Madonna

Influences, Movements, and Trends.
WHY IS MADONNA IMPORTANT?!
Influenced By: Madonna was obviously influenced and inspired by Marilyn...though I feel like she didn't really focus on the classiness Marilyn was always known for...but more just the style and look of Marilyn. Madonna definitely looked her best when she had platinum blonde waves and her make-up done like Marilyn. I can see why she didn't adopt the look though because people would have just called her a copy-cat and she wouldn't have made it very far. As for other influences, Madonna has said herself that she was influenced by the mo-town sound when she was a little girl like Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder. Her three favourite albums as a kid were Strawberry Alarm Clock's "Incense and Peppermint", Gary Puckett's "Young Girl", and The Box Tops' "The Letter". She was also encouraged and influenced by her mother's death and her ambition to become famous for dancing. Her dance teacher Christopher Flynn also helped influence where her life and skills would lead her later.
I think what made Madonna a little special was that she didn't really try to copy anyone. She liked to make up things as she went and had a different style almost every day! From cowboy hats to leggings to white gloves, Madonna has done it all. I think her biggest motivation was just to be herself.

Influenced: Madonna has influenced many artists today. Gwen Stefani admits that she had been influenced by Madonna and loved her attitude and style. Jessica Simpson also admitted that Madonna was a huge influence on her when she was young and influenced her to sing and dance.Movements & Trends: Of course Madonna ran the 80s show. Decked out in her layers, mesh, lace, jelly bracelets, plastic bling, and leggings Madonna WAS the 80s. She created the "beautifully attractive bad girl" image, while still combining retro aspects of society's past trends that made women "beautiful" such as the cone bra. Madonna has helped to create a different frame of mind in society about sexuality and what it means.
Madonna herself actually got caught up in the Kaballah movement (guess we all somehow join a movement)
Madonna continues to produce new music, though let's face it she isn't quite as edgy as she used to be. When Madonna was in her prime though, she ruled the music/entertainment industry. People can say all the bad things that they want about her, but there's no denying that she has become a superpower and legend in the music industry. EVERYONE knows Madonna.