Early Life
Madonna Louise Ciccone grew up near Detroit and moved to New York City in 1978 to pursue dance and music, working in clubs and playing with local bands before signing a record deal.
Career
Her self-titled debut appeared in 1983, and Like a Virgin (1984) made her a star. Later albums such as True Blue (1986), Like a Prayer (1989), Ray of Light (1998) and Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005) added to a long run of hits, provocative videos and record-setting tours. She also acted, most notably in Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) and Evita (1996), for which she won a Golden Globe Award.
Legacy
Madonna is often cited as the best-selling female recording artist of all time. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.
Sources and further reading
Last updated: 2026-09-24