Young and still unknown Madonna with photographs by Michael McDonnell

Fashion photographer Michael McDonnell met Madonna in 1978 when the future superstar no one has heard before. McDonnell stumbled upon a 20-year-old girl, when she was sitting in his hall, and, of course, she was instantly charmed by the photographer. They worked together for the next eight months, and here is the result: rare black and white photos of a very young singer.

Madonna Louise Ciccone was born in 1958 in Bay city, Michigan. She was the first daughter of Madonna and Silvio Anthony "Tony" Ciccone.

The family called her Nonno, not to be confused with the older Madonna, of French-canadian descent. Tonite was an American of Italian descent in the first generation: his parents immigrated from the Italian city of Pacentro.

Early and sudden death of his mother had a profound influence on the young Madonna. She said that because of the death of her mother, it is what it is today.

Madonna's father put her in classical piano lessons, but she later convinced him to allow her to do ballet. Then she went to high school Rochester Adams, where he became a student and do cheerleading. After graduation, she enrolled at the University of Michigan, where she was offered a dance scholarship.

In 1978, Madonna dropped out of College and moved to new York to become a star.

For several years, she struggled trying to succeed, odd jobs and lived in a tiny apartment.

At the time, she worked as a waitress and starred in a candid photoshoot. She danced as part of the dance troupes, formed a punk band Breakfast Club with a guy and rock band Emmy with others, as well as some time spent in France, working as a dancer.

In 1982, Madonna released his first hit song "Everybody", which is annealed for all dance floors in new York.

Then she met John "Jellybean" of Benicasa, DJ, whom she dated for two years and which helped her to release a "Holiday" is her first national hit, which in 1984 she got on the television show dick Clark's American Bandstand.

It was her brilliant performance on the show was opened for Madonna road to what she had long dreamed of: to become an international pop superstar.