Get Spirit of Lady GaGa

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta was born on March 20, 1986, in Yonkers, New York to Italian parents. At a young age, Stefani began playing the piano, and attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart--a private Catholic school in Manhattan (other famous alumni include Caroline Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, and Nicky Hilton). Stefani began aspiring to be a singer and at age of seventeen, she was attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts to study music at age 17.

One of Stefani’s huge influences was Queen, this is how she acquired the name “Lady Gaga,”--The name came from Queen’s 1984 hit song “Radio Gaga.” In 2006, Lady GaGa started working with music producer Rob Fusari ("Beautiful, Dirty, Rich", "Again Again"), which is when she actually began calling herself “Lady Gaga,” He nicknamed her “GaGa,” after the song was played in the studio. Fusari noted similarities to her performance style to that of Queen singer, Freddie Mercury.

GaGa recorded numerous songs during this time, as well as performed regularity in the Lower East Side in burlesque shows at bars with drag queens and go-go dancers. This, along with the theatrical influence from Queen, fashion, and passion for art and theater, helped developed her over-the-top stage performances. GaGa without a doubt was primed and ready for the spotlight.

At age 19, Lady GaGa was signed to Def Jam, and was dropped from the label 3 months later by L.A Reid. Rob Fusari later introduced Interscope's Jimmy Iovine to GaGa, and she was signed to Streamline/Interscope. GaGa then worked with singer/songwriter Akon, who hired Gaga as a songwriter--she recorded demo songs for Konvict Muzik artist; Tami Chynn. Akon was impressed with Lady GaGa, and her record deal became a joint deal with Akon's Konlive label.

In 2008, various versions of Lady GaGa's debut album "The Fame" was released throughout the world at various different dates. Lady GaGa began developing a cult following, however she couldn't break through into the US mainstream. Her first single "Just Dance," featuring Akon and Colby O'Donis, was released April 8, 2008 to radio, and later as a digital single--the song initially failed to chart. On September 7, 2008 controversy began, putting national spotlight on Lady GaGa. Christina Aguilera's performance at the 2008 Video Music Awards was dubbed a rip off of Lady GaGa's image, music and stage performances. Lady GaGa's name was thrusted into the media, in which she made various responses--"A lot of people have been saying that she is copying my style with her new song. I guess it bares somewhat of a resemblance but I wouldn't say she is copying me. This type of dance music is becoming more popular and I don't blame her for wanting to make and perform it. Her performance was great and it's ("Keeps Gettin Better") is a hot track" - Blender Magazine.

Taken from : http://www.konvictmuzik.net/biography/lady-gaga.php