Beyoncé Knowles
| Original name | |
| Nick name | Beyoncé Sasha Fierce |
| Date of Birth | September 4, 1981 |
| Birth Place | |
| Starsign |
beyonceonline.com
Beyoncé's signatureBeyoncé Giselle Knowles(born September 4, 1981), often known simply asBeyoncé(pronounced/biˈjɒnseɪ/bee-YON-say), is an American Pop / R&B singer , songwriter , actress and fashion designer. Born and raised in Houston , Texas, she enrolled in various performing arts schools and was first exposed to singing and dancing competitions as a child. Knowles rose to fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of the R&B girl group Destiny's Child , one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time.During the hiatus of Destiny's Child, Knowles released her debut solo albumDangerously in Love(2003), which spawned the number one hits " Crazy in Love " and " Baby Boy " and became one of the most successful albums of that year, earning her a then record-tying five Grammy Awards .Following the group's disbandment in 2005, Knowles releasedB'Dayin 2006. It debuted at number one on theBillboardcharts and included the hits " Déjà Vu ", " Irreplaceable " and " Beautiful Liar ". Her third solo albumI Am... Sasha Fierce, released in November 2008, included the anthemic " Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) ". The album and its singles earned her six Grammy Awards, breaking the record for most Grammy Awards won by a female artist in one night .Knowles is one of the most honored artists by the Grammys, and third among female artists, with 16 awards—13 as a solo artist and three as a member of Destiny's Child.Knowles began her acting career in 2001, appearing in the musical filmCarmen: A Hip Hopera. In 2006, she starred in the lead role in the film adaptation of the 1981 Broadway musicalDreamgirls, for which she earned two Golden Globe nominations. Knowles launched her family's fashion line, House of Deréon , in 2004, and has endorsed such brands as Pepsi , Tommy Hilfiger , Armani and L'Oréal . In 2010,Forbesranked Knowles at number two on its list of the 100 Most Powerful and Influential Celebrities in the world;she was also listed as the most powerful and influential musician in the world.Timealso included Knowles on its list of the "100 Most Influential People in the World".Knowles has attained five Hot 100 number one singles as a solo performer and four with Destiny's Child. As a solo artist, Knowles has sold over 11.2 million albums and nearly 25 million singles in the United States.According to Columbia Records her record sales, when combined with the group, have surpassed 130 million.On December 11, 2009,Billboardlisted Knowles as the most successful female artist of the 2000s decade and the top Radio Artist of the decade .In February 2010, the RIAA listed her as the top certified artist of the decade.In 2010, VH1 listed Knowles at number 52 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
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| Wiki | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beyoncé_Knowles |
| Official site | |
| Country | United_States |
Beyoncé Knowles News & Gossip
Beyonce's First Interview Since Giving Birth: I Had an 'Instant Connection'
After giving birth to the most talked-about baby of the year, Beyonce has given her first interview as a new mom. Beyonce told Star Magazine: “Nothing can describe the feeling. You have the instant connection once you know your child is growing inside you. But when you hold it for the first time, the words can’t be found.” Mostly because you’re still recovering from the epidural and mind-numbing soreness. Beyonce also said husband Jay-Z was in the room during the birth. “He would not have missed it for anything,” Beyonce confirmed. “He is a very protective and loyal guy by nature. He is a very protective husband, and since we found out I was pregnant I have seen the protective father in him.” And another word Beyonce uses to describe her husband is “inspirational.” “He is not only an inspirational artist, he is an inspirational husband. I know the next step on this journey is going to be being an inspirational father.” Yeah, yeah he’s really protective and inspirational and all that. But let’s not forget the single most important and admirable quality in a man: “He will change diapers.” Nice. “Of course he will,” Beyonce said. “He is going to be a very hands-on father. He has already said publicly that providing isn’t love. Love is being there. Love is doing the little things for your child.” Yeah, but, a $100,000 nursery does... more
Beyonce Gives Birth to Baby Girl Named Blue Ivy Carter
... more
Beyonce accused of stealing choreographer’s dance moves
... more
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Beyoncé Knowles Biography
Artistry
Music and voice
 | "Trust in Me" While predominately R&B, Knowles' music explores various styles. TheDaily Mailcalls Knowles' voice "versatile", capable of exploring power ballads , soul , rock belting , operatic florishes, and hip hop. "Emotion" Knowles' prominent use of melisma and other vocal ornamentation earns her both praise and criticism from critics and fans. |
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Knowles possesses a mezzo-soprano vocal range that spans more than three octaves. She has often been identified as the centerpiece of Destiny's Child.Jon Pareles ofThe New York Timescommented that she has the voice that defines the group, writing that her voice is "velvety yet tart, with an insistent flutter and reserves of soul belting ".Other critics praise her range and power. In reviewing her second albumB'Day, Jody Rosen ofEntertainment Weeklywrites "Beyoncé Knowles is a storm system disguised as a singer. On her second solo album,B'Day, the songs arrive in huge gusts of rhythm and emotion, with Beyoncé's voice rippling over clattery beats; you'd have to search far and wide—perhaps in the halls of the Metropolitan Opera — to find a vocalist who sings with more sheer force...No one—not R. Kelly , not Usher , to say nothing of her rival pop divas—can match Beyoncé's genius for dragging her vocal lines against a hip-hop beat."
