Madonna

Madonna in performance, 2023.
Image: Raph_PH. CC BY 2.0. Source.

Summary

Madonna is an American singer, songwriter and performer whose career connects pop songwriting with dance music, video and theatrical presentation. Changing sound and visual identity have been continuing parts of her work.

Life and career

Her rise in the 1980s linked recorded songs with the expanding reach of music television. Later albums repeatedly changed production style while retaining an emphasis on rhythm and melody. Her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame took place in 2008.

Music and style

Early synth-pop expanded toward R&B, rock and ballads, followed by house and other electronic dance textures. The Hall of Fame places Donna Summer, David Bowie and Prince among her influences, and identifies Britney Spears and Beyoncé among later performers affected by her example. Songcraft and choreography work together within that changing musical language.

Works and performances

'Into the Groove', 'Express Yourself', 'Vogue', 'Ray of Light' and 'Music' offer contrasting entries into her repertoire. The albums Like a Prayer, Ray of Light and Music document different relationships between voice, instrumental arrangement and electronic production. Her stage productions extend those contrasts into movement, costume and dramatic sequence.

Selected recordings in MuGlobe:

• Like a Prayer — Live 8 (2005) — Pop.