BEYONCÉ KNOWLES FACTS:
Genre: Pop, R&B, Soul
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Albums: Dangerously in Love (2003); B'Day (2006); I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008)
Awards: 13 Grammy Awards (solo)
Hits: "Crazy in Love," "Baby Boy," "Check on It," "Irreplaceable," "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),"
Other: Most nominated female artist in Grammy history.
Beyoncé Knowles has already earned her place among the most successful musicians of all time. With a prolific career spanning just over a decade, she made the transition from girl-group pop sensation to full fledged diva. With a legion of faithful fans, there's no telling what Beyoncé may do in the future.
Beyoncé began performing at a young age, and by the time she was 12-years-old she was already a member of the group Destiny's Child. After gaining experience, the group released its self-titled debut album in 1997, which feature the hit single "No, No, No." Encouraged by the early popularity, Beyoncé and the girl's' second album was even more successful. The Writing's on the Wall, released in 1999, was one of the most well-received records of the decade and included a slue of hits such as "Jumpin' Jumpin'," "Bill, Bill, Bills" and "Say My Name," which is considered by many to be their signature hit.
Although Destiny's Child was quickly becoming a household name, it became evident that Beyoncé was bound for a solo career, and in 2002 she got her chance when the group took a hiatus.
She took the break to record her first solo album, Dangerously in Love, which was released in 2003. The result was one of the most popular albums of the year, and the record's lead single, "Crazy in Love," a collaboration with future-husband Jay-Z, skyrocketed to the top of the charts. The album also featured another number one hit, "Baby Boy," which was highlighted by a contribution from Sean Paul.
After a brief reunion with Destiny's Child, Beyoncé once again followed her own path, which led her to a starring role in the 2006 film Dreamgirls, for which she earned considerable critical acclaim. Soon after, she released her second studio album, B'Day, which once again included a number of hit tunes such as the number one single, "Irreplaceable."
Despite a whirlwind decade, Beyoncé certainly did not slow down. In 2008, she released I Am... Sasha Fierce, which produced some of the most talked about songs of the last several years including "Halo," "If I Were a Boy" and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)." In 2010 she lent her voice to the Lady Gaga song "Telephone," uniting two of the most powerful female performers around today.
There are few artists more versatile than Beyoncé. From her increasingly dramatic turns as an actress to her commanding stage presence, her impact will certainly be felt for years to come.