TIME takes a look at her life and career, both of which have been lived firmly in the public eye.
Madonna’s Extraordinary Career
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Madonna Louise Ciccone grew up in suburban Detroit, where she was a straight-A student and cheerleader (center) at Rochester Adams High School despite her rebellious nature. Madonna attended the University of Michigan on a dance scholarship, but dropped out in 1977 and moved to New York to pursue a career in show business.