Today In Madonna History: April 3, 2008

On April 3 2008, the music video for 4 Minutes – the debut single from Madonna’s 11th studio album for Warner Bros. Records, Hard Candy – made its world premiere as a video single available to purchase through iTunes. The digital retailer held exclusive rights to the video for a period of 48 hours, after which it was made available for streaming and broadcast through digital and traditional channels.

The video was filmed in London in February, 2008 and was directed by French duo, Jonas & François. At the time of the video’s launch, the audio download of 4 Minutes was already holding the #1 position on iTunes. When asked about the “4 Minute Fever Phenomenon,” Madonna commented, “Goody goody gum drops.”

Today in Madonna History: April 2, 2012

On April 2 2012, Madonna’s Sticky & Sweet Tour was broadcast on VH1 in the U.S. as part of the channel’s “Friday Night Alright” lineup.

Today in Madonna History: March 24, 1997

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On March 24 1997, Madonna’s version of Another Suitcase In Another Hall  was released as the third and final single from the Evita soundtrack.

The single was only available in the UK, New Zealand, Australia and a small number of European countries.

The lyrics for Another Suitcase In Another Hall were written by Tim Rice, with the music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

A music video was released to promote the single.  The video was the actual performance sequence from the film Evita, directed by Alan Parker.

Today in Madonna History: March 23, 1998

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On March 23 1998, Madonna attended 70th Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles where she presented the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Buoyed by the success of her new album, Ray Of Light, it was all about the music for Madonna on the red carpet as well, as she chatted and posed for photographs with an impressive assortment of musical divas: Fiona Apple, Cher, k.d. lang & Joni Mitchell.

Prior to her shared Rolling Stone cover with Courtney Love & Tina Turner the previous year, Madonna had – at least publicly – tended to shy away from aligning herself too closely with other musicians – particularly other women in the industry. Be it a result of a renewed sense of spirituality, motherhood, maturity, or simply shrewd self-marketing (perhaps all the above?), one thing is clear: Madonna’s newfound camaraderie and supportive attitude towards her peers felt refreshing and inspiring!

Today In Madonna History: March 22, 1993

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On March 22 1993, Madonna’s cover of Fever (a remake of the classic 1958 Peggy Lee song) was released as a UK single.

The UK single included the following remixes:

  1. Album Edit (4.27)
  2. Hot Sweat 12″ (7.57)
  3. Extended 12″ (6.05)
  4. Shep’s Remedy Dub (4.29)
  5. Murk Boys Miami Mix (7.07)
  6. Murk Boys Deep South Mix (6.28)
Sun lights up the daytime
Moon lights up the night
My eyes light up when you call my name
'Cause I know you're gonna treat me right
Bless my soul I love you, take this heart away
Take these arms I'll never use
And just believe in what my lips have to say
You give me...

Today in Madonna History: March 21, 1989

On March 21 1989, Madonna’s Like A Prayer album was released.

Written and produced by Madonna with Patrick Leonard, Stephen Bray and Prince, the Like A Prayer album was considered to be a major artistic leap forward for Madonna, and was certainly her most personal offering to date at the time of its release.

Allmusic’s Stephen Thomas Erlewine offered this 5-star (out of 5) review of the album:

Out of all of Madonna’s albums, Like a Prayer is her most explicit attempt at a major artistic statement. Even though it is apparent that she is trying to make a “serious” album, the kaleidoscopic variety of pop styles on Like a Prayer is quite dazzling. Ranging from the deep funk of Express Yourself and Keep It Together to the haunting Oh Father and Like a Prayer, Madonna displays a commanding sense of songcraft, making this her best and most consistent album.

Happy 33rd anniversary to one of our favorites – the phenomenal Like A Prayer!

Today in Madonna History: March 20, 1992

On March 20 1992, Woody Allen’s Shadows and Fog went into wide release in North America.

Madonna appears briefly in scenes with John Malkovich and Mia Farrow, playing the role of a tightrope artist named Marie. Her scenes were filmed in November of 1990.

The black & white film received minimal attention upon its release.