Beyoncé facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Beyoncé
Beyoncé in 2023
Born	Beyoncé Giselle Knowles (1981-09-04) September 4, 1981 (age 43) Houston, Texas, U.S.
Other names	Harmonies by the Hive Queen Bey Queen B Third Ward Trill
Occupation	Singer songwriter actress businesswoman
Years active	1990–present
Organization	BeyGood Parkwood Entertainment Ivy Park Cécred SirDavis
Works	Albums singles songs videos performances.
Spouse(s)	Jay-Z ​ (m. 2008)​
Children	3, including Blue Ivy
Parent(s)	Mathew Knowles Tina Knowles
Relatives	Solange Knowles (sister) Angela Beyincé (cousin)
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Genres	R&B pop hip-hop country
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Parkwood Columbia Music World
Signature

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter (born September 4, 1981), known simply as Beyoncé, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. Many people call her "Queen Bey" because she is seen as one of the most important and influential performers of our time. For over 30 years, she has amazed audiences with her powerful voice, incredible stage shows, and music that is always changing and evolving. She is known as one of the greatest entertainers in the world.

Beyoncé first became famous in the 1990s as the lead singer of the girl group Destiny's Child. After the group stopped performing together, she started a hugely successful solo career. Her first solo album, Dangerously in Love (2003), included the number-one hit song "Crazy in Love".

Throughout her career, Beyoncé has released many popular albums, including I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008), which featured the hit "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)". She is also known for her "visual albums" like Lemonade (2016), where every song has its own music video to help tell a larger story. Her recent albums, Renaissance (2022) and Cowboy Carter (2024), have explored dance and country music.

Beyoncé has sold over 200 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time. She has won more Grammy Awards than any other artist in history. She is also a talented actress, starring in movies like Dreamgirls (2006) and as the voice of Nala in The Lion King (2019).

Life and Career

Growing Up in Texas

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles was born in Houston, Texas, on September 4, 1981. Her mother, Tina Knowles, was a hairdresser, and her father, Mathew Knowles, was a sales manager. Beyoncé's younger sister, Solange Knowles, is also a singer.

Beyoncé started singing and dancing at a young age. Her dance teacher discovered she had a great voice when she heard her humming a tune. At age seven, she won a school talent show by singing John Lennon's song "Imagine". This inspired her to pursue a career in music. She attended special schools for the arts to develop her talents.

Destiny's Child

Beyoncé (center) performing with Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams as part of Destiny's Child in 2005.

In 1990, Beyoncé joined a group with her friends called Girl's Tyme. The group, which included Kelly Rowland and LaTavia Roberson, competed on the TV talent show Star Search. They didn't win, but they didn't give up.

In 1997, the group changed its name to Destiny's Child and signed a record deal. Their first big hit was "No, No, No". Their second album, The Writing's on the Wall (1999), made them superstars with hit songs like "Bills, Bills, Bills" and "Say My Name".

After some changes in the group's members, Destiny's Child became a trio with Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. They recorded more hits, including "Independent Women Part I" for the movie Charlie's Angels and the empowering song "Survivor". In 2001, the group decided to take a break to work on solo projects.

A Solo Superstar

Beyoncé in 2004

Beyoncé's solo career took off in 2003 with her album Dangerously in Love. The album's first single, "Crazy in Love", which featured rapper Jay-Z, was a massive hit around the world. The album also had other hit songs like "Baby Boy" and "Naughty Girl". It won five Grammy Awards.

In 2006, she released her second album, B'Day, on her 25th birthday. It included the number-one single "Irreplaceable". That same year, she starred in the movie Dreamgirls, where she played a singer inspired by Diana Ross.

Sasha Fierce and New Music

Beyoncé performing during the I Am... Tour in 2009

On April 4, 2008, Beyoncé married Jay-Z. Later that year, she released her third album, I Am... Sasha Fierce. The album was split into two parts: one with slower, personal songs, and another with upbeat dance tracks. Beyoncé said the dance songs were performed by her alter ego (an alternate personality) named Sasha Fierce, who was bold and confident on stage.

This album gave the world the mega-hit "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", which had a famous music video that was copied by fans everywhere. The song "Halo" was also a big success.

After a short break from music, Beyoncé released her fourth album, 4, in 2011. It had a more traditional R&B sound and included the popular song "Love On Top". That same year, she announced she was expecting her first child. Her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, was born in January 2012.

Surprise Albums and Visuals

Beyoncé on The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour in 2014

In December 2013, Beyoncé did something no one expected. She released her fifth album, Beyoncé, on the iTunes Store without any warning. It was a "visual album," meaning every song had its own music video. This changed the way many artists release music. The album featured the hit song "Drunk in Love".

