April 2022 Nonconformist of the Month – Madonna

Love her or hate her, you have to admit that the 80’s would not have been the 80’s without Madonna.  As one of the decade’s most popular artists, her music was everywhere.  She burst onto the scene in 1984 when she appeared on American Bandstand and mesmerized the audience not only by performing her danceable songs, but also with her overflowing confidence.  She answered Dick Clark’s question of “What’s next?” by stating that her goal was “To rule the world.”  Her over-the-top performances, wardrobe choices, and music videos led to an almost frenzy-like following by her millions of fans.  She ventured into movies and television commercials as well. 

Since the 80’s, Madonna has continued working almost constantly and has continued to have chart topping hits for decades.  She is celebrated as the highest selling female rock artist of the 20th century and is tied with Barbra Streisand with the most multi-platinum albums (they each have twelve).  Her world tours are always among the top-grossing and they sell out quickly.  She has left a tremendous legacy and has influenced many female artists who followed her lead…and she is a tough act to follow.

Born in Michigan in August 1958 and named after her mother, she was the oldest girl in a large Catholic family.  She has five siblings and two half-siblings.  Her mother died of cancer when Madonna was only five, leaving an emotional void that Madonna would strive to fill for decades.  Madonna was a good student and a cheerleader, although she was also rebellious.  As a teenager, her best friend was an older gay man who introduced her to art and dance.  This influenced her to study dance and led to her moving to New York as a young adult to pursue a career in dance.

While in New York her love for dance became overshadowed by her desire to be famous.  She joined a few bands and learned about performing and songwriting.  Her ambition led her to befriend a number of artists, musicians, and disc-jockeys who would prove helpful in getting her first songs played in the clubs of New York.  Her funky, danceable sound was perfect for these venues and soon she got noticed and was signed to a record deal.  The rest is history, as she attracted attention wherever she appeared, and the public reacted with a frenzy.

Madonna is a self-made woman.  She set her sights on her goal, worked hard toward that goal, and surrounded herself with people who had the right connections.  Her success is due to her strong belief in herself and in the message she wanted to share with the world.  Her message is one of determination, being true to yourself, and making no apologies for who you are.  She is a role-model for many for these reasons.  In addition, she is an advocate for LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, and sexual freedom of expression.  She is also active in anti-bullying causes and has made large contributions to the under-privileged in the African country of Malawi.  She has even adopted four children who were orphaned in that country and has offered them a better life.

Madonna is the ultimate nonconformist.  She is a strong, accomplished woman who is always unapologetically herself.