Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter (born September 4, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, and businesswoman. Known as “Queen Bey”, she has been widely recognized for her boundary-pushing artistry and vocal performances. Beyoncé is regarded as one of the greatest entertainers of her generation. Her contributions to music and visual media have made her a pop culture figure of the 21st century.
Beyoncé started performing in various singing and dancing competitions as a child. She rose to fame in the late 1990s as a member of the R&B girl group Destiny’s Child, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. Their hiatus saw the release of her debut album Dangerously in Love (2003). She then released the commercially successful solo albums B’Day (2006), I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008), and 4 (2011). In the mid-to-late-2010s, after creating her own management company Parkwood Entertainment, Beyoncé’s artistry achieved widespread acclaim for releasing the sonically experimental visual albums Beyoncé (2013) and Lemonade (2016), which explored multiple societal themes such as infidelity, feminism, and womanism. Following the release of the acclaimed LGBT-inspired dance album Renaissance (2022), she became the first solo artist to have their first seven studio albums debut at number one in the United States.
Some of Beyoncé’s most notable songs include “Crazy in Love”, “Baby Boy”, “Irreplaceable”, “If I Were a Boy”, “Halo”, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”, “Run the World (Girls)”, “Love On Top”, “Drunk in Love”, “Formation”, “Break My Soul”, and “Cuff It.” Her collaborative music ventures include Everything Is Love (2018), an album with her husband Jay-Z, as the Carters, and the musical film Black Is King (2020), inspired by the music of the film soundtrack The Lion King: The Gift (2019). Homecoming: The Live Album (2019), a project encapsulating her 2018 Coachella Performance, has been heralded as one of the best live albums of all time, lauded for wide-reaching curation from many eras of black musical history. Outside of music, she has starred as an actress in multiple films such as Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002), The Pink Panther (2006), Dreamgirls (2006), Cadillac Records (2008), Obsessed (2009), and The Lion King (2019).
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Having sold an estimated 200 million records worldwide, Beyoncé is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her accolades include 32 Grammy Awards, 26 MTV Video Music Awards, 24 NAACP Image Awards, 35 BET Awards, and 17 Soul Train Music Awards, all of which are more than any other artist in the music industry. With 31 career top-ten singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 – including twelve chart-toppers – she became the first female artist and third overall to achieve at least twenty as a solo artist and ten as a group member. Her success during the 2000s earned her recognition as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)’s Top Certified Artist of the Decade and Billboard’s Top Female Artist of the Decade. In 2014, Billboard named her the highest-earning black musician of all time. She is the most successful black touring act in history according to Pollstar. Time magazine included her as one of the 100 women who defined the last century. She was named the eighth-greatest singer of all time by Rolling Stone in 2023.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, born on September 4, 1981, in Houston, Texas, is a renowned American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She first rose to prominence as a member of the girl group Destiny’s Child and later achieved massive success as a solo artist. Here’s an overview of her early life and career beginnings:
Early Life:
Beyoncé was born to Mathew and Tina Knowles. Her father, Mathew, managed her career during her early years. She has a younger sister, Solange Knowles, who is also a singer and actress. Beyoncé demonstrated her talent from a young age, participating in various singing and dancing competitions.
Career Beginnings with Destiny’s Child:
Beyoncé’s journey to stardom began when she formed the group Destiny’s Child in the early 1990s with her childhood friend Kelly Rowland and LaTavia Roberson. The group underwent a few lineup changes before settling into the trio of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. Destiny’s Child signed with Columbia Records in the mid-1990s.
In 1999, Destiny’s Child achieved mainstream success with their album “The Writing’s on the Wall,” which included hits like “Bills, Bills, Bills” and “Say My Name.” The latter song earned them their first Grammy Award. The group’s success continued with albums like “Survivor” (2001) and “Destiny Fulfilled” (2004).
Solo Career Breakthrough:
Beyoncé’s solo career began to take shape in the early 2000s while she was still a member of Destiny’s Child. She made her acting debut in the film “Carmen: A Hip Hopera” (2001) and contributed to the soundtrack. In 2002, she starred in the film “Austin Powers in Goldmember,” where she played the role of Foxxy Cleopatra.
Beyoncé’s solo music career took off with the release of her debut solo album, “Dangerously in Love,” in 2003. The album included hit singles like “Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy.” The album’s success marked the beginning of her solo superstar status. She went on to release successful albums like “B’Day” (2006), “I Am… Sasha Fierce” (2008), and “4” (2011).
