Beyonce Knowles History

Beyonce Knowles was born on September 4, 1981 in Houston, Texas, to Matthew Knowles and Tina Beyince. She attended the St. Mary's Elementary School in Texas, where she learned ballet and jazz. Her interest in music and performance was discovered by her parents while she was participating in a school talent show. She sang John Lennon's 'Imagine', in her first talent show. Not only did she win it, but was also given a standing ovation and a mention in Houston Chronicle. She performed as a soloist in the choir of St. John's United Methodist Church.

Along with her cousin, Kelly Rowland and classmates LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson, she formed a vocal group named Girl's Tyme. The West coast R&B producer, Arne Frager, intrigued by their performance, invited them to his Northern California studio, The Plant Recording Studios. The group debuted in 'Star Search', the biggest talent show on national television, however that turned out to be her first professional failure. Beyonce's father, Matthew Knowles resigned from his six-figure job, to help her in music. The stress caused due to the family's reduced income, separated her parents.

The group renamed itself, 'Destiny's Child', and Michelle Williams was included after some conflicts resulting in the exit of the old timers from the group. After performing for four years in local events, the group was signed up by Columbia Record in 1997. In the same year, they recorded their debut song, "Killing Time", for the soundtrack of the movie, Men in Black. While the group tasted tremendous success in the following year, Beyonce embarked on an extremely successful solo journey.

She signed a three album deal with Columbia Records, in 2000. She made a duet with Marc Nelson, for the movie "The Best Man" and also featured in "I Got That" by rapper Amil. Her first major acting role was in 2001, in the MTV made, Carmen, A Hip Hopera, also featuring American actor Mekhi Phifer. In 2002, she starred in the comedy 'Austin Powers in Goldmember' and also recorded her first solo single, 'Work it Out', for the movie. The following year, she starred in the romantic comedy, 'The Fighting Temptations', opposite Cuba Gooding Jr. and also recorded its title track. Knowles along with Luther Vandross remade the duet, 'The Closer I Get to You', winning a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo.

In June 2003, she released her debut solo album, "Dangerously in Love", a combination of the uptempo and slow jam songs. Selling more than 4.2 million copies in the U.S alone, it was certified 4x platinum on August 5, 2004 by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Her solo effort won her five awards at the 2004 Grammy Awards.

In 2005, her group united for their last world tour and released a compilation album of all their hits and well-known songs, disbanding shortly after that. To their credit, they were recognized as the world's best-selling female group of all time. In the same year, Beyonce launched a contemporary women's fashion line, "House of Deréon", for which she received a lot of flak from PETA, for using fur in the line.

On February 10, 2006, her film, "The Pink Panther", opposite Steve Martin, grossed over $21.7 million in ticket sales in its first week. Her next movie, "Dreamgirls", was loosely based on the all-female group, The Supremes. She recorded several songs for its soundtrack. She won two nominations; best actress and best original song, for two Golden Globe Awards, in December 2006.

She released B'Day, in September 2006, winning a 3x platinum certification from RIAA and the award for Best Contemporary R&B Album, 2007. She created history, by becoming the first woman to win an International Artist Award, at the 35th Annual American Music Awards.

She married Jay-Z in a private ceremony in New York City, on 4th April, 2008 and made it public a few months later. On 18th November, 2008 Beyonce released her third solo album, I Am...Sasha Fierce. She won the 'Outstanding Female Artist' at the NAACP Image Awards. She also had the honor to perform during the inauguration of the 44th President of United States, Barack Obama.

Her 2009, started on a high note with 'Single Ladies', being downloaded about 382,000 times, according to Nielsen SoundScan. She has promised her fans, a year full of music, concerts and movies. Despite a busy schedule, she is involved in many philanthropic activities. She has made a number of donations to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Ike. Knowles is also involved in various charities associated with children and rehabilitation.

Her journey to success and stardom started at the age of 7. Over the years, she has evolved into a powerhouse of talent. She can truly be called, Destiny's child.