Quick Facts About Beyoncé
Beyoncé: A Career of Milestones and Firsts
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles, born on September 4, 1981, in Houston, Texas, has established herself as one of the most influential and successful artists of the 21st century. With a career spanning over two decades, Beyoncé has broken numerous records, earned countless awards, and left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Early Success with Destiny's Child
Beyoncé's journey began as the lead vocalist of the R&B girl group Destiny's Child. The group, which also included Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, found success with hit singles like "Say My Name" and "Survivor." In 2004, Destiny's Child released their final album, "Destiny Fulfilled," before disbanding.
Solo Stardom
In 2003, Beyoncé released her debut solo album, "Dangerously in Love," which won five Grammy Awards, including best contemporary R&B album. This was followed by the release of "B'Day" in 2006, which won a Grammy for best contemporary R&B album.
Beyoncé's third album, "I Am... Sasha Fierce" (2008), introduced her alter ego and spawned massive hits like "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" and "Halo." The album earned multiple MTV Video Music Awards, including a record-tying eight wins by a female artist in one night in 2016.
Breaking Records
Beyoncé has sold over 200 million records worldwide as a solo artist and an additional 60 million records with Destiny's Child, making her one of the best-selling music artists ever. She is the top certified artist of the 2000s decade by the RIAA, with 64 certifications and became the most RIAA-certified female artist in history in 2024.
In 2010, Beyoncé set the record for most Grammys won in one night by a female artist, taking home six awards for her album "I Am...Sasha Fierce." In 2023, she broke her own record, becoming the most awarded artist in Grammys history with a total of 32 wins.
Cultural Icons
Beyoncé's visual album "Lemonade" (2016) earned critical acclaim and two Grammys, including Best Music Video for “Formation.” The album explored themes of betrayal and resilience and became a cultural landmark. In 2018, Beyoncé became the first Black woman to headline Coachella, with a performance featuring HBCU marching bands. This led to the 2019 Netflix documentary and live album "Homecoming," both critically acclaimed.
In 2022, Beyoncé released her solo album "act i: RENAISSANCE," which earned four Grammys, pushing her total Grammy count past classical conductor Georg Solti’s record to 32 wins at the time.
Collaborations and Awards
Beyoncé and her husband, Shawn Carter (better known as Jay-Z), released the collaborative album "Everything Is Love" in 2018, which won a Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary Album. Beyoncé also won her first Emmy in 2025 for outstanding costumes for a variety, nonfiction or reality show for the "Beyoncé Bowl" halftime show that aired during the Christmas Day NFL game.
Award-Winning Performances
Beyoncé has delivered iconic performances at major events, such as the Super Bowl halftime show in 2013 and the Glastonbury Festival in 2011. In 2023, her world concert tour broke records for the highest-grossing concert tour by a female artist, surpassing Madonna.
Film and Television
Beyoncé has also ventured into film and television, starring in the film adaptation of the musical "Dreamgirls" in 2006 and releasing the Netflix documentary "Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé" in 2019.
Personal Life
Beyoncé married Shawn Carter, known as Jay-Z, in 2008. They have three children: Blue Ivy, Rumi, and Sir (twins).
These milestones underscore Beyoncé’s exceptional influence and enduring success as a singer, performer, and cultural icon across multiple decades.
Beyoncé's influence in the entertainment industry isn't limited to music alone; she has also garnered attention for her collaborations with celebrities.
Us, as fans, eagerly await her next venture in music, understanding her remarkable ability to break records and captivate audiences in every genre she tackles.
