Beyonce Biography

Though Beyonce Knowles is a pin-up celebrity, she’s not only a pretty face. She has pursued a savvy career path and has shown her talent as a songwriter and actress. Born in Houston, Texas, in 1981, she sang in the church choir as a young girl. 

The big break for Beyonce came as part of the R&B singing group, Destiny’s Child. As a founding member, she saw various girls come and go into her group. They started as a quartet and ended up a trio. La Tavia Roberson and Le Toya Luckett left, and the final line-up consisted of Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. The group released their final album in 2005 and remains the biggest selling all-girl group in history. Their debut album was produced by Wyclef Jean and Jermaine Dupri. 

Beyonce’s Father, Mathew Knowles, resigned from a lucrative job in sales to manage the group. He still manages all the individual members today and runs his own successful record label, which represents De La Soul, Earth, Wind and Fire, and Kool & the Gang. Matthew Knowles also acts as manager for Beyonce’s sister, singer and actress Solange Knowles. 

In 2003, Beyonce launched her solo career with her first album, Dangerously In Love. It was a great success and included recording collaborations with Knowles's boyfriend, rapper Jay-Z, as well as the late Luther Vandross. One of the tracks on Dangerously In Love also featured Sean Paul. She has won an impressive three Grammy awards as a member of Destiny’s Child and six more Grammy’s for her solo work.