Madonna was born Madonna Louise Ciccone in Bay City, Michigan on August 16, 1958, and is an American singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, icon and Queen of Pop. Madonna headed to New York City in 1978 in order to make a career in modern dance, and after stints as a backing singer and as a member of the band The Breakfast Club, she signed a solo deal in 1982, releasing her eponymous debut the following year. Madonna soon became a shape-shifting music legend, harnessing the power of video and able to work with some of the most groundbreaking designers, producers and musicians. Madonna is the biggest selling female artist of all time, with an estimated 300 million records sold, and she is also the highest-grossing solo touring artist of all time, accumulating over a billion from her concert tickets. Madonna has had 13 UK Official Singles Chart Number 1s (including Into The Groove, Papa Don’t Preach, Like A Prayer, Vogue, Music and Hung Up) and 12 UK Official Album Chart Number 1s (including Like A Virgin, The Immaculate Collection, Ray of Light, Confessions on A Dancefloor and Hard Candy). Madonna also has the largest amount of Number two singles too, with 12 over the years. Madonna has also been in films, including a breakout role in Desperately Seeking Susan as well as Evita and Swept Away. Madonna has been nominated 11 times for BRIT Awards, winning Best International Female Solo Act in 2001 and 2006, and has also won seven Grammys. Madonna currently holds 16 Guinness World Records, from the slightly mad (Most Costume Changes in A Film) to the breathtaking (Longest run of Top 20 hits by a solo artist (64) and Best-selling female recording artist of all time). Madonna also has won Oscars, Ivors, Golden Globes, 20 MTV Video Music Awards and is a member of both the UK and US Rock and Roll Halls of Fame.
