Madonna's full birth name is Madonna Louise Ciccone. She was born on August 16, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan, USA.
Madonna is the third of six children. She has five siblings: Martin, Anthony, Paula, Christopher, and Melanie.
Before achieving fame as a singer, Madonna worked several odd jobs to make ends meet. She worked at Dunkin' Donuts in Times Square and even posed as a nude model for art classes.
Madonna was initially trained as a dancer and attended the University of Michigan on a dance scholarship. Her early passion for dance greatly influenced her stage performances and music videos.
Before going solo, Madonna was part of a band called "The Breakfast Club." She played drums and guitar and later formed another band called "Emmy."
Madonna pursued acting alongside her music career. She gained critical acclaim for her role in the film "Desperately Seeking Susan" (1985) and won a Golden Globe for her role in "Evita" (1996).
The nickname "Material Girl" stuck with Madonna after her hit song of the same name was released in 1984. However, she has stated in interviews that the song and the persona associated with it were not reflective of her true values.
Madonna is renowned for her extravagant and successful concert tours. The "Blond Ambition Tour" (1990) and the "Confessions Tour" (2006) are among the highest-grossing tours by a solo artist at their respective times.
In addition to her music and acting career, Madonna has ventured into writing children's books. She has authored several picture books, including "The English Roses" and "Mr. Peabody's Apples."
Madonna is actively involved in various charitable causes. She founded the charity organization Raising Malawi, which focuses on improving the lives of orphans in Malawi. Her philanthropic efforts also extend to other global initiatives.