Transition to Acting and Further Success:
Beyoncé continued to expand her career beyond music. She took on more acting roles, including starring in the critically acclaimed film “Dreamgirls” (2006), for which she received a Golden Globe nomination. Her role showcased her acting and singing abilities, cementing her status as a multi-talented performer.
In 2011, Beyoncé released her fourth studio album, which was notably more experimental in terms of musical style. She also embarked on her “4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé” concert series, which showcased her versatility as a live performer.
This period also saw the launch of her fashion line, House of Deréon, in collaboration with her mother, Tina Knowles.
Beyoncé Age Boyfriend Husband Family Biography
| Bio | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Beyoncé Giselle Knowles |
| Nickname | Sasha Fierce, Be, Beyonce Knowles-Carter, Queen B, Bee, Mothe, JuJu |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actress, Dancer, Businesswoman. |
| Physical Stats & More | |
| Height (approx.) | in centimeters- 169 cm in meters- 1.69 m in Feet Inches- 5’ 6½” |
| Weight (approx.) | in Kilograms- 62 kg in Pounds- 137 lbs |
| Measurements | 34-26-38 |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour | Dark Brown |
| Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | September 4, 1981 |
| Age (as of 2023) | 38 Years |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Zodiac sign | Virgo |
| Nationality | American |
| Hometown | Houston |
| School | St. Mary’s Elementary School Parker Elementary School Alief Elsik High School |
| College/University | N/A |
| Educational Qualification | High School |
| Debut | Film – Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001) Album – Dangerously in Love (1997) TV – Much On Demand (1997) |
| Family | Father– Mathew Knowles Mother– Tina Knowles Brother– Nixon Knowles Sister– Solange Lawman (Singer, Songwriter, Actress) Sister– Bianca Knowles |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Ethnicity | African, Native American, Spanish, Irish and French. |
| Inspirations | Célestine ‘Tina’ Beyincé (mother), Diana Ross, Tina Turner |
| Fan Mail Address | Beyonce Knowles ICM Partners 10250 Constellation Blvd 9th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90067-6209 USA |
| Hobbies | Singing, Swimming, Reading, Dancing and Writing |
| Favorite Color | Pink and Gold |
| Favorite Music | Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Cher and Prince. |
| Favorite Song | ‘Love Fool’ by The Cardigans |
| Favorite Number | 4 |
| Favorite Perfumes | Beyonce Heat, Beyonce Pulp |
| Favorite Book | The Rules |
| Favorite Food | Creole Food, Popeyes, Honey Nut Cheerios. Otherwise she like fast-food and soul food. |
| Favorite Movie | Sparkle, A Star is Born |
| Favorite Painter | Vincent Van Gogh |
| Favorite TV show | Jersey Shore |
| Boys, Affairs and More | |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Affairs/Boyfriends | Lyndell Locke (1993-2000) Jay Z |
| Husband/Spouse | Jay Z |
| Current Relationship Status | Married to Jay Z |
| Major Conroversies | There was a boycott against her performance in Miami for the Super-bowl because she had some anti-police acts in the show for the release of “Formation”. |
| Money Factor | |
| Salary (approx.) | $3-4 million/show (as in 2018) Hindustan Times |
| Net Worth | $450 million |
| Houses | Indian Creek Village ($9.3 million) Scarsdale Home Bridgehampton, New York, United States villa ($43.5 million) Her classic Malibu, California, United States villa ($40 million) |
| Cars | Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II |
Personal life
Marriage and children
In 2002, Beyoncé and Jay-Z collaborated on the song “’03 Bonnie & Clyde”, which appeared on his seventh album The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse (2002). Beyoncé appeared as Jay-Z’s girlfriend in the music video for the song, fueling speculation about their relationship. On April 4, 2008, Beyoncé and Jay-Z married without publicity. As of April 2014, the couple had sold a combined 300 million records together. They are known for their private relationship, although they have appeared to become more relaxed since 2013. Both have acknowledged difficulty that arose in their marriage after Jay-Z had an affair.
Beyoncé miscarried around 2010 or 2011, describing it as “the saddest thing” she had ever endured. She returned to the studio and wrote music to cope with the loss. In April 2011, Beyoncé and Jay-Z traveled to Paris to shoot the album cover for 4, and she unexpectedly became pregnant in Paris. In August, the couple attended the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, at which Beyoncé performed “Love on Top” and ended the performance by revealing she was pregnant. Her appearance helped that year’s MTV Video Music Awards become the most-watched broadcast in MTV history, pulling in 12.4 million viewers; the announcement was listed in Guinness World Records for “most tweets per second recorded for a single event” on Twitter, receiving 8,868 tweets per second and “Beyonce pregnant” was the most Googled phrase the week of August 29, 2011. On January 7, 2012, Beyoncé gave birth to a daughter, Blue Ivy, at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
Following the release of Lemonade, which included the single “Sorry”, in 2016, speculations arose about Jay-Z’s alleged infidelity with a mistress referred to as “Becky”. Jon Pareles in The New York Times pointed out that many of the accusations were “aimed specifically and recognizably” at him. Similarly, Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone magazine noted the lines “Suck on my balls, I’ve had enough” were an “unmistakable hint” that the lyrics revolve around Jay-Z.
