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2024-09-22 08:21:10

Madonna

American singer, songwriter, actress, 'Queen of Pop'
American singer, songwriter, actress, 'Queen of Pop'

Madonna, known as the 'Queen of Pop', is a versatile artist with controversial yet acclaimed works. With over 300 million records sold worldwide, she is the best-selling female recording artist. Madonna has also excelled in acting, business, philanthropy, and advocacy for gender equality and LGBT rights.

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1958-08-16
Birth of Madonna

Madonna Louise Ciccone was born on August 16th, 1958 in Bay City, Michigan.

1963-12-01
Madonna's Mother's Passing

Madonna's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer during her pregnancy with Madonna's youngest sister. On December 1, 1963, at the age of 30, her mother passed away when Madonna was eight years old.

1966-01-01
Father remarries to Joan Gustafson

Madonna's father remarries to Joan Gustafson, who becomes Madonna's stepmother.

1966-12-01
Death of Madonna's Mother

Madonna's mother passes away due to breast cancer.

1967-01-01
Madonna changes her name

Madonna takes up a different name in 1967.

1969-01-01
Madonna confirmed into the Catholic Church and takes up the name of Veronica

Madonna officially joins the Catholic Church and chooses the name Veronica. This event is documented in the biography 'Madonna, A Biography'.

1976-01-01
Madonna's stepmother adopts Joan Gustafson & Madonna's father adopts

On January 1, 1976, Madonna's stepmother adopts Joan Gustafson, and Madonna's father also adopts someone. This event marks a significant change in Madonna's family dynamics.

1977
Madonna moves to New York City

In 1977, Madonna moved to New York City to pursue a career in modern dance. This decision marked the beginning of her journey towards becoming a renowned figure in the entertainment industry.

1978-05-06
Madonna Dropping Out of College

Madonna dropped out of college in May 6, 1978, to move to NYC after being in school for just two years. She then went to France, became a showgirl, and fell in love with performing, joining many bands.

1979
Madonna develops songwriting skills with the Breakfast Club

In 1979, Madonna developed her early songwriting skills while working with the Breakfast Club, which later contributed to her becoming the sole writer of five songs on her debut album.

1980
Madonna's debut album released

Madonna released her self-titled debut album in 1980, marking the beginning of her iconic music career.

1981-01-05
Madonna's First Solo Performance

Madonna's first solo performance took place on January 5, 1981.

1982-10-06
Release of Madonna's debut single 'Everybody'

Madonna released her debut single 'Everybody' on Sire in 1982. The singer, aged 24 at the time, was not featured on the single artwork, reportedly to target an African-American audience.

1983-07-27
Release of Madonna's self-titled debut album

On July 27, 1983, Madonna released her self-titled debut album on Sire. The album debuted at No. 190 on the Billboard 200 and peaked at No. 8 in 1984. Madonna wrote five of the album's eight tracks, including 'Burning Up' and 'Lucky Star'.

1984-11
Release of Madonna's album 'Like a Virgin'

In November 1984, Madonna's second studio album 'Like a Virgin' was released, becoming a commercial success and solidifying Madonna's status as a pop icon. The album's title track topped the charts and sparked controversy.

1985-01-05
Madonna's Debut Single 'Everybody'

Madonna transitioned from being in bands to a solo career, releasing her first single 'Everybody' in 1985.

1985-03-29
Desperately Seeking Susan released

Madonna starred alongside Rosanna Arquette in the film Desperately Seeking Susan, which was released on March 29, 1985. Madonna's portrayal of a carefree version of herself and her fashion in the film and music video 'Into the Groove' had a significant impact on pop culture.

1986-09-16
Madonna wins her first Grammy award

On September 16, 1986, Madonna achieves a major milestone in her music career by winning her first Grammy award. This recognition marks a significant achievement in the music industry for Madonna.

1987-06
Madonna's Who's That Girl World Tour

In June 1987, Madonna embarked on the Who's That Girl World Tour, breaking attendance records including over 130,000 people in a show near Paris. The tour was a huge success.

1987-07
Madonna's Who’s That Girl World Tour

In July 1987, Madonna started her first world tour named Who’s That Girl World Tour, inspired by a screwball comedy she acted in. Despite being a huge success, the tour faced controversy when Pope John Paul II called for a boycott of the show in Italy.

1988-01
Madonna's Like a Prayer Controversy

In January 1989, Madonna faced controversy with the release of 'Like a Prayer' music video featuring Catholic symbols. The Vatican condemned the video, leading to a backlash and Pepsi revoking their sponsorship.

1989
Controversy over Madonna's Like a Prayer video

In 1989, Madonna faced controversy with the release of her 'Like a Prayer' video, where she was seen kissing a saint and dancing in front of burning crucifixes. The Vatican condemned the video and Pepsi terminated their contract with Madonna.

