InfoImagination Recognizes Madonna in our 2007 Profile of Courage

Congratulations Madonna!
[Updated 12.13.07] Madonna will enter the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008 along with John Mellencamp, The Ventures, Leonard Cohen and The Dave Clark Five.

"The 2008 inductees are trailblazers -- all unique and influential in their genres," Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation President and CEO Joel Peresman said in a statement. "From poetry to pop, these five acts demonstrate the rich diversity of rock and roll itself."

Madonna Louise Ciccone signed with Sire Records in 1982 and became one of MTV's first stars two years later with "Like A Virgin." She has constantly altered her image and appearance ever since, showing staying power that few '80s stars could muster. From rosaries and bare midriffs to cone-shaped bras, Madonna's reinvention of herself has been as prolific as her chart dominance, which included seven No. 1 hits and three No. 1 albums in the '80s alone.

The actress and fashion icon created plenty of controversy along the way, drawing the ire of religious leaders in 2006 for a scene of Madonna on a mirrored cross and wearing a crown of thorns (see images below) as part of her worldwide "Confessions" tour.

InfoImagination wishes to acknowledge and honor one of the world's most courageous and provocative people -- Madonna. For decades this talented artist, musician, dancer and choreographer has forced society to confront our social and political hypocrisies. Her recent world concert tour lived up to our expectations regarding this fabulous female leader. Madonna... we love you!

We have highlighted scenes from her hit single, Live to Tell, which the Vatican banned from her performances in Italy. As Madonna sings, numbers flash above her head. They stop at 12,000,000 -- the number of children who have been orphaned in Africa due to AIDS. By 2010, there will be 20,000,000 children without parents. Without help, these children will die before they are two. Why would the Vatican block her message? Is Madonna being disrespectful to Jesus on the Cross or is the Pope simply upset because the Vatican hords billions of dollars worth of gold and currency in their basement while Catholics ignore the needs of these desperate children of Africa?