songwriter. Touring and recording with John exposed Bullens to the reality of performing, songwriting, and being famous. With that friendship, doors began to open that would have otherwise remained closed.
As the musical landscape was transforming, Bullens was, too. The industry was rapidly evolving, and he was in the midst of forming his own identity as an artist, but also grappling with a more personal transformation as well. For years, he was known as Cindy Bullens, a trailblazing female rock musician who defied the expectations of others by writing and performing her own songs. But behind the scenes, Bullens struggled with an internal sense of self that didn’t align with the way the rest of the world viewed him.
Decades later, after building a successful career and navigating the complexities of the music industry, Bullens embraced his true self, publicly transitioning into Cidny Bullens. The transition represented the authenticity and strength that it took to defy societal norms in the public eye. As a transgender man, he was an advocate for the freedom to live authentically and create art without fear of judgment. His courage to live as his true self was a monumental achievement not only for himself personally but for the industry as well.
“When I was in my rock ‘n’ roll star years, one of the biggest reasons I never made it into true star territory was because I was not a typical female type. I was what they called ‘androgynous’ at the time. Too masculine, too independent. The industry just didn’t get me–they didn’t appreciate female rock artists who wrote, played, and produced their own records. I’m glad that all changed, and the younger generations can just be who they are in all capacities.”
Despite the challenges, Bullens found success as a performer, but it wasn’t until he shifted his focus away from trying to fit into the industry’s narrow expectations that he was able to truly embrace songwriting in a way that felt meaningful to him. Having started a family in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, he began to change his perspective, focusing more on personal growth and the connections he shared with others. It was during this time that his music began to resonate on a much more personal level.
His work became more introspective and reflective, shaped by the significant events of his life, including the tragic loss of his daughter. Bullens’ songs were heartfelt expressions of his emotions, offering a vulnerable look at his grief, healing, and personal transformation, allowing his listeners to feel his journey alongside him. And the fact that he was now making music for reasons of authenticity rather than expectations or fame allowed him to craft work that felt more genuine and impactful.
“Contrary to what some others might say about me as an artist, my absolute defining “moment” in my mind is my album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth, written in the first two years after the death of my 11-year-old younger daughter, Jessie. Those songs are, I believe, a huge part of whatever legacy I leave,” Bullens said.
Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth stands as one of Bullens’ most personal and emotionally charged albums. Written in the wake of the tragic loss of his daughter, the album is a collection of songs about loss, grief, and as he puts it, “living on in spite of the loss.” Each track reflects a raw and vulnerable look into what Bullens was dealing with, capturing the intense emotional exhaustion of living with the pain of such a profound loss while still finding ways to honor her memory. The album’s themes are personal and the powerful emotions are evident in every lyric, offering listeners a sense of solidarity in their own struggles. Though this project originated in a place of deep sorrow, Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth remains a pivotal moment in Bullens’ career, showcasing his great ability to channel grief into music that can move so many people.
On the other hand, Walkin’ Through This World captures a transformative phase of Bullens’ journey, incorporating themes of his transition, as well as his reflections on life, identity, and personal growth. This album is more varied, blending rock, folk, and even ballads to touch on his experiences with gender identity and the challenges of life. It boldly celebrates authenticity, as Bullens embraces his true self and learns to navigate his identity with honesty and vulnerability.
“I always try to write as simply as possible—viscerally and truthfully. Even the lighter rock songs. Something in the song has to hit you directly, whether it’s the lyrics or the melody or the beat,” he said. “I just want it to connect in a way that has meaning for the listener. The song has to move you, emotionally or physically.”
Bullens accepts that a career in the arts is brutal, and urges that everyone find something in life they are passionate about and fully invest in it. He believes that, despite the inevitable challenges and struggles, the true commitment to one’s craft makes every sacrifice worthwhile.
“Art is what is everlasting. Art is what tears down walls and changes the world. No one has to be famous or known to do that. Art has a way of finding a path into hearts and minds. And it only has to find its way to one other person to make a difference. Oh and try to have fun.”
For Cidny Bullens, the pursuit of fame and fortune was once the driving force behind his music. He may have had dreams of being a rock star during his time at Masco, envisioning a fulfilling life of applause, tours, and every kind of success. But as his journey unfolded over time, Bullens underwent a process of self-discovery, not just as an artist, but as an individual. That dream transformed alongside him, into a more authentic connection to his craft, one with the power to move and inspire through music.
