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Madonna rocks

What is rock ‘n’ roll? Wait, that question probably requires too much thought for a Monday. Instead, ponder this: is Madonna a rocker? My first response to the question is, “does it matter?” But since the announcement of Madonna’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the blogosphere has been rife with complaints that the pop star does not deserve the honor. The controversy is not about her contributions to musical culture, but whether her music actually is rock ‘n’ roll. You know, my response still is “does it matter?” Return with me, if you will, to Madonna: The Early Years – 1984, to be exact.

   

I know much of AfterEllen.com’s readership is too young to remember 1984. But trust me, “Like a Virgin” was scandalous. As was Madonna.

She’s done a pretty good job of staying scandalous ever since, reinventing herself over and over to keep her edge. Not every incarnation has been golden (American Life – ak!), but her influence on music – all kinds of music – is undeniable. So, to celebrate Madonna’s enshrinement tonight, here are some of my favorite Madonna musical moments. “Material Girl” was Madonna’s second hit, but the first one I wasn’t embarrassed to sing out loud in front of other people. Hey, I was brought up as a Southern Baptist in Texas.

   

My first Madonna concert was in 1987 – the Who’s That Girl Tour. It was a somewhat surreal experience for me because she was in Texas Stadium, where I had attended a Billy Graham crusade in my evangelical days. Both were religious experiences. I think my favorite Madonna song still is the one that got her in the most trouble – 1989’s “Like a Prayer.”

   

Madonna trivia of the day: “Like a Prayer” debuted in a Pepsi commercial, which had none of the controversial symbolism of the MTV version of the video. But apparently people couldn’t separate the two videos in their minds, so Pepsi had to pull the commercial. Madonna got to keep her $5 million endorsement fee. Some prayer. Remember when we learned that Madonna could act? Argentina wasn’t thrilled with the casting of Eva Peron. But Evita earned Madonna a Golden Globe. And it earned the rest of us this rendition of “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina.”

   

A friend of mine insists that I was with her at a concert in Madison Square Garden during the Drowned World Tour in 2001. She also insists that she doesn’t do drugs. But I’ve never been to Madison Square Garden. If nothing else, I would’ve remembered these arms. Madonna’s last tour was the infamous Confessions Tour. I love this promo photo. As usual, the performance ticked off religious groups, especially the song “Live to Tell.” I can’t imagine why.

   

The new album, Hard Candy, is due to be released in April. Meanwhile, you can catch the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony tonight on VH1 Classic at 8:30 p.m. EDT. Best Buy also will carry a live stream.

So, what do you think? Is Madonna worthy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? What’s your favorite Madonna song? Album? Outfit? Gratuitous bisexual moment?

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