by Donna Hicks

Created on: July 29, 2010   Last Updated: November 15, 2011

Lady GaGa is known world-wide for her singing and song-writing abilities as well as her attention-grabbing fashions, hairstyles and make-up. Lady GaGa had humble beginnings prior to being escalated into music stardom, however.

The Road to GaGa Fame and the Name

Born in New York in 1986, Lady GaGa, better known to family and school teachers as Stephani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, was playing piano at age four and later landed lead roles in high school plays. She attended the prestigious Tisch School for the Arts at New York University, but withdrew from the school before completing her sophomore year so she could focus more on her own music career.

 After some success playing the club scene and a couple of recordings, Lady GaGa soon began working with music producer Rob Fusari. It was he who thought of her stage name, “Lady GaGa.” When she entered the recording studio, he would start singing Queen's song “Radio GaGa.” It has been said that Fusari texted her one day with the words “Radio GaGa” and the auto correct "corrected" it to “Lady GaGa.” it was then that “Lady GaGa” was born.

Fusari sent GaGa’s songs to a music producer and record exec friend of his and Lady GaGa was soon signed to Streamline Records. She later signed with Sony/ATV Music Publishing, where she contracted to write songs for artists such as Fergie, New Kids on the Block, Britney Spears and Pussycat Dolls. It was recording artist Akon who first was mesmerized by her vocal abilities when she sang for one of his tracks while in the studio. Soon after, fame was a name to describe Lady GaGa’s success.

Recent Success

Lady GaGa released hits such as “Just Dance” and “Poker Face” as singles after their success on her debut album, “The Fame.” By this time, she had relocated to Los Angeles, and was becoming a world-wide musical phenomenon. “Poker Face,” which was inspired by GaGa’s bi-sexuality, topped music charts in several different countries including the United States.

She won Grammy Awards for “Best Dance Recording” and Best Electronic/Dance Album. She also won the Billboard Best Rising Star Award for the year 2009. Not only has Lady GaGa embraced music fans of several genres around the world, but she sang for Queen Elizabeth II. She has been named to several prestigious lists, such as “10 Most Fascinating People of 2009,” and the Forbes “World's Most Powerful Celebrities.” Her tours have been huge successes as have her videos, which have reached over 1 billion views. Her official website is extremely popular and she has millions of followers on social networking sites. The successful career continues for the eccentric, but very talented pop icon Lady GaGa.

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