From performing in local talent shows for recognition to headlining the halftime Super Bowl, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter was born on September 4, 1981, in Houston, Texas. Simply known as Beyoncé, she is a singer, songwriter, actress, record producer, and designer.
At an early age, she sang in her church’s choir back in Houston, Texas. Singing and music, probably, came easy for her. It seemed to be another thread weaved in her DNA. She was made for the grandest stages. Beyoncé also, performed in local talent shows to gain recognition. She formed her first girl group at age 9, Girl’s Tyme, which later became known as Destiny Child.
Success with Destinys Child
Destiny’s Child was one of the best-selling girls group of all time. At an audition, Bey met LaTavia Robertson. They were placed in a group called Girl’s Tyme at an all-girl entertainment audition. They were certainly a thrill to watch. Thus, they caught the attention of Arne Frager, an R&B producer. He placed them on the largest talent show at that time, Star Search. Girl’s Tyme added three more members and appeared on the talent show. But, they failed to win which led to losing a recording contract.
In 1995, Beyoncé’s father, Matthew Knowles, became the manager of the group. He added LeToya Luckett. The band performed in numerous gigs around Houston. After a series of auditions, gigs, and rough cuts with record labels, they finally landed a contract with Columbia Records in 1996.
The group changed their name to Destiny’s Child. From there on destiny was on their side. They released their first studio album, a self-titled album “Destiny’s Child,” in 1998 with a lead single titled “No, No, No,” which peaked at no.3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in its first week.
This was followed by the release of their breakthrough album “The Writing’s on the Wall” the following year. Destiny’s Child was firing on all cylinders now. The album included many hit songs like “Bills, Bills, Bills,” “Say My Name,” and “Jumpin Jumpin.”
This album won two Grammy Awards and sold more than 8 million copies in the US. Beckett and Robinson left the group and were replaced by Farrah Franklin and Michelle Williams.
Farrah Franklin was later sacked from the band. This cut the band to three: Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles was in charge of making their costumes. The trio released their third studio album, which undoubtedly solidified them as R&B and Pop superstars. “Survivor” was released in 2001, debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 200, earned them a Grammy Award, and went on to be a 4x Platinum album. The album included hot singles like “Bootylicious” and “Independent Woman Pt.1”.
Beyoncé set off to pursue solo endeavours.
They reunited in 2004 to release “Destiny Fulfilled,” which sold more than 7 million copies worldwide but was not as acclaimed as their other albums. It produced several hits, and they went on a successful world tour in 2005, which was sponsored by McDonald’s Corporation. It was there they officially announced that they were going to break up. A tear to the heart of their fans and many girls who looked up to them. Going out with a bang, they released #1’s. A collection of well-known songs and number-one hits from their previous albums.
Solo career and achievements
In 2002, she collaborated again with Jay-Z on his song “03 Bonnie and Clyde” for his seventh studio album. They were boyfriend and girlfriend in the music video, sparking dating rumours.
Queen Bey released her first solo studio album in 2003, “Dangerously in Love”. It was an immediate success, topping charts around the world. “Crazy in Love” was the lead single of the album, featuring rapper Jay-Z, whom she would later marry. It debuted at no. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Her debut album earned her 5 Grammy Awards and is a 4x certified platinum album. She went on a tour in November of the same year in support of the album and Beyonce tickets sold out at every show.
She joined Alicia Keys and Missy Elliott in North America for the Verizon Ladies First Tour. On February 1, 2004, she sang the American national anthem at the Super Bowl XXXVIII at the Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. Beyoncé released her second studio album, “B’Day” on September 4, 2006, coinciding with her birthday. It became her second album consecutive album debuting at number one in the United States.
“Irreplaceable” became its most successful single. At the 47th Grammy Awards, “B’Day received 5 nominations and won the award for Best Contemporary R&B Album.
Marriage to Jay-Z and scandals
On April 4, 2008, she married Jay-Z. The pair became an instant power couple as one of the top-earning power couples in the entertainment industry. Later that year, Beyoncé released a two-part album on November 12, 2008, titled “I Am… Sasha Fierce”. The first part “I Am…” showcased her self-awareness and sensual side. It had major hits like “If I Were A Boy,” “Ave Maria,” and “Halo.” The second part embodied confidence. The songs here are best suited for the dance floor. Its track list includes hits like “Crazy In Love,” “Diva,” and “Video Phone,” featuring the flamboyant Lady Gaga. The album won 4 Grammy Awards and sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
Bee has gone on to release other albums, “4” in 2011, the self-titled “Beyonce” in 2013, “Lemonade” in 2013, and Renaissance in 2016. All were commercial successes and received critical acclaim.
Beyoncé and her partner Jay-Z are decorated artists in the entertainment industry. They have tried to keep their private life away from the lens of the media. They have 3 children, Blue Ivy, and the twins, Sir and Rumi. Blue Ivy was featured in Beyoncé’s “Brown-skin Girl”. She has her mother’s vocals.
The couple is a potent force both together and as solo artists. Although there were rumors of an affair involving Jay-Z, their private lives kept such claims unconfirmed. However, on May 5, 2014, after attending the Met Gala in New York with Beyoncé’s sister, Solange, the trio stepped into an elevator at the Standard Hotel, where a dispute erupted between Solange and Jay-Z.
TMZ released a surveillance video of the altercation with Beyoncé’s arms akimbo, watching the altercation unfold. They later made a post that all had been worked out. Seems like it was just a little controversy as the pair is waxing stronger every day.
The Queen Bee has been involved in other controversies in her career, including the Lip-synching accusation at the Presidential inauguration in 2013, and the outroar from her fans as to why she featured Jay-Z on her “Everything is Love” track amidst his infidelity scandal. She has shown countless times that she is a lady after her peace and just wants to make music.
Acting career
In addition to recording music, Beyoncé has been cast in numerous movies since her acting debut in “Carmen: A Hip Hopera” in 2001. She played Foxxy Cleopatra in Austin Powers “Gold Member” in 2002. This was the turning point in her acting career. Bee was also in “Pink Panther” in 2006, “Dream Girls,” where she was Deera Jones in the Broadway Musical. She was nominated for a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award for her song “Listen”. In 2008, she took on the role of Etta James in “Cadillac Records”. She has also been involved in animated shows like Disney’s “The Lion King” lending her voice for the character Nala in the animated movie. She also co-wrote “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”. One of the tracks in the 2019 remake.
Beyoncé’ as a Fashionista
The Queen Bee expanded her empire into the fashion industry with her brand and collaborations with other brands. Ivy Park was originally in collaboration with TopShop before its relaunch in 2020. The brand focuses on Athleisure wear and street and loungewear, too. She has also had collaborations with Adidas, Balmain, and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, where the focus was on urban fashion, graphic tees, hoodies, and accessories.
She is already accustomed to winning in whatever she does. Beyoncé, in 2020 was named for her collaboration with Adidas by Vogue. In addition, she was named among the top 100 Most Influential People in Fashion by Times Magazine.
The 32-time Grammy Award winner is a Queen, a versatile diva, and an inspiration to many female artists. Her longevity in the industry is a testament to her relevance.
Be the first to comment