1990-05-01
Madonna on Arsenio Hall Show

Madonna appeared as a guest on the Arsenio Hall Show on May 1, 1990, where she promoted the movie Dick Tracy and teased Arsenio about Paula Abdul.

1990-05-19
Madonna's 'Vogue' Reaches No. 1

On May 19, 1990, Madonna's 'Vogue' started a three-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart, becoming her eighth U.S. No. 1 hit.

1991-05
Release of Truth or Dare documentary film

In May 1991, Madonna released her first documentary film, Truth or Dare (known as In Bed with Madonna outside North America), chronicling her Blond Ambition World Tour. It became the highest-grossing documentary of all time at that point.

1992-04
Madonna founds Maverick entertainment company

In April 1992, Madonna founded her own entertainment company, Maverick, which included a record company, film production company, and other divisions. It became one of the most successful artist-run labels in history.

1992-10
Simultaneous release of Erotica album and Sex book

In October 1992, Madonna simultaneously released her fifth studio album, Erotica, and her controversial coffee table book, Sex. The book received strong negative reactions but sold 1.5 million copies in a matter of days.

1993-04-27
Madonna honored at ASCAP Film & Television Music Awards

Madonna was honored for Best Songwriting for 'This Used To Be My Playground' at the 8th annual ASCAP Film & Television Music Awards in Beverly Hills, California.

1994-03-31
Madonna's controversial appearance on Late Show With David Letterman

Madonna made a highly controversial appearance on Late Show With David Letterman where she used profanity, asked the host to smell her underwear, and criticized him for being 'soft'. This appearance became the most-censored network talk-show appearance in history.

1994-04-26
Madonna attends premiere of With Honors

Madonna attended the Los Angeles premiere of the film 'With Honors' and contributed the theme song 'I'll Remember' to the soundtrack distributed by Maverick Records.

1996-04-29
Madonna on People Magazine Cover

Madonna appeared on the cover of People Magazine on April 29, 1996, with the headline 'Maternal Girl: Madonna’s with child.' The cover highlighted Madonna's pregnancy.

1996-10-14
Birth of Lourdes Maria Ciccone Leon

On October 14, 1996, Madonna gave birth to her daughter Lourdes Maria Ciccone Leon.

1997
Grammy Award Win

Madonna achieved success at the Grammy Awards in 1997, further establishing her musical prowess.

1998-04-25
Madonna's Frozen Tops Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart

Madonna's song Frozen was the number one dance single on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart for the weeks of April 25 and May 2, 1998.

1999-12
Madonna and daughter at Versace fashion show

In December 1999, Madonna and her 3-year-old daughter were photographed arriving at a Versace fashion show in New York.

2000-08-11
Birth of Madonna's son Rocco

On August 11, 2000, Madonna's son Rocco was born, her only child with ex-husband Guy Ritchie.

2001-06
Madonna starts Drowned World Tour

After an eight-year absence from touring, Madonna began her Drowned World Tour in June 2001. The tour was highly successful and became the highest-grossing concert tour of the year by a solo artist.

2002-10-22
Release of Madonna's single 'Die Another Day'

On October 22, 2002, Madonna released the single 'Die Another Day' with a music video that became the second most expensive music video ever made.

2003-04-28
Madonna on People Magazine Cover Again

On April 28, 2003, Madonna was featured on the cover of People Magazine with the theme 'Madonna’s Real Life.' The magazine cover focused on Madonna's personal life.

2004
Start of Re-Invention World Tour

In mid-2004, Madonna started the Re-Invention World Tour in the US, Canada, and Europe, which became the highest-grossing tour of 2004, earning around $120 million.

2005-01
Performance at Tsunami Aid with a cover of 'Imagine'

In January 2005, Madonna performed a cover version of the John Lennon song 'Imagine' at Tsunami Aid, showcasing her support for the benefit concert.

2005-11
Release of Confessions on a Dance Floor album

In November 2005, Madonna released her tenth studio album, Confessions on a Dance Floor, which was praised by critics and won a Grammy Award for Best Electronic/Dance Album.

2006-10-10
Madonna files for divorce

Madonna filed for divorce on October 10, 2006.

2007
Madonna leaves Warner Bros. for Live Nation deal

In 2007, Madonna ended her contract with Warner Bros. and signed a lucrative 10-year, $120 million deal with Live Nation.

2008-01-01
Madonna voted Wealthiest Woman

In 2008, Madonna was named the wealthiest woman by Forbes magazine.

2008-03-10
Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Madonna was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 10, 2008, in her first year of eligibility. She did not perform at the ceremony but had fellow inductees the Stooges perform her songs.

2009-09
Release of Celebration Album

Madonna released her third greatest-hits album, Celebration, in September 2009, as a conclusion to her contract with Warner Bros. Records. The album included new songs along with her hits.

