Today in Madonna History: April 3, 2023

On April 3 2023, Madonna paid her respects to Seymour Stein, who died at age 80 on April 2 after a long battle with cancer. Seymour was responsible for signing Madonna to Sire Records in 1983. Stein also signed the Cure, the Smiths, Talking Heads, the Ramones, the Pretenders, Depeche Mode, Lou Reed, Ice-T, the Replacements, Aphex Twins and many more. He also helped found the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Here is Madonna’s message as posted to social media:

Seymour Stein Has Left Us! I need to catch my breath.
He Was one of the most influential Men in my Life!! He changed and Shaped my world. I must Explain.

I stalked a DJ named Mark Kamin- for a year at a club called Danceteria! In the Early 80’s. He finally agreed to play my demo of a song called “Everybody” on a Saturday night.
The Club was packed. An A&R man from SIRE records was there—Michael Rosenblatt.
He heard the music and asked me if he could bring me to meet his boss Seymour Stein.
I Couldn’t get the words “Hell Yes”! out of my mouth fast enough!

Unfortunately Seymour was in the hospital for a Heart Ailment!
I didn’t care. Lets Goooooo! When I met him he was laying in a hospital bed wearing his boxer shorts and a wife beater! He had a cannula up his nose and a saline Drip in his arm! He was grinning like the Cheshire Cat. I was carrying my giant boombox ready to play My cassette for him immediately! He smiled and laughed when he saw me and asked me if I was related to the Virgin Mary!! Hahahhahahaa. I knew we would hit it off. I played him the song a few times. He signed me to his record label that day!!

This moment changed the course of my Life Forever. And was the beginning of my journey as a Musical Artist. Not only did Seymour hear me but he Saw me and my Potential! For this I will be eternally grateful!
I am weeping as I write this down. Words cannot describe how I felt at this moment after years of grinding and being broke and getting every door slammed in my face.

Anyone who knew Seymour knew about his passion for music and his impeccable taste. He had an Ear like no other! He was Intense -Wickedly Funny-a little bit Crazy And Deeply intuitive.

Dearest Seymour you will never be forgotten!! Thank You! Thank you Thank you! 🙏🏼 💙 Shine on!!!

Today in Madonna History: November 12, 1984

madonna-like-a-virgin-november-12-1 madonna-like-a-virgin-november-12-2 madonna-like-a-virgin-november-12-3 madonna-like-a-virgin-november-12-4 madonna-like-a-virgin-november-12-5 madonna-like-a-virgin-november-12-6 madonna-like-a-virgin-november-12-7 madonna-like-a-virgin-november-12-8

On November 12 1984, Madonna’s Like A Virgin album was released by Sire Records.  The album was re-released worldwide in 1985, to include the bonus track, Into the Groove.

The original track listing for Madonna’s second album included:

Material Girl
Angel
Like A Virgin
Over & Over
Love Don’t Live Here Anymore
Dress You Up
Shoo-Bee-Doo
Pretender
Stay

The cover sleeve and album insert images were shot by Steven Meisel. The first shot in this post was used for the album cover. The rest of the photos in this post are outtakes from the same photo shoot.

Today in Madonna History: June 1, 1985

On June 1 1985, Warner Bros. and Sire Records took out a centerfold ad in Billboard magazine to celebrate the resounding success of Madonna’s first concert trek, The Virgin Tour.

Featuring the cover image from her then-current single, Angel, as a backdrop, the spread cheekily alluded to Madonna’s “virgin” moniker with the caption:

“You were wonderful! We’re proud of you. Congratulations on your first tour.
                                          – Warner Bros. and Sire records.”

Today in Madonna History: April 20, 1992

maverick

On April 20 1992, Madonna signed a $60 million, seven-year contract with Time Warner Inc. as a joint venture to form a new multi-media entertainment company: Maverick.

Madonna was made CEO of Maverick (her own record and music publishing company), which included TV, film, merchandising and book publishing divisions.

The contract re-negotiated and extended Madonna’s contract with Sire Records: a $5 million advance per album & a 20% royalty rate for her next seven albums. The future recordings would all be released by Maverick/Sire Records.

Today in Madonna History: April 10, 1985

angel

On April 10 1985, Madonna’s Angel single was released by Sire Records. Angel was the third single  released from the Like a Virgin album.

Written by Steve Bray and Madonna, it was one of the first songs developed for the project and, according to Madonna, was inspired by a girl who is saved by an angel, and she falls in love with Him.

Lyrics: 

Why am I standing on a cloud
Every time you’re around
And my sadness disappears
Every time you are near

Bridge:

You must be an angel
I can see it in your eyes
Full of wonder and surprise
And just now I realize

Chorus:

Oooh you’re an angel
Oooh you’re an angel
Oooh you’re an angel
In disguise, I can see it in your eyes

Walking down a crowded avenue
Other faces seem like nothing next to you
And I can’t hear the traffic rushing by
Just the pounding of my heart and that’s why

(bridge)
(chorus, repeat)

You’re an angel
You’re an angel, baby
You’re an angel
You must be an angel

Now I believe that dreams come true
‘Cause you came when I wished for you
This just can’t be coincidence
The only way that this makes sense is that

(chorus, repeat)

You’re an angel
You’re an angel, baby
You’re an angel
You must be an angel, baby

Clouds just disappear

Today in Madonna History: June 1, 1985

On June 1 1985, Warner Bros. and Sire Records took out a centerfold ad in Billboard magazine to celebrate the resounding success of Madonna’s first concert trek, The Virgin Tour.

Featuring the cover image from her then-current single, Angel, as a backdrop, the spread cheekily alluded to Madonna’s “virgin” moniker with the caption:

“You were wonderful! We’re proud of you. Congratulations on your first tour.
                                                               – Warner Bros. and Sire records.”

Today in Madonna History: November 12, 1984

madonna-like-a-virgin-november-12-1 madonna-like-a-virgin-november-12-2 madonna-like-a-virgin-november-12-3 madonna-like-a-virgin-november-12-4 madonna-like-a-virgin-november-12-5 madonna-like-a-virgin-november-12-6 madonna-like-a-virgin-november-12-7 madonna-like-a-virgin-november-12-8

On November 12 1984, Madonna’s Like A Virgin album was released by Sire Records.  The album was re-released worldwide in 1985, to include the bonus track, Into the Groove.

The original track listing for Madonna’s second album included:

Material Girl
Angel
Like A Virgin
Over & Over
Love Don’t Live Here Anymore
Dress You Up
Shoo-Bee-Doo
Pretender
Stay

The cover sleeve and album insert images were shot by Steven Meisel. The first shot in this post was used for the album cover. The rest of the photos in this post are outtakes from the same photo shoot.

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