Madonna (born August 16, 1958) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and businesswoman. She achieved popularity by pushing the boundaries of lyrical content in mainstream popular music and imagery in her music videos, which became a fixture on MTV. She is known for reinventing both her music and image, and for maintaining her autonomy within the recording industry. Music critics have acclaimed her musical productions, which have generated some controversy. Referred to as the "Queen of Pop", Madonna is often cited as an influence by other artists.
Born in Bay City, Michigan, Madonna moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she signed with Sire Records (an auxiliary label of Warner Bros. Records) in 1982 and released her self-titled debut album the following year. She followed it with a series of commercially and critically successful albums, including the Grammy Award winners Ray of Light (1998) and Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005). Throughout her career, Madonna has written and produced most of her songs, with many of them reaching number one on the record charts.
Various music journalists, critical theorists, and authors have deemed Madonna the most influential female recording artist of all time. Author Carol Clerk wrote that "during her career, Madonna has transcended the term 'pop star' to become a global cultural icon." Rolling Stone of Spain wrote that "She became the first viral Master of Pop in history, years before the Internet was massively used. Madonna was everywhere; in the almighty music television channels, 'radio formulas', magazine covers and even in bookshops.
Backstage at the video shoot for the hit single 'You'll See' shot in Spain, October 1995
Madonna onstage at Wembley Stadium, London on the first night of her Blonde Ambition Tour in July 1990
Early photograph of Madonna taken in New York, 1980 by legendary music photographer Mick Rock at his studio on Lexington Avenue
Madonna at the start of her career in October 1982 in Greenwich Village, New York
An early shot of Madonna taken in October 1982 in Soho, New York City.
Madonna on an early photo shoot in Grenwich Village, New York in October 1982.
Madonna in October 1982 photographed outside St Anthony's Church in New York.
Madonna in October 1982 on one of her earliest photo shoots in Soho, New York
Madonna posing on Greenwich Street, New York on an early photo shoot in October 1982
Madonna in October 1982 photographed on Houston Street, New York
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