by Sherry Warren

Created on: July 31, 2010   Last Updated: August 13, 2010

Lady Gaga's electro-pop music and sense of style were fresh. “The Fame” reached number one in the album charts across the UK, Canada, Germany, Austria and Ireland. “Just Dance” and “Poker Face,” singles from the album, co-produced with RedOne, followed suit. She was making headlines, causing a stir. Lady Gaga had made an instant impact, she had finally got her start.

Stefani Joanna Angelina Germanotta was born March 28th, 1986. Showing talent and passion for music from an early age, she was destined for fame. At the age of 4, Lady Gaga had learned to play the piano by ear, by 13, she had written her first ballad. Her confidence was growing fast, 14 seen her performing at open mike nights in bars. Music was her path of choice.

Always seen to be a little quirky, Gaga was often teased at school. “I didn't fit in, and I felt like a freak.” She attended a Manhattan private school, Convent of Sacred Heart – Nicky and Paris Hilton were students also. Being one of 20 to gain early acceptance at TISCH School of the Arts at NYU, Gaga left convent school before graduating.

Ever eager to learn, Gaga would comprise detailed essays in order to improve her song writing skills. Feeling ready and focused on a musical career, again she would leave education. This time before reaching her second year. Her father agreed to pay her rent for a year, on the condition she would return if unsuccessful. Gaga believed that, “Once you learn how to think about art, you can teach yourself.” It wasn't long before Gaga was both signed and dropped by Def Jam Records, who subsequently introduced her to RedOne.

Whilst co-producing with RedOne, the Stefani Germanotta band was formed - Gaga and a few friends from NYU. Performing neo-burlesque shows, they became known around the Lower East Side clubs. Gaga dabbled with drugs at the time, for a short period after finding out, her father refused to talk to her. It was also around this time that she would adopt Lady Gaga as her stage name.

Soon after, Lady Gaga and Lady Starlight began collaborating. They performed together in clubs such as the Mercury Lounge and Rockwood music Hall. After attending an invitation, and performing at the American Lollapalooza music festival, they received positive reviews. It was during this period that Lady Gaga found her niche in music and her stage fashion.

“I always loved rock and pop and theatre. When I discovered Queen and David Bowie is when

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