Chris Richards of theWashington Postwrites, "Even when she's coasting, she soars above her imitators. It's all in her voice—a superhuman instrument capable of punctuating any beat with goose-bump-inducing whispers or full-bore diva-roars. Smitten, scorned, amorous, antagonistic—Beyoncé sings from all of these vantage points with undeniable virtuosity."TheCovemagazine ranked Knowles seventh on their list of "The 100 Outstanding Pop Vocalists", giving her 48 out of 50 points based on several criteria ranging from her vocal ability to range to harmony.Knowles has often been criticized for oversinging. A prominent employer of melisma , she earns frequent comparison to such artists as Mariah Carey , whose vocal embellishments have been known to detract from the melody of their songs.Eye Weeklywrites, "There’s no question that Beyoncé is one of the best singers in pop, maybe one of the best alive...[However] as judicious as her singing can be, the effect in sum is still like being hit in the head with a fist in a velvet glove."
Knowles' music is generally contemporary R&B , but she also incorporates pop, funk , hip hop , and soul genres into her work. While she almost exclusively releases English songs, Knowles did record several Spanish records for the re-release ofB'Day. Destiny's Child had already recorded a Spanish song and received favorable responses from their Latin fans. Knowles took Spanish in school when she was young, but can now only speak a few words of the language. Prior to recording the Spanish titles on the re-released version ofB'Day, she was coached phonetically by American record producer Rudy Perez.
Songwriting and producing
Since Destiny's Child, Knowles is artistically involved in her career.She received co-writing credits for most of the songs recorded by the group, as well as her solo efforts. Known for writing personally driven and female-empowerment themed compositions, she has stated that having Jay-Z in her life has changed a few of her thoughts about how men and women relate to one another.Some of her songs are autobiographical, which she has admitted are taken from personal experiences, as well as her friends'.Knowles has also received co-producing credits for most of the records in which she has been involved, especially during her solo efforts. However, she does not formulate beats herself, but typically comes up with melodies and ideas during production, sharing them with producers.Knowles was recognized as a songwriter during the run of Destiny's Child in the 1990s and early to mid-2000s. She won the Pop Songwriter of the Year award at the 2001 American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers Pop Music Awards, becoming the first African-American female and second female songwriter of all time to accomplish the feat.Knowles received three songwriting credits in a single year for co-writing "Irreplaceable", " Grillz " (" Soldier " was sampled on the song) and " Check on It ", the only woman to achieve since Carole King in 1971 and Mariah Carey in 1991. In terms of credits, she is tied with Diane Warren at third with nine number-one singles.
