Madonna
Born 1958 · Age 67
American singer, songwriter, record producer, actress and businesswoman, widely known as the 'Queen of Pop' for her continual reinvention and influence across music, fashion and popular culture.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Bay City, Michigan
Madonna Louise Ciccone was born to Silvio Anthony 'Tony' Ciccone and Madonna Fortin.
Mother dies of breast cancer
Madonna's mother, Madonna Fortin, died when Madonna was five; this loss had deep impact on her later life and career drive.
Accepted to University of Michigan on dance scholarship
After early ballet and dance training Madonna received a dance scholarship to the University of Michigan.
Selected for Alvin Ailey summer scholarship
Awarded a six-week scholarship to study with Alvin Ailey in New York and later performed with Pearl Lang (summer study period).
Moved to New York City to pursue dance
Madonna dropped out of college and relocated to New York City with very little money to pursue a dance career.
Performed with Patrick Hernandez in Paris
Spent ~3 months as a backup singer/dancer for French disco artist Patrick Hernandez; traveled to Tunisia before returning to New York.
Formed first band, the Breakfast Club
With musician Dan Gilroy, Madonna formed the band Breakfast Club, singing and playing drums and guitar.
Formed Emmy and the Emmys with Stephen Bray
Left Breakfast Club and formed Emmy and the Emmys; began writing songs with Stephen Bray.
Signed to Gotham Records (Camille Barbone management)
Camille Barbone of Gotham Records signed Madonna and managed her until February 1982.
Released debut single 'Everybody'
Madonna's first single, produced by Mark Kamins, hit #1 on the Billboard dance chart and launched her recording career.
Released debut album 'Madonna'
Eponymous debut album peaked at #8 on the Billboard 200 and included hits 'Holiday', 'Borderline' and 'Lucky Star'.
Iconic 'Like a Virgin' MTV VMA performance
Performed atop a giant wedding cake at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards, dramatically raising her profile.
Released 'Like a Virgin' album
Her second studio album and breakthrough; first album by a female to sell over five million copies in the US; later certified diamond and over 21M worldwide sales.
Starred in Desperately Seeking Susan; released 'Into the Groove'
Mainstream film role that boosted her popularity; 'Into the Groove' became a #1 UK single.
Virgin Tour (first concert tour)
Embarked on first concert tour across North America, a cultural phenomenon that spurred fashion trends and 'Madonna wannabes'.
Married actor Sean Penn
Madonna married Sean Penn on her 27th birthday; marriage was highly publicized and tumultuous.
Acted in 'Shanghai Surprise' (poor reception)
Co-starred with Sean Penn in Shanghai Surprise; film was critically panned and earned her a Golden Raspberry for Worst Actress.
Released 'True Blue' album
Third studio album dedicated to husband Sean Penn; topped charts in 28 countries and has sold ~25 million copies worldwide.
Who's That Girl World Tour
World tour (June–September) that broke attendance records, including a 130,000-attendee show near Paris.
Filed for divorce from Sean Penn
Madonna filed for divorce after two tumultuous years of marriage (later withdrew petition briefly but ultimately divorced in 1989).
Broadway debut in 'Speed-the-Plow'
Made theatrical debut at Royale Theatre in a production of David Rabe's play.
Pepsi endorsement & 'Like a Prayer' controversy
Signed a Pepsi endorsement that included debuting 'Like a Prayer' in a commercial; after the video's religious imagery Pepsi canceled the sponsorship.
Released 'Like a Prayer' album
Fourth studio album explored religious and social themes; peaked at #1 on Billboard 200 and sold ~15 million copies worldwide.
Blond Ambition World Tour
April–August 1990 tour renowned for choreography and provocative performance; live recording later won a Grammy for Best Long Form Music Video.
Released 'The Immaculate Collection' (greatest hits)
First greatest-hits compilation included two new songs; certified diamond and sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
Released documentary 'Truth or Dare' (In Bed with Madonna)
Documentary of Blond Ambition tour became the highest-grossing documentary of its time.
Maverick deal advance and royalties
Maverick joint venture with Time Warner included a reported $60 million advance and a 20% music-royalty rate for Madonna (industry-leading).
Founded Maverick entertainment company
Launched Maverick, a joint venture with Time Warner comprising a record label, film production, publishing and merchandising divisions.
Released album 'Erotica' and book 'Sex'
Simultaneously released Erotica and the explicit coffee-table book Sex; the book sold approx. 1.5 million copies at $50 each in days (gross ~$75M), generating controversy.
Girlie Show world tour
A provocative global tour in 1993 with controversial moments (e.g., Puerto Rico flag incident).
Released 'Bedtime Stories' album
Adopted a softer image; album debuted at #3 and produced hits including 'Secret' and 'Take a Bow' (a 7-week #1).
Controversial Late Show with David Letterman appearance
Used profanity on air and handed Letterman a pair of her underwear; moment widely publicized and controversial.
Released 'Something to Remember' (ballads collection)
Compilation of ballads including new tracks like 'You'll See' and a cover of Marvin Gaye's 'I Want You'.
Began filming 'Evita' in Argentina
Secured role of Eva Perón after campaigning for the part; underwent vocal coaching and historical study.
Birth of daughter Lourdes Maria Ciccone Leon
Madonna gave birth to Lourdes ('Lola') with fitness trainer Carlos Leon.
Released film 'Evita' and soundtrack
Madonna's performance was praised; soundtrack included 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina' which topped many European charts.