On February 1, 2017, she revealed on her Instagram account that she was expecting twins. Her announcement gained over 6.3 million likes within eight hours, breaking the world record for the most liked image on the website at the time. On July 13, 2017, Beyoncé uploaded the first image of herself and the twins onto her Instagram account, confirming their birth date as a month prior, on June 13, 2017, with the post becoming the second most liked on Instagram, behind her own pregnancy announcement. The twins, a daughter named Rumi and a son named Sir, were born at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in California. She wrote of her pregnancy and its aftermath in the September 2018 issue of Vogue, in which she had full control of the cover, shot at Hammerwood Park by photographer Tyler Mitchell.
Activism
Beyoncé performed “America the Beautiful” at President Barack Obama’s 2009 presidential inauguration, as well as “At Last” during the first inaugural dance at the Neighborhood Ball two days later. The couple held a fundraiser at Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club in Manhattan for President Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign which raised $4 million. Beyoncé voted for Obama in the 2012 presidential election. She performed the American national anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner” at his second inauguration in January 2013.
The Washington Post reported in May 2015, that Beyoncé attended a major celebrity fundraiser for 2016 presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. She also headlined for Clinton in a concert held the weekend before Election Day the next year. In this performance, Beyoncé and her entourage of backup dancers wore pantsuits; a clear allusion to Clinton’s frequent dress-of-choice. The backup dancers also wore “I’m with her” tee shirts, the campaign slogan for Clinton. In a brief speech at this performance Beyoncé said, “I want my daughter to grow up seeing a woman lead our country and knowing that her possibilities are limitless.” She endorsed the bid of Beto O’Rourke during the 2018 United States Senate election in Texas.
A woman performing using a microphone
Beyoncé has conducted several fundraising and donation campaigns during her tours
In 2013, Beyoncé stated in an interview in Vogue that she considered herself to be “a modern-day feminist”. She would later align herself more publicly with the movement, sampling “We should all be feminists”, a speech delivered by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie at a TEDx talk in April 2013, in her song “Flawless”, released later that year. The next year she performed live at the MTV Video Awards in front a giant backdrop reading “Feminist”. Her self-identification incited a circulation of opinions and debate about whether her feminism is aligned with older, more established feminist ideals. Annie Lennox, celebrated artist and feminist advocate, referred to Beyoncé’s use of her word feminist as ‘feminist lite’.
bell hooks critiqued Beyoncé, referring to her as a “terrorist” towards feminism, harmfully impacting her audience of young girls. Adichie responded with “her type of feminism is not mine, as it is the kind that, at the same time, gives quite a lot of space to the necessity of men.” Adichie expands upon what “feminist lite” means to her, referring that “more troubling is the idea, in Feminism Lite, that men are naturally superior but should be expected to ‘treat women well'” and “we judge powerful women more harshly than we judge powerful men. And Feminism Lite enables this.”
Beyoncé responded about her intent by utilizing the definition of feminist with her platform was to “give clarity to the true meaning” behind it. She says to understand what being a feminist is, “it’s very simple. It’s someone who believes in equal rights for men and women.” She advocated to provide equal opportunities for young boys and girls, men and women must begin to understand the double standards that remain persistent in our societies and the issue must be illuminated in effort to start making changes.
She has also contributed to the Ban Bossy campaign, which uses TV and social media to encourage leadership in girls. Following Beyoncé’s public identification as a feminist, the sexualized nature of her performances and the fact that she championed her marriage was questioned.
In December 2012, Beyoncé along with a variety of other celebrities teamed up and produced a video campaign for “Demand A Plan”, a bipartisan effort by a group of 950 U.S. mayors and others designed to influence the federal government into rethinking its gun control laws, following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Beyoncé publicly endorsed same-sex marriage on March 26, 2013, after the Supreme Court debate on California’s Proposition 8. She spoke against North Carolina’s Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, a bill passed (and later repealed) that discriminated against the LGBT community in public places in a statement during her concert in Raleigh as part of the Formation World Tour in 2016.