Stage and alter ego
In 2006, Knowles introduced her all-female tour band Suga Mama , which includes bassists, drummers, guitarists, horn players, keyboardists and percussionists.They débuted at the 2006 BET Awards and they re-appeared in the music video for " Irreplaceable " and " Green Light ".The band has supported Knowles in live performances, on her 2007 The Beyoncé Experience world concert tour, and her 2009 I Am... Tour . In an article entitled "Born to Entertain", Knowles, alongside classic and contemporary entertainers, received praise for her stage performances.In reviewing her 2009 I Am... Tour , Alice Jones ofThe Independentwrites, "Watching Beyoncé sing and strut her stuff can feel at best overawing, at worst, alienating. She takes her role as entertainer so seriously she's almost too good."The New York Timeswrites, "there is a breathtaking elegance in her acute desire to entertain".Renee Michelle Harris of theSouth Florida Timeswrites, Knowles "owns the stage with her trademark swagger and intensity... showcasing her powerful vocals without missing a note, often while engaged in vigorous, perfectly executed dance moves...no one, not Britney , not Ciara and not Rihanna can offer what she does—a complete package of voice, moves and presence."
| "Dangerously in Love" (live) Knowles has received widespread praise for her live vocal performances. |
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TheDaily Mailwrites, "many industry experts have been tipping Beyoncé as the next Michael Jackson . While it’s far too early for such comparisons, she certainly proved that she is one of the most exciting and talented performers around and may well go down in history as such".Reviewers also praise her live vocal performances. In reviewing one of her performances, Jim Farber ofThe Daily Newswrites "Beyoncé showed off pipes of steely power. As the song's signature horn riff pumped away, she soared over the melody with athletic ease. The way Beyoncé used her body intensified the sense of triumph. With her hair teased into Medusa-like tresses, a pelvis in perpetual churn and legs long enough to make Tina Turner proud, Beyoncé's presence punctuated her singing like an exclamation point."Stephanie Classen of theStar Phoenixdeclares "Beyoncé is no ordinary performer... from note one, the 27-year-old powerhouse rose above all the gimmicks, mastering the show like a sexy alien overlord princess. Nothing but extraterrestrial origins could explain that voice....[Beyoncé] could perform circles around any other pop star today."Newsdaywrites, "she proves that hot choreography and strong vocals don't have to be mutually exclusive... No worries of lip-synching here."
Following the release of her third studio albumI Am... Sasha Fierce, Knowles introduced her alter-ego Sasha Fierce to the world. she said that Sasha was born during the making of her 2003 hit single " Crazy in Love ". In an interview withPeoplemagazine, Beyoncé affirmed that her alter-ego is strictly for the stage, with the editor describing Sasha Fierce as the singer's sensual, aggressive alter ego.She later told MTV : "Sasha Fierce is the fun, more sensual, more aggressive, more outspoken side and more glamorous side that comes out when I'm working and when I'm onstage"Later interviewed byMarie Claire, she revealed that she feels possessed by her alter-ego on stage: "I've created an alter ego: things I do when performing I would never do normally. I reveal things about myself that I wouldn’t do in an interview. I have out-of-body experiences [on stage]. If I cut my leg, if I fall, I don’t even feel it. I’m so fearless, I'm not aware of my face or my body".In February 2010, Knowles revealed in an interview withAlluremagazine that "Sasha Fierce is done. I killed her". She went on saying that she is comfortable enough with herself to be all of those things without an alias. She further explained, "I don't need Sasha Fierce anymore, because I've grown and now I'm able to merge the two."
Image
According to her, "I like to dress sexy and I carry myself like a lady," but she has said that the way she dresses on stage is "absolutely for the stage".As someone who is fond of fashion, Knowles combines its artistic elements with her music videos and performances. According to Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli , she uses different styles and tries to harmonize it with the music while performing.TheB'Day Anthology Video Albumshowed many instances of fashion-oriented footage, depicting classic to contemporary wardrobe styles.Peoplemagazine recognized Knowles as the best-dressed celebrity in 2007.Knowles' mother wrote a 2002-published book, titledDestiny's Style: Bootylicious Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Secrets From Destiny's Child,an account of how fashion had an impact on Destiny's Child's success.
