Madonna
Madonna, the iconic "Queen of Pop", is a trailblazing singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman, renowned for her constant reinvention and influence on popular culture.
Madonna Louise Ciccone
Pop Singer
August 16, 1958
Leo
66
Bay City, Michigan
Madonna Louise Ciccone, known simply as Madonna, was born on August 16, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan. She developed an interest in music and dance at an early age, attending St. Andrew’s Catholic Elementary School and Rochester Adams High School. Madonna briefly studied dance at the University of Michigan before moving to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in dance.
She gained recognition as a backup singer for the French disco artist Patrick Hernandez and released her self-titled debut album, “Madonna,” in 1983. The album achieved commercial success and established her as a rising star. Subsequent albums, including “Like a Virgin” (1984), “True Blue” (1986), and “Like a Prayer” (1989), solidified her status as a global pop icon. Madonna is known for her innovative music videos, which often pushed boundaries and generated controversy.
Throughout her career, Madonna has collaborated with numerous renowned producers and songwriters, including Nile Rodgers, Patrick Leonard, and William Orbit. She continued to release successful albums and singles throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including “Ray of Light” (1998), “Music” (2000), and “Confessions on a Dance Floor” (2005). In addition to her music career, Madonna has ventured into acting, starring in films such as “Desperately Seeking Susan” (1985), “Dick Tracy” (1990), and “Evita” (1996).
Madonna has sold over 300 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She has achieved numerous chart-topping singles, including “Like a Virgin,” “Material Girl,” “Vogue,” and “Like a Prayer.” Her accolades include seven Grammy Awards, 20 MTV Video Music Awards, and a Golden Globe Award. In 2008, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Madonna has been married twice, first to actor Sean Penn from 1985 to 1989 and then to film director Guy Ritchie from 2000 to 2008. She has six children, including Lourdes Leon, Rocco Ritchie, David Banda, Mercy James, and twins Stella and Estere. Known for her outspoken personality, Madonna has advocated for various social and political causes, including LGBTQ+ rights and gun control.
A devout follower of Kabbalah, a Jewish mystical tradition, Madonna founded her own record label, Maverick Records, in 1992. She has also authored several children’s books, including “The English Roses” series. Madonna continues to tour and perform, captivating audiences around the world with her energetic live shows. In 2023, she announced her “Celebration Tour,” which will feature her greatest hits from throughout her career. As an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman, Madonna is regarded as one of the most influential figures in popular culture and is often referred to as the “Queen of Pop.”