Madonna is an Italian-American pop singer whose music spans the genres of rock and roll, dance, pop, adult contemporary, disco and R&B.  Madonna is also a songwriter, record producer, actress and author.  Much of Madonna’s music reflects her Italian heritage and her Catholic upbringing.  She is now a devotee of Kabbalah.  Madonna’s music currently appears on the Warner Bros. Record label.

2012

Madonna performed the halftime show at the 2012 Super Bowl at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday February 5th.  It was one of the most popular halftime shows in recent years as the iconic Madonna performed at an amazing level throughout.

Madonna has launched a world tour that will kick off in the United States in August 2012.  Madonna will play Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York; the United Center in Chicago; TD Garden in Boston and the Staples Center in Los Angeles.  Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to see Madonna in a city near you!

Background

Madonna was born as Madonna Louise Ciccone in Bay City, Michigan on August 16, 1958.  Her father’s name is Silvio “Tony” P. Ciccone who came from the region of Abruzzo in Italy.  Her mother’s name is Madonna Louise Fortin.  Madonna’s mother died of breast cancer at an early age, an event that had a profound impact on Madonna’s life.  Madonna graduated Rochester Adams High School where she was a brilliant student, played sports and was a cheerleader.  Although she received a dance scholarship to the University of Michigan, Madonna left college early and moved to New York City to pursue a dance career.

Once in New York City, Madonna kept a series of odd jobs to make ends meet before she had her big break.  She performed in several modern dance companies.  While performing with one of the dance companies, Madonna met Dan Gilroy.  Together, they formed the rock group, The Breakfast Club.  Madonna then formed another band called Emmy with Stephen Bray.  Mark Kamins, a disk jockey and record producer who heard Madonna’s work, gave her demo recordings to the founder of Sire Records.

After a series of singles, Madonna released her debut album, Madonna, in 1983.  After this release, Madonna’s fame grew rapidly over the years.  Since the release of her first album, Madonna has released multiple albums and has completed a number of hugely successful tours.

Madonna was originally married to Sean Penn.  She has had a series of other relationships over the years, but Madonna is currently married to Guy Ritchie, a British film director.  Madonna has two children, daughter Lourdes Maria Ciccone Leon (whose father is Carlos Leon) and Rocco John Ritchie (whose father is Guy Ritchie).

Madonna is very involved in the Kabbalah Centre and is a disciple of Rabbi Philip Berg.  Madonna is also politically active, endorsing Democratic candidates such as Wesley Clark’s nomination for the 2004 United States presidential election against President George W. Bush.

In 2005, Madonna was injured after falling from a horse at her home in England.  She suffered a broken collarbone, a few cracked ribs and a broken hand.  She has since recovered.

Music / Albums / Concerts

Madonna’s many albums include:  Madonna (1983), Like a Virgin(1984) which was Madonna’s first number one album, True Blue (1986), You Can Dance (1987), Like a Prayer (1989), I’m Breathless (1990), The Immaculate Collection (1990), Erotica (1992), Bedtime Stories (1994), Something to Remember (1995), Ray of Light (1998), Music (2000), GHV2 (2001), American Life (2003), Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005). 

There are also a number of movie soundtracks that contain songs by Madonna such as the soundtracks for Vision Quest, Evita, The Wedding Singer, Austin Powers:  The Spy Who Shagged Me, The Next Best Thing, Die Another Day, 13 Going on 30 and The Devil Wears Prada.

Madonna has had many wildly successful tours.  Her first tour in 1985 was titled The Virgin Tour.  Madonna was accompanied on this tour by the Beastie Boys.  In 1987, Madonna performed the Who’s That Girl World Tour.  In 1990, Madonna performed the Blond Ambition Tour.  In 1993, Madonna performed The Girlie Show Tour.  In 2001, Madonna performed the Drowned World Tour.  In 2004, Madonna performed the Re-Invention Tour.  In 2006, Madonna performed her Confessions Tour.

In 2005, Madonna participated in a television concert to benefit the victims of the tsunami in Asia.  That year, Madonna also participated in the Live8 Concerts.

Acting Career

Madonna is also a prolific actress who has appeared in a number of films.  She has appeared in A Certain Sacrifice, Vision Quest, Desperately Seeking Susan, Shanghai Surprise, Who’s That Girl, Bloodhounds of Broadway, Dick Tracy, Truth or Dare (also known as In Bed with Madonna), Shadows and Fog, A League of Their Own, Body of Evidence, Dangerous Game, Blue in the Face, Four Rooms, Girl 6, Evita, The Next Best Thing, The Hire: Star, Swept Away, I’m Going to Tell You a Secret.  She was the voice of Princess Selenia in the film Arthur and the Invisibles.

Awards

Madonna has won numerous music honors and awards.  To date, Madonna has won multiple Grammy awards.  She has also won a golden globe for her role in the movie Evita.