As one of the most media-exposed black celebrities in the United States, Knowles has often received criticism that some believe is due to racism and sexism.Toure ofRolling Stonestated that since the release ofDangerously in Love, "[Beyoncé] has become a crossover sex symbol a la Halle Berry ..."In 2007, Knowles was featured on the cover of theSports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue ,the first non-model and non-athlete woman to pose on the issue and the second African American model after Tyra Banks .In the same year, Knowles appeared on billboards and newspapers across the United States showing her holding an antiquated cigarette holder. Taken from the back cover ofB'Day, the image provoked response from an anti-smoking group, stating that she did not need to add the cigarette holder "to make herself appear more sophisticated".On April 24, 2009, Knowles appeared on Larry King Live , where she gave herself a more political image and talked about everything from singing at President Barack Obama 's inauguration, to racism that she has faced being an African-American. She said that Michelle Obama is "so chic," and even stated that singing for the Obamas' first dance was the highlight of her career.
External_links
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Philanthropy
Knowles has been exposed to issues of social awareness since a young child, as her father would sometimes take her into the community, including African-American society.Knowles and Destiny's Child band mate, Kelly Rowland , along with the former's family, founded the Survivor Foundation, a charitable entity set up to provide transitional housing for 2005 Hurricane Katrina victims and storm evacuees in the Houston , Texas area.The Survivor Foundation extended the philanthropic mission of the Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth, a multi-purpose community outreach facility in downtown Houston.Knowles donated $100,000 to the Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund, which benefits victims of Hurricane Ike in the Houston area. She is organizing a fund raising benefit for Hurricane Ike relief through the Survivor Foundation.
In 2005, music producer David Foster , his daughter Amy Foster-Gillies, and Knowles wrote " Stand Up for Love ", which would serve as the anthem of World Children's Day , an event which takes place annually around the world on November 20 to raise awareness and funds for children's causes worldwide. Destiny's Child lent their voices and support as global ambassadors for the 2005 World Children's Day program.Knowles conducted food drives during stops on The Beyoncé Experience tour in Houston on July 14, Atlanta on July 20, Washington, D.C. on August 9, Toronto on August 15, Chicago on August 18, and Los Angeles on September 2, 2006.
On October 4, 2008, Knowles attended the Miami Children's Hospital Diamond Ball & Private Concert at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, where she was inducted into the International Pediatric Hall of Fame. Seven-year-old Ethan Bortnick dedicated and performed " Over the Rainbow " to Knowles.After completing work onCadillac Records, Knowles donated her entire salary to Phoenix House , an organization of rehabilitation centers around the country. Knowles visited a Brooklyn, New York, site in preparation for portraying singer Etta James , who was once addicted to heroin.During this time, she recorded with various artists for " Just Stand Up! ", a charity single for the Stand Up to Cancer charity. Joining Knowles on the song was Mariah Carey , Leona Lewis , Rihanna , Leann Rimes and Mary J. Blige , among others. Knowles also teamed up with the "Show Your Helping Hand" hunger relief initiative and General Mills Hamburger Helper. The goal was to help Feeding America deliver more than 3.5 million meals to local food banks. Knowles encouraged her fans to bring non-perishable groceries to her U.S. concert tour stops.
In early 2010, Knowles participated in the " Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief ". She appeared in London with Jay-Z, Rihanna , and U2 's Bono and The Edge , where she performed an piano version of her song "Halo".Knowles was named the official face of the limited edition "Fashion For Haiti" T-shirt by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The shirt, which reads: "To Haiti With Love", was designed by Peter Arnell, who also created the "Fashion for America" T-shirt which raised $2 million after 9/11.On March 5, 2010, Knowles and her mother, Tina Knowles, opened the Beyoncé Cosmetology Center at the Brooklyn Phoenix House. The program will offer a seven-month cosmetology training course for men and women there. L'Oréal has donated all the products to be used at the center, and Knowles, along with her mother, have pledged to donate $100,000 annually.
Personal_life
Depression
During the turmoil of Destiny's Child in 2000, Knowles had admitted in December 2006that she had experienced depression from an accumulation of struggles: the publicized split of LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson , being publicly attacked by the media, critics and blogs for causing the split-up,and a longstanding boyfriend (that she had dated from age 12 to 19 years) leaving her.The depression was so severe it had lasted for a couple of years, while she had kept herself in her bedroom for days and refused to eat anything. Knowles stated that she struggled to speak about her depression because Destiny's Child had just won their first Grammy Award and she feared no one would take her seriously.All of these events had made her question herself and who her friends were, describing the situation she said, "Now that I was famous, I was afraid I'd never find somebody again to love me for me. I was afraid of making new friends."She remembers her mother, Tina Knowles , for finally saying to help her out of her depression, "Why do you think a person wouldn't love you? Don't you know how smart and sweet and beautiful you are?"
