Madonna has been called many things: a dance-pop diva, a style icon of the 1980s and ’90s, an escort of numerous men including Dennis Rodman, Warren Beatty and Guy Ritchie – Madonna is Madonna. Madonna’s music was nothing short of iconic with her chart topping albums selling over 300 million copies worldwide. Madonna has also been successful in film, starring in Evita, Dick Tracy and A League of their Own.
One of Madonna’s most popular songs is “Live to Tell”. The song was released as a single from Madonna’s third studio album True Blue. “Live to Tell” was written by Madonna and Patrick Leonard, and produced by Madonna and Stephen Bray. Madonna’s vocals for the song was arranged and produced by Madonna and Bray as well. Madonna’s inspiration behind “Live to Tell” was her relationship with actor Sean Penn whom she married in 1985. Madonna believed that she had put her self out on a limb only to be disappointed when Penn didn’t acknowledge or appreciate her efforts or meaing behind the song. Madonna said that she wrote “Live to Tell” as if she were talking to Penn, telling him that “”there’s something in your eyes I can’t ignore”” and questioning why he does things he doesn’t want others to know about. Madonna wanted “Live to Tell” to be released as a single at first but her label was reluctant, believing Madonna would have trouble being taken seriously on pop radio. Madonna’s manager Freddy DeMann eventually forced “Live to Tell” to receive a release date, and was sent to dance clubs in New York City.
