Madonna is one of the most recognizable pop icons in popular culture. She is most well-known for her flexible style, music production, songwriting, and visual presentation. She pushed the boundaries in artistic expression and was in charge of every aspect of her career. Although Madonna is so famous and is cited as an influence by many artists, there are 9 things you may not know about Madonna.
1. Madonna was a straight-A student
Madonna once said she stayed in a ‘stinky little town in Northern Michigan’, which is Bay City. She was actually a straight-A student and won a scholarship to learn dance at the University of Michigan.
2. Madonna moved to NYC with $35
Madonna dropped out of college and went to New York City with only $35 to her name. She said she was inspired to move by her ballet teacher, Christopher Flynn who exposed her to classical music, literature, art, and cultural devices. Flynn encouraged Madonna to believe in her dreams.
3. Madonna Formed 2 bands
Madonna formed her first band Breakfast Club with musician boyfriend Dan Gilroy where she played the drums and the guitar. She then formed the band Emmy after rekindling her romance with Stephen Bray.
4. Before hitting big time, Madonna served at Dunkin’ Donuts
To help make ends meet while studying at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Madonna worked at various places including Dunkin’ Donuts where she apparently was fired for squirting jam into a customer’s face.
5. Madonna’s first film wasn’t ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’
Madonna’s first movie role was as a club singer cameo in the 1985 film ‘Vision Quest’. Her first film debut in a lead role was in ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’, which also premiered in the same year.
6. Madonna earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records
Madonna has released 14 albums so far. The total album sales she generated earned her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful solo artist of all time and best-selling female recording artist.
7. Madonna claimed the main role of ‘Evita’ against A-list actresses
The role of Eva Peron in ‘Evita’ was originally offered to Meryl Streep in the Andrew Llyod Webber musical. A-listers such as Glenn Close, Barbara Streisand, and Michelle Pfeiffer all tried out for the role in the casting call. In the end, it was Madonna, who had campaigned for the role who won the hearts of the filmmakers.
8. Madonna is not on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame
Despite being such an iconic star, Madonna does not have her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Grammy winner was chosen for the honour in 1990, but she was not interested!
9. Madonna was paid millions in a Pepsi commercial that never aired
Madonna signed a $5 million dollar endorsement deal with Pepsi in 1989 for a commercial tied to the release of her ‘Like a Prayer’ music video. However, the controversial video created an uproar for its blasphemous Catholic imagery that the deal was called off and the commercial never aired.
Madonna is a multi-talented artist who could play the drums, the guitar, and also sings! She had an inspiring ballet teacher who made her believe in herself and her dreams that we are able to appreciate her art. If you are an aspiring musician, believe in your dreams as well, for all you know, you might be the next Madonna in Asia! Get in touch with us at Ritmo Music Studio for various music programmes to kickstart your dream.
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