On April 21 1991, Madonna participated in the 3rd annual AIDS Dance-A-Thon at the Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Tag Archives: Herb Ritts
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: February 16, 1990
On February 16 1990, Madonna’s close friend Keith Haring died.
Madonna shared this memory of their friendship:
“We were two odd birds in the same environment. I watched Keith come up from that street base, which is where I also came up from. I’ve always responded to Keith’s art. From the very beginning there was a lot of innocence and a joy that was coupled with a brutal awareness of the world. The fact is, there’s a lot of irony in Keith’s work, just as there’s a lot of irony in my work. And that’s what attracts me to his stuff. I mean, you have these bold colors and those childlike figures and a lot of babies, but if you really look at those works closely, they’re really very powerful and really scary.”
Today in Madonna History: January 19, 1991
On January 19 1991, Madonna’s The Immaculate Collection video collection hit #1 on the Top Music Videos chart in the USA. The VHS video single for Justify My Love hit #2 on the same chart.
Today in Madonna History: October 10, 1987
On October 10 1987, Madonna appeared on the cover of Australia’s TV Week magazine.
We’re taking this opportunity to share most of the published Herb Ritts photos from this shoot. Enjoy!
Today in Madonna History: August 13, 1952
On August 13 1952, one of Madonna’s closest friends, Herb Ritts, was born in Los Angeles, California.
Ritts specialized in black and white photography and music videos, including Madonna’s Cherish music video and the photoshoot for Madonna’s True Blue, Like A Prayer and Immaculate Collection albums (among others — the list just goes on and on).
Throughout the 80’s and 90’s, Herb was at Madonna’s side taking the most beautiful photos of her possible. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts for capturing Madonna during this time in her life and career.
Today in Madonna History: April 29, 1989
On April 29 1989, Madonna’s Like A Prayer album entered its second week at #1 on the Canadian album charts.
Hitting number #1 on April 22 1989, Like A Prayer would remain at the top of the Canadian album charts until the week of June 3 1989.