Relationship with Jay-Z
Since 2002, Knowles has been in a relationship with rapper Jay-Z , with whom she has collaborated several times. Rumors began to circulate about their relationship after Knowles was featured on " '03 Bonnie & Clyde ".In spite of persistent rumors about their relationship, they remained discreet about it.In 2005, rumors began to spread about the marriage of the couple. Knowles closed the speculation stating that she and Jay-Z were not even engaged.When asked again about the subject in September 2007, Jay-Z replied, "One day soon—let's leave it at that."Laura Schreffler, senior writer forOK!magazine, said, "They are intensely private people".On April 4, 2008, Knowles and Jay-Z were married in New York City. It became a matter of public record on April 22, 2008.Knowles did not publicly début her wedding ring until the Fashion Rocks concert on September 5, 2008, in New York City.Knowles finally revealed their marriage through an opening montage video at the listening party forI Am... Sasha Fiercein Manhattan's Sony Club.A60 Minutessegment aired in 2010 stated she was homeschooled as a child and prays before every performance.
See_also
- Beyoncé Knowles videography
- List of Beyoncé Knowles songs
- List of Beyoncé Knowles concert tours
- List of awards and nominations received by Beyoncé Knowles
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Beyoncé Knowles Film & Dramas & Discography
- Studio albums
- Dangerously in Love(2003)
- B'Day(2006)
- I Am... Sasha Fierce(2008)
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Beyoncé Knowles External Link
- "Beyoncé: Biography" . MSN. 2008. . Retrieved July 29, 2008.
- ^ - (February 9, 2004). .BBC News. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
- ^ Patch, Nick (February 1, 2010). "Beyoncé's six Grammys a Record-Breaking Haul ". . Retrieved February 9, 2010.
- ^ La Gorce, Tammy (January 31, 2010)." ". Grammy.com. Retrieved February 1, 2010.
- ^ Sisario, Ben (February 1, 2010). " ".The New York Times. Retrieved February 1, 2010.
- ^a b . GRAMMY.com. Retrieved on January 12, 2010.
- ^ Trust, Gary (May 28, 2010). "Ask Billboard: Beyonce Vs. Gaga Vs. Rihanna ". . Retrieved 08-13-2010
- ^ Shriver, Jerry (February 1, 2010). "One fierce night for Beyonce, Swift and Gaga at the Grammys ". . Retrieved 08-13-2010 Dorothy Pomerantz and Lacey Rose."The Celebrity 100: #2 Beyonce Knowles" .Forbes. . Retrieved June 29, 2010. Dorothy Pomerantz and Lacey Rose."The World's Most Powerful Celebrities" .Forbes. . Retrieved June 29, 2010. "Celebrity 100: Musicians" .Forbes. June 29, 2010. . Retrieved June 29, 2010.
- ^ Time Staff. (April 1, 2010). "Time 100 ". . Retrieved July 4, 2010. Gary Trust."Ask Billboard: Jonas Brothers, Beyoncé, Court Yard Hounds:Beyoncé Beyond Destiny's Child" .Billboard. . Retrieved May 22, 2010.
- ^ "Top 100 Music Hits, Top 100 Music Charts, Top 100 Songs & The Hot 100" .Billboard. December 31, 2009. . Retrieved June 6, 2010.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (February 17, 2010). "Beyoncé Tops Decade's RIAA Sales ". . Retrieved February 18, 2010.
- ^ Lamy, Johnathan, Cara Duckworth and Liz Kennedy. (February 17, 2010). "RIAA Tallies the Decade's Top Gold and Platinum award Winners ". . Retrieved February 18, 2010.
- ^a b — "Who Will Come Out On Top Of VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time? ". . Retrieved August 28, 2010. "Beyoncé Knowles' Biography" .Fox News. April 15, 2008. . Retrieved June 5, 2008. Beyoncé: All New.
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