Traci Lords Returns With 'Come Alive,' A Song 'About the Struggle'

Traci Lords, born Nora Louise Kuzma on May 7, 1968, in Steubenville, Ohio, has lived a life of reinvention. Once the most controversial figure in adult entertainment, she transitioned to mainstream acting, writing, and music, defying her past with remarkable resilience. In 2017, Lords released 'Come Alive,' a pulsating electropop anthem that captures her journey through struggle and triumph. As of 2025, at age 57, Lords continues to inspire with her creative evolution, proving her story is far from over. 0 1

From Controversy to Creative Control

Lords entered the adult industry at 15, using a fake ID, and starred in over 100 films before her underage status was exposed in 1986, sparking an FBI investigation and industry upheaval. 2 3 She pivoted to mainstream roles, appearing in John Waters’ Cry-Baby (1990), Blade (1998), and TV shows like Melrose Place. Her 2003 memoir, Traci Lords: Underneath It All, became a bestseller, detailing her exploitation and recovery. 4 Music became her next frontier, with her 1995 debut album 1000 Fires hitting Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart and her 2012 single 'Last Drag' earning praise. 0 5

'Come Alive': A Sonic Reflection of Resilience

Released in November 2017 via Sea To Sun Recordings, 'Come Alive' is Lords’ raw reflection on survival. Co-written with Jonny Pakfar and Jeff Hoeppner, the track blends gritty electro beats with introspective lyrics about overcoming pain. In a Billboard interview, Lords described it as “about the struggle of being a human being, fighting to keep your soul intact.” 0 The song’s pulsating rhythm and defiant tone resonate with her journey from a traumatic past to creative empowerment. Fans on X have called it her most personal work, with posts in 2025 still celebrating its raw energy. 6

Life in 2025: Net Worth, Family, and Legacy

Lords’ net worth is estimated at $4-7 million, built through acting, music, book sales, and her fashion line, Traci Lords Couture. 7 8 Married to Jeffery Lee since 2002, she’s a devoted mother to their son, Joseph Gunnar Lee, born in 2007, and keeps her family life private in Los Angeles. 2 9 Her advocacy for child protection in media, inspired by her own exploitation, earned her a 2001 Congressional recognition. 3 Recent X posts highlight her mentoring young artists, with some calling her a “survivor icon.”

Traci Lords’ 'Come Alive' isn’t just a song—it’s a testament to her unbreakable spirit. From scandal to stardom, she’s redefined her narrative. What’s your favorite Traci Lords moment, music or otherwise? Drop it in the comments!