Today in Madonna History: March 14, 2008

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On March 14 2008, the cover for Madonna’s Hard Candy album was revealed on People.com.  The photo was taken by longtime collaborator Steven Klein.

Today in Madonna History: March 13, 1999

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On March 13 1999, Madonna’s The Power of Good-Bye, fell to #63 on the Billboard Hot 100 Single Sales chart, spending its final week on the chart (after 22 weeks).

The Power of Good-Bye was written by Madonna and Rick Nowels.  The song was produced by Madonna, William Orbit, Patrick Leonard with string arrangements by Craig Armstrong.

Rick said this of the hit song:

“The lyrics to The Power Of Good-Bye are stunning. I love Madonna as an artist and a songwriter… She is a wonderful confessional songwriter, as well as being a superb hit chorus pop writer… She doesn’t get the credit she deserves as a writer.”

Today In Madonna History: March 12, 1994

On March 12, 1994, Madonna made a surprise appearance at the AIDS Dance-A-Thon benefit in San Francisco, California.

Today in Madonna History: March 11, 1985

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On March 11 1985, Madonna was featured on the cover of People magazine.  Photos by Ken Reagan.

Today in Madonna History: February 26, 1983

On February 26 1983, Madonna’s first single, Everybody, spent its 17th and final week on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart in the USA. Everybody reached #3 on the chart on November 6, 1982. In addition to spending 17 weeks on the Hot Dance/Club Play chart, the classic dance hit also spent 8 weeks on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart. Not bad for a first single!

Today in Madonna History: February 25, 1995

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On February 25 1995, Madonna’s Take A Bow hit #1 in the USA on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.  The hit single remained #1 for 7 weeks, and became Madonna’s 11th single to top the charts in the USA.

Billboard called the song a “plush pop ballad” that was “as close to perfect as top 40 fare gets.” Adding that the lead vocal was “both sweet and quietly soulful.”

Today In Madonna History: February 24, 1996

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On February 24 1996, Madonna was at the centre of a controversy when animal-rights group PETA placed a full-page ad in Billboard magazine as an attack on her for promoting bullfighting in the Take A Bow and You’ll See music videos.