Madonna at 59

Madonna turns 59!

Where does time go?  (or money, or boys, or epic shoes?)

The woman who redefined the American female mystique through a series of sensational reinventions celebrated in Italy. On horseback. At her party.

While next year will mark her milestone 60th, she and her extended family flew to Europe to celebrate, where they watched an evening of abstract dance performances.

'I like to make an entrance' she said.

Obviously.

And she did. On horseback.

Madonna on horseback

59 is apparently the new 30---at least if you are Madonna. Its shocking how young she remains.

Easily one of the most accomplished and recognized musicians in the world today, she has inspired literally hundreds of millions of people with her career. She probably pissed off at least as many with her irreverent approach to life, politics, religion and sex.

She electrified the church with her allusions to Catholic symbology and ritual (including her name). She scandalized the country with the release of her 'erotic' videos. She followed that up with 'Sex', a book that literally broke new ground for women in discussing (and displaying) their erotic and sexual sides.

Here is what Wikipedia has to say on the matter.

Having sold more than 300 million records worldwide, Madonna is recognized as the best-selling female recording artist of all time by Guinness World Records. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) listed her as the second highest-certified female artist in the United States, with 64.5 million album units. According to Billboard, Madonna is the most successful solo act on the Hot 100 singles chart, overall second only to the Beatles. She is also the highest-grossing solo touring artist of all time, earning U.S. $1.31 billion from her concert tickets since 1990. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in her first year of eligibility, Madonna topped VH1's countdown of 100 Greatest Women in Music. Additionally, Rolling Stone listed her among the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.

Happy Birthday Madonna.