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Madonna Ciccone (pronounced: chee-koh-neh) mother died of breast cancer when Madonna was only 6 years old. At a young age, Madonna participate in school shows, was a school cheerleader, and she took piano and ballet lessons. She attended the University of Michigan on a dance scholarship, but dropped out after two years, to move to New York City and pursue her dreams of becoming a star. She joined her boyfriend's band as a backup singer and dancer. Madonna began her song writing and performed at local dance clubs. One of her demo singles, entitled Everybody, was played by DJ Mark Kamins and it became a popular club hit. DJ Mark Kamins was also the one who introduced Madonna to Warner Bothers in 1982. She was immediately signed for a record label. Madonna released her debut album in 1983, and spawned the America Top 20 chart hit single Holiday. In 1984, Madonna released her second album, Like A Virgin. The album and the title track reached the number one spots of the music charts.
Madonnas manager, Freddie DeMann, negotiated some film roles for her. She appeared as a nightclub singer in the film Vision Quest, and as the lead role in Desperately Seeking Susan, co-starring Rosanna Arquette. Madonnas single from the Vision Quest soundtrack became a hit, and so was the soundtrack from Desperately Seeking Susan. Madonna performed in Goose and Tom-Tom, where she met actor Sean Penn. The couple got married and co-starred in the film Shanghai Surprise. Madonna and Sean Penn got divorced after less than 4 years. At this point, Madonna was a star and had already caused controversy for her "boy toy" image. And she caused more controversy with her single: Papa Don't Preach (1986). A song about women getting pregnant out of wedlock. Her music video for the single: Like A Prayer, gave big head lines. The music video featured burning crosses in the background, and Madonna kissing an African-American eroticized saint. The Vatican censured the music video and Pepsi backed out of their endorsement with Madonna. The album Like a Prayer spawned 5 Top Twenty hits.
Madonna is the most known and recognized international star of contemporary history, and she is probably one of the most publicized celebrities of the 20th century. In the early 90's Madonna made a documentary: Truth or Dare, a behind-the-scenes film of her Blonde Ambition Tour. She also released the X-rated coffee-table book Sex, her album, Erotica, and she was speaking out about the AIDS epidemic. Taking a step away from her scandalous days, Madonna released Bedtime Stories, spawning a hit duet with Babyface, entitled Take A Bow. She appeared in the films: A League of Their Own, Four Rooms and Blue in the Face. In 1996, Madonna starred in the title role of the movie version of the musical Evita. For this role, Madonna earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress. That same year, Madonna gave birth to a daughter, Lourdes Maria Ciccone Leon. The father is Carlos Leon, Madonnas personal trainer.
She released the electronic-influenced album, Ray of Light, in 1998. She also starred in the film The Next Best Thing, co-starring Rupert Everett and Benjamin Bratt. On December 22, 2000 Madonna married english director Guy Ritchie. Together they have a son, Rocco Ritchie, born August 11, 2000. In June, 2005, the panties Madonna worn in the movie Body of Evidence (1993), were sold for $1,800 in an auction. | 