She has condemned police brutality against black Americans. She and Jay-Z attended a rally in 2013 in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman for the killing of Trayvon Martin. The film for her sixth album Lemonade included the mothers of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Eric Garner, holding pictures of their sons in the video for “Freedom”. In a 2016 interview with Elle, Beyoncé responded to the controversy surrounding her song “Formation” which was perceived to be critical of the police. She clarified, “I am against police brutality and injustice. Those are two separate things. If celebrating my roots and culture during Black History Month made anyone uncomfortable, those feelings were there long before a video and long before me”.
In February 2017, Beyoncé spoke out against the withdrawal of protections for transgender students in public schools by Donald Trump’s presidential administration. Posting a link to the 100 Days of Kindness campaign on her Facebook page, Beyoncé voiced her support for transgender youth and joined a roster of celebrities who spoke out against Trump’s decision.
In November 2017, Beyoncé presented Colin Kaepernick with the 2017 Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award, stating, “Thank you for your selfless heart and your conviction, thank you for your personal sacrifice”, and that “Colin took action with no fear of consequence … To change perception, to change the way we treat each other, especially people of color. We’re still waiting for the world to catch up.” Muhammad Ali was heavily penalized in his career for protesting the status quo of US civil rights through opposition to the Vietnam War, by refusing to serve in the military. 40 years later, Kaepernick had already lost one professional year due to taking a much quieter and legal stand “for people that are oppressed”.
Wealth
Forbes magazine began reporting on Beyoncé’s earnings in 2008, calculating that the $80 million earned between June 2007 to June 2008, for her music, tour, films and clothing line made her the world’s best-paid music personality at the time, above Madonna and Celine Dion. It placed her fourth on the Celebrity 100 list in 2009 and ninth on the “Most Powerful Women in the World” list in 2010. The following year, the magazine placed her eighth on the “Best-Paid Celebrities Under 30” list, having earned $35 million in the past year for her clothing line and endorsement deals. In 2012, Forbes placed Beyoncé at number 16 on the Celebrity 100 list, twelve places lower than three years ago yet still having earned $40 million in the past year for her album 4, clothing line and endorsement deals.
In 2012, Beyoncé and Jay-Z placed at number one on the “World’s Highest-Paid Celebrity Couples”, for collectively earning $78 million. The couple made it into the previous year’s Guinness World Records as the “highest-earning power couple” for collectively earning $122 million in 2009. For the years 2009 to 2011, Beyoncé earned an average of $70 million per year, and earned $40 million in 2012. In 2013, Beyoncé’s endorsements of Pepsi and H&M made her and Jay-Z the world’s first billion dollar couple in the music industry. That year, Beyoncé was published as the fourth most-powerful celebrity in the Forbes rankings.
MTV estimated that by the end of 2014, Beyoncé would become the highest-paid Black musician in history; this became the case in April 2014. In June 2014, Beyoncé ranked at number one on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list, earning an estimated $115 million throughout June 2013 – June 2014. This in turn was the first time she had topped the Celebrity 100 list as well as being her highest yearly earnings to date. In 2016, Beyoncé ranked at number 34 on the Celebrity 100 list with earnings of $54 million. She and Jay-Z also topped the highest paid celebrity couple list, with combined earnings of $107.5 million.
As of 2018, Forbes calculated her net worth to be $355 million, and in June of the same year, ranked her as the 35th highest earning celebrity with annual earnings of $60 million. This tied Beyoncé with Madonna as the only two female artists to earn more than $100 million within a single year twice. As a couple, Beyoncé and Jay-Z have a combined net worth of $1.16 billion. In July 2017, Billboard announced that Beyoncé was the highest paid musician of 2016, with an estimated total of $62.1 million.
In 2023 the couple bought 27712 Pacific Coast Highway, a house in Malibu, California designed by the architect Tadao Ando, for $200 million. It established a record for the most expensive residence sold in California.
Achievements
Beyoncé is an iconic figure in the entertainment industry and has achieved numerous accomplishments throughout her career. As of my last update in September 2021, here are some of her most notable achievements:
Grammy Awards:
Beyoncé has won multiple Grammy Awards, including awards for Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. She holds the record for the most Grammy wins by a female artist and has a total of numerous Grammy wins across various categories.
Music Sales:
Beyoncé’s albums have consistently performed well commercially, with several of them achieving multi-platinum status. Her solo albums, as well as her albums with Destiny’s Child, have sold millions of copies worldwide.
Influence and Impact:
Beyoncé’s influence goes beyond music. She has been a vocal advocate for social justice, women’s empowerment, and racial equality. Her music often carries messages of empowerment and self-confidence, resonating with audiences globally.