Won Golden Globe for Best Actress (Evita)
Received Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for Evita.
Split from Carlos Leon
Announced end of romantic relationship with Carlos Leon; declared they were 'better off as best friends'.
Released 'Ray of Light' album
Marked a major stylistic shift with electronica producer William Orbit; critical acclaim and sold ~16 million copies worldwide.
Founded Ray of Light Foundation
Established a philanthropic foundation focused on women, education, global development and humanitarian causes.
Won Grammy for 'Beautiful Stranger'
Earned a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media for the Austin Powers song.
Birth of son Rocco John Ritchie
Madonna gave birth to her son with Guy Ritchie; birth had complications (placenta praevia).
Released 'Music' album
Eighth studio album (Mirwais production), debuted at #1 in the US and hit #1 in 20+ countries; sold 4M copies in first 10 days.
Christened son and married Guy Ritchie
Rocco was christened Dec 21; Madonna and Guy Ritchie married at Skibo Castle on Dec 22, 2000.
Released 'GHV2' (greatest hits, decade 1991–2001)
Compilation debuted at #7 on Billboard 200 and sold about 7 million units worldwide.
Drowned World Tour (comeback tour)
First global tour in eight years; highest-grossing solo artist tour of 2001, earning approximately $75 million from 47 sold-out shows.
Released 'Die Another Day' (James Bond theme)
Title song for the Bond film reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Golden Globe nomination.
Released album 'American Life'
Politically themed album that received mixed reviews and became her lowest-selling studio album at that time (~4 million worldwide).
Published children's book 'The English Roses'
First children's book debuted atop The New York Times Best Seller list and became the fastest-selling children's picture book at the time; proceeds donated to charity.
Maverick shares purchased by Warner; legal dispute resolved
After lawsuits between Maverick and Warner, Warner purchased Maverick shares becoming a wholly owned Warner subsidiary; Madonna remained signed separately as an artist.
Re-Invention World Tour
Mid-2004 tour in US, Canada and Europe became the highest-grossing tour of 2004, earning around $120 million; subject of documentary 'I'm Going to Tell You a Secret.'
Inducted into the inaugural UK Music Hall of Fame
Included among the first five inductees alongside the Beatles, Elvis, Bob Marley and U2.
Released 'Confessions on a Dance Floor'
2005 album (21st-century bestseller) continued Madonna's dance-pop reinvention; later earned a Grammy for Best Electronic/Dance Album.
Adopted son David Banda (raised since 2006)
Began raising David Banda from Malawi; later legal and public controversies around the adoption followed, culminating in court decisions.
Founded Raising Malawi
Charity focused on the needs of orphans and vulnerable children in Malawi; Madonna became deeply involved in Malawi philanthropy and later adoption efforts.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Madonna was inducted in her first year of eligibility, recognizing her long-term influence on popular music.
Sticky & Sweet Tour (record-breaking female tour)
2008–2009 tour became the highest-grossing concert tour by a female performer at the time; tour launched under a Live Nation deal.
Named world's wealthiest female musician by Forbes
Forbes listed Madonna as the world's highest-paid female musician that month; a record 11 times across four decades she topped Forbes lists.
Adopted Mercy James (Malawi)
After legal proceedings, Madonna was granted custody of Mercy James in June 2009.
Released and directed 'W.E.'
Madonna co-wrote and directed W.E., a film released in 2011; she won a Golden Globe for the original song 'Masterpiece'.
Performed Super Bowl XLVI halftime show
Headlined the halftime show (Feb 2012), drawing massive global television audience and publicity.
Released 'MDNA' album
Studio album released March 2012; supported by global touring and promotional activity.
Rebel Heart songs leaked; pre-release strategy
In Dec 2014 many tracks from the forthcoming album were leaked; Madonna released tracks ahead of schedule to counter leaks.
Released 'Rebel Heart' album
13th studio album (official release March 10, 2015) after leaks and promotional singles.
Adopted twins Estere and Stella from Malawi
In February 2017 Madonna announced she had adopted 4-year-old twins Estere and Stella from Malawi.
Relocated (inspiration for 'Madame X')
Madonna moved to Lisbon around 2017; the move influenced the persona and music on the 2019 album 'Madame X'.
Released 'Madame X' album; single 'Medellín' (with Maluma)
14th studio album released in 2019; lead single 'Medellín' was a collaboration with Maluma and performed at Billboard Music Awards.
Launched Celebration Tour
12th world tour (Celebration Tour) — a retrospective of her career — marking continued global touring activity into her mid-60s.
Library of Congress adds 'Like a Virgin' to National Recording Registry
Like a Virgin was added to the Registry as culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant (2023).
Stepmother Joan Gustafson dies
Madonna's stepmother, Joan Gustafson (married to Tony Ciccone in 1966), died in 2024 after 58 years of marriage to Tony.
Reported development: Netflix limited series about Madonna
Reported collaboration with director Shawn Levy to develop a biographical limited series for Netflix (in early stages, Nov 2024 reporting in Biography.com).
Estimated career milestones summary
By mid-2020s Madonna is recognized as the best-selling female recording artist of all time; first female performer to gross $1B from concerts; multiple Grammys, Golden Globes and industry honors.
Free Rio concert attended by 1.6 million (Celebration Tour finale)
Final Celebration Tour show in Rio de Janeiro (May 2024) was a free concert attended by ~1.6 million fans, a record for a standalone concert event.
Key Achievement Ages
Explore what Madonna and others achieved at these notable ages:
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