Madonna’s status as the Queen of Pop has been cemented for so long people often forget just how influential her career was on the development of the music genre.
New to Madonna’s music or too young to remember her heydays? Here’s a refresher on her impressive career from her days as a dancer up to her current success and how she built her $800 million fortune.
Humble Beginnings
Trivia: Madonna, although known for her blonde locks, was actually born a brunette as evident from pictures of her when she was just a teenager.
The now 60-year-old pop star was born Madonna Louise Ciccone and grew up in the suburbs of Detroit. As a student, she attended Catholic schools where she was a straight-A student and a member of the cheer squad to boot.
After high school, she attended college at the University of Michigan after getting a scholarship for dance. She wouldn’t finish her degree though as she would eventually drop from school in 1978 to pursue her dreams in New York City.
This is where she’ll meet a music executive from Sire Records and get signed on for a music deal. By this time, Madonna has spent two years performing and writing her own songs.
Her first hit single, “Everybody” was released in 1982 and would be quickly followed by four more hits like “Borderline” and “Lucky Star”.
Just a year later, she would release her first album, “Madonna” and the world of pop will never be the same again.
Cultural Phenomenon
A few samples of the many looks Madonna rocked at the start of her career.
Madonna’s star would shine all throughout the 80s when she reigned supreme in the music charts.
However, it wasn’t just her music that attracted legions of fans to admire and support her. Her personal style, dance moves and overall badass attitude were a breath of fresh air in the male-dominated music scene of that time.
Her fashion statements became instant trends among the youth of the 80s and beyond. In fact, her distinct wardrobe choices and styling have made her a Hall of Famer in fashion history.
Another thing that made her iconic is the fact that she was one of the first pop stars to have full control of her public and artistic persona paving the way for other artists like Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and many more to make it big in the music scene.
Banking On Her Fame
Proving to be more than just a pretty face, Madonna quickly learned how to capitalize her fame and success.
The singer turned businesswoman has made an empire out of her stardom beginning with the launch of her very own clothing line, Material Girl. But she didn’t stop there, the savvy moneymaker soon branched out into other ventures releasing her own perfume and series of fitness centers.
Of course, her records continue to rake in profits for the iconic singer having sold 300 million records since the start of her career making her the best selling female singer of all time.
All of these add up to make Madonna’s $800 million fortune and she doesn’t seem to be slowing down just yet. At this rate, it wouldn’t be surprising that she’ll be a self-made billionaire, too.