Formation World Tour:
Beyoncé’s “Formation World Tour,” which took place in 2016, was a massive success. It received widespread acclaim and became one of the highest-grossing tours of that year.
Visual Albums:
Beyoncé is known for her innovative approach to album releases. She released the self-titled visual album “Beyoncé” in 2013, which was a surprise drop and included accompanying music videos for each song. She continued this trend with subsequent albums like “Lemonade” in 2016.
Acting Career:
Beyoncé has also made a mark in the acting world. She starred in films like “Dreamgirls” (2006), for which she received acclaim for her acting and singing. She has also lent her voice to animated films like “The Lion King” (2019), in which she voiced the character Nala.
Cultural Impact:
Beyoncé’s influence on pop culture is significant. Her fashion choices, music videos, and performances often set trends and spark discussions. Her appearances at events like the Met Gala generate widespread attention and media coverage.
Business Ventures:
In addition to her music career, Beyoncé has ventured into business with successful fashion lines like Ivy Park and fragrances. She’s known for her savvy entrepreneurship and ability to turn her brand into a global phenomenon.
Recognition and Awards:
Beyoncé has received numerous awards beyond the Grammy Awards, including Billboard Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and BET Awards. She has also been recognized with honors like the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award for her impact on music videos.
Empowerment:
Beyoncé is often celebrated for her dedication to empowering women and promoting diversity. She’s been involved in initiatives that support education, disaster relief, and social justice causes.
Business and ventures
In September 2021, Beyoncé, the renowned singer, songwriter, and actress, has been involved in various business ventures beyond her music career. While I might not have the most up-to-date information, I can certainly give you an overview of some of her notable business endeavors up to that point:
Fashion and Clothing Lines:
Beyoncé has launched several successful fashion and clothing lines. One of her most prominent ventures is Ivy Park, an activewear brand that she co-founded in 2016 in collaboration with Topshop. Later on, she took full ownership of Ivy Park and teamed up with Adidas. The brand focuses on athleisure wear and has garnered a significant following.
Fragrances:
Beyoncé has also released a number of fragrances, creating her own line of perfumes. These fragrances have been well-received and have contributed to her overall brand.
Film and Television Production:
Beyoncé has been involved in various film and television projects. Notably, she starred in and produced the documentary “Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream” in 2013, offering an intimate look into her life and career. She has also been involved in the production of other projects, including acting roles and executive producing.
Investments and Tech Ventures:
Beyoncé has made strategic investments in various tech startups and companies. She has shown interest in supporting and endorsing innovative technology products and services.
Social Initiatives and Philanthropy:
While not strictly business ventures, Beyoncé has been actively involved in philanthropy and social initiatives. She has supported various causes, including education, disaster relief efforts, and social justice issues. Her platform and influence have allowed her to raise awareness and contribute to positive changes.
Music Streaming and Distribution:
Beyoncé has demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to music distribution. She has released albums in unconventional ways, such as her surprise self-titled album in 2013, which was exclusively launched on iTunes without any prior promotion.
Discography
Main articles: Beyoncé discography and songs
| Studio albums Dangerously in Love (2003) B’Day (2006)I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008)4 (2011)Beyoncé (2013) Lemonade (2016)Renaissance (2022) | with Destiny’s ChildMain articles: Destiny’s Child discography and songsDestiny’s Child (1998)The Writing’s on the Wall (1999)Survivor (2001)8 Days of Christmas (2001)Destiny Fulfilled (2004) | with Jay-Z (as The Carters)Main article: The Carters discographyEverything Is Love (2018)Soundtrack albumsThe Lion King: The Gift (2019) |
Filmography
Main article: Beyoncé videography § film
| Films starredCarmen: A Hip Hopera (2001)Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)The Fighting Temptations (2003)Fade to Black (2004)The Pink Panther (2006)Dreamgirls (2006)Cadillac Records (2008)Obsessed (2009)Epic (2013)The Lion King (2019) | Films directedLife Is But a Dream (2013)Lemonade (2016)Homecoming (2019)Black Is King (2020) |
Tours and residencies
Main article: List of Beyoncé live performances
| Headlining toursDangerously in Love Tour (2003)The Beyoncé Experience (2007)I Am… Tour (2009–2010)The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour (2013–2014)The Formation World Tour (2016)Renaissance World Tour (2023)Co-headlining toursVerizon Ladies First Tour (with Alicia Keys and Missy Elliott) (2004)On the Run Tour (with Jay-Z) (2014)On the Run II Tour (with Jay-Z) (2018) | ResidenciesI Am… Yours (2009)4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé (2011)Revel Presents: Beyoncé Live (2012) |
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