Beyoncé: The life story you may not know

Larry Busacca/PW // Getty Images There may never be another artist like Beyoncé. She’s sold more than 200 million records worldwide and is the most-awarded female artist in Grammy history with 28 trophies. Her distinction as one of the greatest performers of all time remains uncontested, which the hype surrounding her 2023 Renaissance World Tour has proven. The life story of Beyoncé’s rise to fame–from her humble beginnings in her native Houston to the iconic figure we regard her as today–offers a wealth of inspiration for the next generation of musicians following in her footsteps. For that reason, Vivid Seats compiled a list of 24 of Beyoncé’s accolades and milestones, citing interviews, news reports, and her own written words. Few recall Beyoncé’s origins as the pint-sized, bright-eyed teenager who nearly made it big on “Star Search” in the ’90s. Some know her best as the vocal powerhouse behind Destiny’s Child’s most empowering anthems. Many may have only recently familiarized themselves with Beyoncé’s contemporary achievements as a solo performer, humanitarian, mother of three, and businesswoman with a reported net worth of $500 million. Continue reading for a deeper look at Beyoncé’s remarkable life story. 1981: Born in Houston Jeff Kravitz // Getty Images Beyoncé Giselle Knowles was born Sept. 4, 1981, in Houston to a hairstylist named Tina Lawson and a sales manager for Xerox named Matthew Knowles. Beyoncé is the oldest of two daughters; she shares a close relationship with her younger sister, Solange (born 1986). 1980s: Humble beginnings and inspiration Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images Girl’s Tyme performed locally around Houston, including Headliners Hair Salon–owned by Beyoncé’s mother, Tina. Mathew also created an intense boot camp where the girls practiced their performance skills in the summer. The group eventually scaled down to four members, bringing on LeToya Luckett, and rebranded with a new name: Somethin’ Fresh. Tina designed and sewed the group’s performance costumes. 1993: Introducing Destiny’s Child Tim Mosenfelder // Getty Images The group underwent several other name changes over time, but one stood above the rest: Destiny, which Tina Knowles supposedly pulled from the Book of Isaiah. The group initially signed to Elektra Records under their new name. However, the label dropped the group before a single was ever released. The group ultimately went with Destiny’s Child because Destiny was unavailable for trademark. Late 1990s: Breaking through