(September 4, 1981 – )
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress; and many would say she is definitely on her way to becoming an icon (some might say she already is).
She became a household name in the late 1990s as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, one of the world’s best-selling girl groups of all time.
Beyonce between dad, Matthew and mom, Tina
Knowles break came in the form of girl group Destiny’s Child, a hard worked on project with many sacrifices from her family pursuing their success. Her dad, Matthew, had quit his full time job to manage the girls and aid them in pursuing their dream. Their hard work and dedication paid off when they were signed to Columbia Records in 1997.
The self titled debut album was a hit and was followed up two years later with their second album, the Writings on the Wall. During much controversy and a change with 2 of the group members, the group kept going without missing a beat. The group eventually settled on being a trio with a departure of one of the new members for different speculated reasons.
Beyonce as Foxy Cleopatra alongside co-star Mike Meyers
In 2002, Knowles co-starred in the comedy film Austin Powers in Goldmember, playing Foxxy Cleopatra, alongside Mike Myers. Knowles recorded her first solo single “Work It Out”, for the film’s soundtrack. The next year, she starred in the romantic comedy film, The Fighting Temptations, and recorded several songs for the film’s soundtrack. In 2002, she starred on Jay-Z’s “03 Bonnie and Clyde”, giving way to rumors of a relationship between the two.
Beyonce unveiled her first solo project, Dangerously in Love in late 2003, landing at number one on the Billboard Top 200 chart. From there, sky was the limit. With massive stage presence and raw talent, Beyonce introduced the girl she said came on stage, her alter ego – Sasha Fierce. There were several more albums released, all chart topping hits.
But her days in Destiny’s Child were not over – yet. After a three-year journey that involved concentration on individual solo projects, Knowles rejoined Rowland and Williams to release their fourth and final album Destiny Fulfilled in November 2004. During the last stop of their European tour in Barcelona, Spain, group mate, Kelly Rowland, announced that Destiny’s Child would disband following the North American leg of the tour.
Destiny's Child
Beyonce went on to do movies and other projects including commercials, musicals, a clothing line – co-created with her mother, and other compilations.
After much time of non-admittal of the relationship publically, Beyonce married her long time boyfriend, rapper Jay-Z on April 4, 2008.
Beyonce and Jay-Z
She has made a name for herself and still has not stopped. She recently gave birth to the couple’s first child, a daughter – Blue Ivy Carter.
Daughter, Blue Ivy Carter
Her lists of awards are out of this world; she has won almost any kind of award there is to be had. She has been recognized on many charts and record setting milestones and has a long time before she plans on being “finished”.
