Madonna (performer)

From Citizendium, the Citizens' Compendium

Madonna Louise Ciccone Ritchie (who performs under the stage name 'Madonna') was born in Michigan on August 16, 1958.

After several years of attempting to break into the world of pop music, Madonna scored a dance chart hit in several global markets in 1982 with the disco-inspired song "Everybody".

Several other hits followed in reasonably quick succession - leading to the release of her first album, Madonna, in 1983.

In the ensuing years, Madonna has become an enigmatic artist who has sustained a career that has longevity few other pop artists have achieved.

In 2008, the artist enjoyed another number one hit in many markets around the world with her duet with Justin Timberlake, 4 Minutes - more than a quarter of a century after her first chart single.

Madonna has been married twice - first to actor Sean Penn, then to film director Guy Ritchie. She and Ritchie divorced in 2008.