In 2016, she released another visual album, Lemonade. It first appeared as a one-hour movie on HBO. The album explored themes of strength and empowerment and was praised by critics. It included the powerful song "Formation". In 2017, Beyoncé and Jay-Z welcomed twins, a daughter named Rumi and a son named Sir.

Coachella, The Lion King, and a New Era

Beyoncé at the European premiere of The Lion King in 2019

In 2018, Beyoncé gave a legendary performance at the Coachella music festival. The show, nicknamed "Beychella," celebrated Black culture and featured a reunion with Destiny's Child.

The next year, she voiced the character Nala in the remake of Disney's The Lion King. She also produced a companion album called The Lion King: The Gift, which featured music inspired by Africa. This led to her 2020 visual album Black Is King, which was released on Disney+.

A Musical Trilogy

Beyoncé performing on the Renaissance World Tour in 2023

In 2022, Beyoncé released Renaissance, the first part of a three-album project. The album was a celebration of dance music and its history in Black and queer communities. Its lead single, "Break My Soul", became a number-one hit. The album won four Grammy Awards, making Beyoncé the artist with the most Grammy wins in history.

The second part of the trilogy, Cowboy Carter, was released in 2024. This album explored the history of Black artists in country music. It featured the number-one hit "Texas Hold 'Em", which made her the first Black woman to top the country charts. In 2025, the album won several Grammys, including Best Country Album. She launched the Cowboy Carter Tour to support the album.

Artistry

Voice and Music Style

Beyoncé is known for her powerful mezzo-soprano voice. She can sing beautiful ballads, powerful soul songs, and fast-paced pop and R&B tracks. Critics have called her voice one of the best in popular music.

Her music often blends different genres, including R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul, and funk. With her albums Renaissance and Cowboy Carter, she also explored dance and country music. She is known for always trying new sounds and reinventing her style.

Themes and Influences

Many of Beyoncé's songs are about female empowerment, love, and relationships. In songs like "Run the World (Girls)" and "Flawless", she encourages girls and women to be strong and independent. Her later work also explores themes of history, family, and social justice.

Beyoncé has said that Michael Jackson is her biggest musical influence. She was also inspired by other legendary performers like Tina Turner, Diana Ross, and Whitney Houston.

Legacy and Impact

A wax figure of Beyoncé at Madame Tussauds in London.

Beyoncé is considered one of the most influential artists of the 21st century. She changed the music industry with her surprise album releases and her focus on visual albums. Many artists, including Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Adele, have named her as a major inspiration.

Her work has had a big impact on culture. Phrases from her songs, like "put a ring on it" and "I woke up like this," have become popular sayings. In a fun tribute, a scientist even named a species of horse-fly with a golden back end Scaptia beyonceae after her.

Other Ventures

Activism and Philanthropy

Beyoncé uses her fame to support causes she believes in. She has spoken out against the unfair treatment of Black Americans and has supported women's rights. She often includes messages of empowerment and social justice in her music and performances.

She is also known for her charity work. In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina, she helped create the Survivor Foundation to provide housing for families who lost their homes. Her own charity organization, BeyGood, has donated millions of dollars to support education, disaster relief, and mental health services.

Business and Fashion

Beyoncé is a smart businesswoman. She founded her own company, Parkwood Entertainment, which produces her music, movies, and tours.

She has also been involved in fashion. In 2016, she launched the activewear brand Ivy Park. In 2024, she launched Cécred, a line of hair care products. She has also had partnerships with major brands like Pepsi, Adidas, and Tiffany & Co..

Discography

Filmography

• Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001)
• Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)
• The Fighting Temptations (2003)
• The Pink Panther (2006)
• Dreamgirls (2006)
• Cadillac Records (2008)
• Obsessed (2009)
• Epic (2013)
• The Lion King (2019)
• Black Is King (also director) (2020)
• Mufasa: The Lion King (2024)

Tours and Residencies

Headlining tours

• Dangerously in Love Tour (2003)
• The Beyoncé Experience (2007)
• I Am... Tour (2009–2010)
• The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour (2013–2014)
• The Formation World Tour (2016)
• Renaissance World Tour (2023)
• Cowboy Carter Tour (2025)

Co-headlining tours

• Verizon Ladies First Tour (with Alicia Keys and Missy Elliott) (2004)
• On the Run Tour (with Jay-Z) (2014)
• On the Run II Tour (with Jay-Z) (2018)

See also

In Spanish: Beyoncé para niños

• Forbes list of highest-earning musicians
• List of most-followed Instagram accounts