Beyoncé Knowles: Her Life So Far
PA PhotosBeyoncé was born in Houston, Texas, in 1981 to Tina, a costume designer and Mathew, who originally sold medical equipment. She liked jazz and ballet at school but her singing talents weren’t recognised till her dance instructor began humming a tune and the young Biyoncé (as she was known then), finished it, hitting the top notes perfectly.
PA PhotosAfter numerous line-up and name changes, Destiny’s Child finally signed to Columbia Records in 1997, and two years later scored chart success with their singles, “Say My Name” and “Independent Women”. The original band members, Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland, were also joined by Michelle Williams.
Wenn2003 was Beyoncé’s year – her debut solo album, Dangerously In Love, became one of the most successful of the year, with “Baby Boy” and “Crazy In Love” earning the singer No1s, and five Grammy Awards.
Rex FeaturesDespite the success of Destiny’s Child, the trio decided in 2005 that it was time to pursue their individual careers full time. The band’s last album and tour, Destiny Fulfilled marked the end of an era for the world's best-selling female group of all time.
Rex FeaturesBeyoncé set up the Survivor Foundation with her former band mate, Kelly Rowland in 2005. It provided temporary housing for victims of Hurricane Karina and storm evacuees in the singers’ hometown of Houston, Texas.
Rex FeaturesBeyoncé received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance as Deena Jones in the 2006 musical film, Dreamgirls. She lost 20 pounds for the role on a diet of cayenne pepper and water, so as to appear younger and more petite.
PA PhotosIt was the singer’s mother, Tina Knowles, who suggested that the singer diversify into fashion design, and in 2006, the pair launched House Of Deréon, inspired by three generations of women in their family.
PA PhotosBeyoncé married her long-term boyfriend Jay-Z in 2008. They are both known to be “intensely private people”; the singer didn’t debut her wedding ring till five months after they’d tied the knot!
PA PhotosBeyoncé and her younger sister Solange share their acting and singing talents but artistically they claim to be very different, with Solange being inspired by more reggae and R&B elements.
And now Beyoncé’s coming here! The singer is heading to Britain this year as part of her world tour to promote her latest album, I Am… Sasha Fierce. Read more about Beyoncé in her interview with GLAMOUR magazine in June’s issue, out now.
