Madonna

Early Life

Madonna Louise Ciccone was born on August 16, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan. She was the third of six children in a Catholic family. Her father, Silvio Anthony "Tony" Ciccone, was a first-generation Italian American, while her mother, Madonna Louise (née Fortin), was of French Canadian descent.

Education

Madonna attended St. Frederick's and St. Andrew's Catholic Elementary Schools, and then West Middle School. She was known for her high grade point average and received a scholarship to attend the University of Michigan School of Music, Dance, and Theatre.

Career

1979–1981: Beginnings

Madonna moved to New York City in 1978 to pursue a career in modern dance. While there, she studied with choreographer Alvin Ailey and modeled. She also started to work as a backup dancer for other established artists. Madonna formed her first band, "The Breakfast Club", which played hard rock and punk music.

A panoramic view of New York City skyline.

1982–1985: Madonna, Like a Virgin, and first marriage

Madonna signed a singles deal with Sire, a label belonging to Warner Bros. Records. Her debut single, "Everybody", was released in October 1982, and the second, "Burning Up", in March 1983. Both became big club hits in the United States, reaching the top three on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Songs chart.

1986–1991: True Blue, Who's That Girl, Like a Prayer, and Dick Tracy

In June 1986, Madonna released her third studio album, True Blue, which was inspired by and dedicated to Sean Penn. The album was a commercial success, reaching number one in over 28 countries and selling 25 million copies worldwide.

A blue album cover with a pop art style.

1992–1997: Erotica, Sex, Evita, and motherhood

In October 1992, Madonna released her fifth studio album, Erotica, alongside her coffee table book, Sex. The album and the book explored erotic fantasies and liberation, and were met with controversy and commercial success.

1998–2002: Ray of Light, Music, and second marriage

Madonna's seventh studio album, Ray of Light, (1998) marked a turning point in her career. The album reflected her study of Kabbalah and Hinduism, as well as her daily practice of Ashtanga Yoga.

2003–2006: American Life, children's books, and Confessions on a Dance Floor

In 2003, Madonna released her ninth studio album, American Life. The album, produced in its entirety by Madonna and Mirwais Ahmadzaï, features references to many parts of American culture.

2007–2011: Hard Candy, Filth and Wisdom, and Sticky & Sweet Tour

Madonna's eleventh studio album, Hard Candy, was released in 2008. The album features collaborations with Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Pharrell Williams and Nate "Danja" Hills.

2012–2017: MDNA, Rebel Heart, and concert tours

In 2012, Madonna released her twelfth studio album, MDNA. The album was a commercial success, debuting at number one in most countries, while its lead single, "Give Me All Your Luvin'", was a top-ten hit in many countries.

2018–present: Madame X and upcoming projects

Madonna's fourteenth studio album, Madame X, was released in 2019. The album was influenced by her residency in Lisbon, Portugal, over the prior two years.

Legacy

Madonna has been noted for her ability to reinvent herself in her music and image, which has been known to shock and intrigue audiences. She is often cited as an influence by other artists.