Born in Houston, at just 8 years old, Knowles and her friend and future group member, Kelly Rowland, were placed into a group called Girl’s Tyme that found fame on Star Search, the largest talent show on television at the time. After many auditions, a failed record deal and four years on the road—Girl’s Tyme became Destiny’s Child, signing with Columbia Records.
Destiny’s Child laid claim to the world of pop with their debut song “Killing Time,” and their self-titled album earning three Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards. Two years later the group released their multi-platinum second album, The Writing’s on the Wall.
While Destiny’s Child worked on their third album, “Survivor,” Beyonce landed a major role in the MTV film Carmen: A Hip Hop era. The group’s “Survivor” record was also a smash hit.Knowles went solo and released her debut studio album, Dangerously in Love, in 2003, which topped seven charts worldwide. It featured a collaboration with Jay- Z, confirming the relationship rumours that had long been circling, This album received five Grammy Awards.
Destiny’s Child reformed in 2004 for one final album entitled “Destiny Fulfilled,” shortly after the trio announced that they would disband indefinitely. In 2006 Knowles landed a role in Dream girls, a film based loosely on the Supremes, which inspired the album “B Day,” that was released later in the year topping the charts with ‘Déjà Vu’ and ‘Irreplaceable.’ After marrying Jay-Z in 2009, Beyonce released her third studio album, “I Am. Sasha Fierce.” The track, “Single Ladies” became an instant classic.
Knowles released her fourth album in 2011, receiving 10 Grammy nominations. Her ascent to superstardom included her performing at President Obama’s second inauguration, a historic set at the Glastonbury Festival, and her Super Bowl 47 performance, which was the second most-tweeted-about event of all time.
Knowles released her fifth album, a visual conception album titled Beyonce, to iTunes Store unannounced in 2013, which was set to short films. It performed well, but in 2016, Beyonce released her sixth studio album entitled Lemonade, which boasted a wide variety of guest stars including James Blake, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd and Jack White. The album received nine Grammy nominations and won two, amongst critical acclaim.
Beyonce remains a timeless staple of Hollywood, an unconquerable yet benevolent pop icon, who seemingly can do no wrong, whether it be music, charity, fashion, or film.
To hear her full story check out the web-doco above!
For more information on the music industry and icon of pop you can purchase a copy of FIB’s MASTERS OF MUSIC Vol. 21 from Amazon and all good book stores.
Written by Sam McBeath
Film by Thomas Parkinson
