Madonna: Express Yourself

Madonna's live appearance at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards was the first shocking moment in a career seemingly built on controversy. From her suggestive attire to her public love life to her tell-all documentaries and banned movies, Madonna has consistently "caused a commotion," parodying sexual stereotypes and shocking the establishment, while selling millions of records. Born on August 16, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan, Madonna Louise Ciccone was the eldest daughter of conservative, devout Catholic parents, and her rejection of their values helped shape her independent spirit. Madonna devoted much of her young life to dance, but eventually decided to abandon her dreams of becoming a professional dancer, instead opting for rock stardom.