Madonna Louise Ciccone (born August 16, 1958), known professionally as Madonna, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Known for her continual reinvention and versatility in music production, songwriting, and visual presentation, she has been widely recognized as the "Queen of Pop". She is the best-selling female recording artist of all time, having sold more than 300 million records worldwide. Her work has been praised by critics, but she has also been a controversial figure due to her provocative music videos, stage performances, and outspokenness.
Madonna was born in Bay City, Michigan, and moved to New York City in 1978 to pursue a career in dance. She quickly became involved in the downtown club scene, and her early music was influenced by punk rock and new wave. Her self-titled debut album was released in 1983, and she achieved mainstream success with her follow-up albums Like a Virgin (1984), True Blue (1986), and Like a Prayer (1989). These albums established Madonna as a global pop icon, and she became known for her music videos, which were often controversial and groundbreaking.
In the 1990s, Madonna continued to experiment with her music and image, releasing albums such as Erotica (1992), Bedtime Stories (1994), and Ray of Light (1998). She also starred in a number of films, including Evita (1996), which earned her a Golden Globe Award. In the 2000s, Madonna released albums such as Music (2000), American Life (2003), and Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005). She also embarked on a number of successful concert tours, and her halftime show performance at the 2012 Super Bowl was one of the most-watched television events in history.
In recent years, Madonna has continued to release music and tour the world. She is a successful businesswoman, and her own clothing line, Material Girl, has been a major success. She is also a vocal advocate for a number of causes, including AIDS awareness and LGBTQ rights.
Madonna is a cultural icon who has had a profound impact on popular culture. She is a role model for many women, and her music and image have inspired generations of artists. She is a true original, and her legacy is sure to endure for many years to come.