There are not many artists who may boast of being the suspect of academic disciplines, but as the official “Queen of Pop” (or at least the artist most commonly referred to by that moniker), Madonna can. She certainly is a polymath: Originally planning to pursue a career in modern dance she instead became a drummer before starting her solo career. Later she would also work as an actress, business woman, writer and director.

She was not always known as “Queen of Pop” though. When “Material Girl” was released as a single from her second studio album “Like A Virgin” it became a huge hit and as many misinterpreted the video (which is a retelling of Marilyn Monroe’s 1953 film “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” and is supposed to explicitly show the “Material Girl” side to only be an act, while the actress really doesn’t care about worldly riches) the name stuck. It would take her many years to rewrite that image.

I only found out after scheduling this post that she turns 64 today. Happy Birthday!

I found out even later that it’s the 45th anniversary of Elvis’ death as well.