2010-01
Hope for Haiti Now Concert

Madonna performed at the Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief concert in January 2010, contributing to the fundraising efforts for Haiti after the devastating earthquake.

2011-12-09
Publication of Madonna Biography by Mary Cross

On December 9, 2011, the biography of Madonna written by Mary Cross was published. The biography delves into the life and career of the iconic pop star, providing insights into her journey and impact on the music industry.

2012-01-14
Madonna performs at 2012 Super Bowl halftime show

In 2012, Madonna appeared in the Super Bowl halftime show, singing some of her old songs. The performance was watched by 114 million people, the highest rating in Super Bowl history.

2012-02-05
Madonna's Performance at the 46th Super Bowl

On February 5, 2012, Madonna performed at the 46th Super Bowl. It was a significant event in her career.

2013-09
Release of secretprojectrevolution Film

Madonna collaborated with Steven Klein to direct a 17-minute film, secretprojectrevolution, which was released on BitTorrent in September 2013. The film launched the Art for Freedom initiative to promote art and free speech globally.

2014
Madonna's Performance at the 56th Grammys

In 2014, Madonna performed “Open Your Heart” at the 56th Grammys while Queen Latifah officiated the weddings of dozens of gay and straight couples on live TV.

2015-01-05
Madonna goes viral

In 2015, Madonna went viral.

2015-01-07
Madonna's Quotes on Freedom of Expression and Childhood

On January 7, 2015, Madonna expressed her beliefs in freedom of expression, pursuing one's dreams, and shared insights into her religious upbringing and childhood through various quotes.

2015-08-29
Madonna's Rebel Heart Tour Kickoff

In 2015, Madonna embraced new media platforms like Snapchat and Grindr while promoting her 13th studio album, Rebel Heart. She announced a massive worldwide tour starting on August 29 in Miami.

2016-10
Billboard Woman of the Year

In October 2016, Madonna was named Billboard's Woman of the Year. Her speech about ageism and sexism at the ceremony garnered widespread media coverage.

2017-02
Madonna adopts twin sisters from Malawi

In February 2017, Madonna adopted four-year-old twin sisters from Malawi named Estere and Stella. She then moved to live in Lisbon, Portugal, with her adoptive children.

2017-07
Opening of Mercy James Institute for Pediatric Surgery and Intensive Care

In July 2017, Madonna opened the Mercy James Institute for Pediatric Surgery and Intensive Care in Malawi, a children's hospital built by her Raising Malawi charity.

2017-09
Release of Rebel Heart Tour live album

In September 2017, the live album chronicling the Rebel Heart Tour was released, winning Best Music Video for Western Artists at the 32nd Japan Gold Disc Award.

2018-06
Release of Madame X album

Madonna released her 14th studio album, Madame X, in June 2019, inspired by local musicians from Lisbon. The album received critical acclaim and debuted atop the Billboard 200.

2019-06-14
Release of Madame X Album

On June 14, 2019, Madonna released her fourteenth studio album, Madame X, which became her ninth number-one album in the US.

2019-09-17
Start of Madame X Tour

Madonna's Madame X Tour, featuring smaller venues and a no-phone policy for intimacy, began on September 17, 2019. The tour earned $51.4 million in ticket sales.

2020-03-08
Abrupt end of Madame X Tour

The Madame X Tour ended abruptly on March 8, 2020, due to the French government banning gatherings of more than 1,000 people amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020-04-30
Bedtime Stories Album Tops U.S. iTunes Chart

Madonna's 1994 album Bedtime Stories reached the top position on the U.S. iTunes chart in April 30, 2020, due to a fan-led campaign called '#JusticeForBedtimeStories'.

2021-10
Return to Warner Music Group

On her 63rd birthday, Madonna announced her return to Warner in a global partnership, granting the label her entire recorded music catalog.

2022-08-19
Release of Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones

A remix album titled Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones was released on August 19, 2022, featuring Madonna's 50 number-one songs on Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart.

2023-06-02
Collaboration with The Weeknd and Playboi Carti

On June 2, 2023, Madonna collaborated with The Weeknd and Playboi Carti on the single 'Popular', taken from the soundtrack to the drama series The Idol.

2023-06-24
Hospitalization of Madonna

On June 24, 2023, Madonna was hospitalized after being found unresponsive in her New York City apartment. She spent five days in the hospital for treatment of a serious bacterial infection.

2023-09-12
Madonna Pepsi Commercial Aired at 2023 MTV Video Music Awards

The commercial Madonna made in collaboration with Pepsi in 1989, which was banned due to controversial content, aired during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. Madonna refused to compromise her artistic integrity, leading to the cancellation of the commercial.

2023-10-14
Madonna Celebration Tour Begins at The O2 Arena

The Celebration Tour by Madonna commenced on October 14, 2023, at The O2 Arena in London, receiving critical acclaim.

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Madonna
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