Madonna
Landed in New York at 20 with $35, by her account — first plane ride, first taxi.
Madonna was born in 1958 in Bay City, Michigan, US. Madonna's background is described as Italian-American father, French-Canadian mother. Growing up, the family was middle class — her defense-engineer father raised six children alone after her mother died of breast cancer when Madonna was five. Landed in New York at 20 with $35, by her account — first plane ride, first taxi.
- Born
- 1958 · Bay City, Michigan, US
- Roots
- Italian-American father, French-Canadian mother
- Family
- Middle class
- Her defense-engineer father raised six children alone after her mother died of breast cancer when Madonna was five.
- Education
- Dance scholarship at the University of Michigan (left for New York)
- Started with
- $35
- What she carried to New York in 1978, by her account; Dunkin' Donuts shifts and dance auditions followed.
- Affiliations & societies
- None documented.
- Information only — claims like these are often unverifiable and may be wrong.
The pathway
- 1978 · age 19New York$35
Drops the scholarship for the city; years of squats, day jobs, and drum kits in downtown bands.
- 1982 · age 24Everybody
A club single signed off a demo tape.
- 1984 · age 26Like a Virgin
The MTV Awards performance makes her the network's defining star.
- 1990 · age 31Blond Ambition
The tour template — theatrical, controversial, imitated ever since.
- 1992 · age 33Maverick$60M
Her own label and media company, in one of the largest deals a female artist had signed.
- 2008 · age 50Guinness listing
Recorded as the best-selling female recording artist in history — a listing she has held since.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Madonna from?
Madonna was born in 1958 in Bay City, Michigan, US. Their background is described as Italian-American father, French-Canadian mother.
When was Madonna born?
Madonna was born in 1958, in Bay City, Michigan, US.
What is Madonna's background or ethnicity?
Madonna's roots are described as Italian-American father, French-Canadian mother. These are broad categories drawn from public sources, not statements about how the person identifies.
Where did Madonna go to school?
Madonna's education: Dance scholarship at the University of Michigan (left for New York).
What was Madonna's family background growing up?
At birth the family was middle class. Her defense-engineer father raised six children alone after her mother died of breast cancer when Madonna was five.
How did Madonna get started?
Madonna started with $35. What she carried to New York in 1978, by her account; Dunkin' Donuts shifts and dance auditions followed.
Sources
Compiled from these references and contemporaneous press reporting. Figures are approximate; verify before relying on them.