Beyonce

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter (born September 4, 1981), known mononymously as Beyoncé, is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and actress. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Beyoncé performed in various singing and dancing competitions as a child. She rose to fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of Destiny's Child, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. Following the disbandment of Destiny's Child in 2006, she released her second solo album, B'Day (2006), which contained hits "Irreplaceable" and "Beautiful Liar". Beyoncé also ventured into acting, with starring roles in The Pink Panther (2006), Dreamgirls (2006), and Obsessed (2009).

Beyoncé's marriage to rapper Jay-Z and portrayal of Etta James in Cadillac Records (2008) influenced her third album, I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008), which earned a record-setting six Grammy Awards in 2010. Her fifth studio album, Beyoncé (2013), was critically acclaimed for its experimental production and exploration of darker themes. With the release of Lemonade (2016), Beyoncé became the first and only musical act in Billboard 200 history to debut at number one with their first six solo studio albums.

Beyond her music career, Beyoncé's impact is widespread, including philanthropic efforts and activism for Black Lives Matter and women's rights. She has sold over 100 million records worldwide as a solo artist, making her one of the world's best-selling music artists. Beyoncé has won 28 Grammy Awards, the most of any female artist, and holds the record for the most MTV Video Music Awards wins by a single artist.

Early Life

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles was born on September 4, 1981, in Houston, Texas, to Celestine "Tina" Knowles (née Beyincé), a hairdresser and salon owner, and Mathew Knowles, a Xerox sales manager. Beyoncé's name is a tribute to her mother's maiden name. She has a younger sister, Solange Knowles, who is also a singer and a former backup dancer for Destiny's Child.

Career

Destiny's Child

Beyoncé first gained recognition as part of the R&B girl group Destiny's Child, managed by her father, Mathew Knowles. The group underwent several lineup changes before releasing their self-titled debut album in 1998, which was followed by their breakthrough album, The Writing's on the Wall (1999), featuring hits "Say My Name" and "Bills, Bills, Bills".

Solo Career

Beyoncé's debut solo album, Dangerously in Love (2003), was a commercial success, establishing her as a viable solo artist. The album featured the number-one singles "Crazy in Love" and "Baby Boy".

Personal Life

Beyoncé is married to rapper Jay-Z, with whom she has three children. The couple's relationship has been a significant aspect of their music, with both artists exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and forgiveness in their work.

Legacy and Influence

Beyoncé is regarded as a modern-day pop icon, known for her powerful vocals, electrifying performances, and innovative music videos. Her influence extends beyond music, as she has become a symbol of female empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Philanthropy

Beyoncé has been involved in various charitable efforts, including support for Hurricane Katrina victims and the Black Lives Matter movement. She founded the BeyGOOD initiative to support education, homelessness, and clean water campaigns worldwide.

Discography

• Dangerously in Love (2003)
• B'Day (2006)
• I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008)
• 4 (2011)
• Beyoncé (2013)
• Lemonade (2016)

Filmography

• Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)
• The Pink Panther (2006)
• Dreamgirls (2006)
• Obsessed (2009)

Awards and Achievements

Beyoncé has received numerous awards and nominations, including 28 Grammy Awards, 24 MTV Video Music Awards, and the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.