Lady Gaga: Born This Way

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta was born in New York in 1986. While you’ve probably never heard of her, you have no doubt heard of Lady Gaga, which is her stage name. She signed on as a songwriter with Streamline Records in 2007 after withdrawing from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. While working as songwriter, recording artist Akon took note of her vocal talent and signed her to his record label. Her first album, which included the hits “Poker Face” and “Just Dance,” came in 2008 and was an instant success with critics and listeners alike. Lady Gaga’s 18-month second tour, The Monster Ball Tour, kicked off in 2009 and is one of the top grossing concerts of all times. The tour promoted her second album The Fame Monster, which boasted the hits “Bad Romance” and “Telephone.”

Her third album, released in 2011, included the hit “Born this Way.” She is known for her outlandish outfits and unique hair and make up. Lady Gaga is also an advocate of tolerance and actively speaks out on bullying. She announced at the end of 2011 that she will launch the Born This Way Foundation this year. According to a press release, the foundation will “explore the best ways to reach youth and create a new culture of kindness, bravery, acceptance and empowerment.” The foundation launches on February 29, 2011 and will work in partnership with The Berkman Center at Harvard as well as their Graduate School of Education, the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and several other organizations. The purpose of Gaga’s foundation is to promote self-confidence and well-being through mentoring, advocacy and career development, as well as to promote anti-bullying. The foundation kick-off includes a day of events designed to promote awareness of these issues at Harvard University.