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I dare you to name someone in entertainment history more revolutionary and innovative than Madonna. While numerous influential artists have come and gone and still exist today, most are known for one look or one sound. The chameleon that is Madonna has had a far-reaching ripple effect across this entire globe, over and over again.

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As Madonna Louise Ciccone celebrates her 50th birthday today, I want to not only celebrate the universal impact this woman has had, but also why I feel she has been instrumental in my own life. Love her or hate her, the Material Girl has an undeniable quality that is simply untouchable.

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From humble beginnings in Bay City, Michigan, the aspiring dancer made her way to New York City in the late 70s where she discovered a love and aptitude for music and singing. Surviving for so long on “nothing but handfuls of popcorn and sundaes,” Madonna finally found her place at NYC nightclub Danceteria and released her first self-titled album in 1983.

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The rest, as they say, is history. Though some critics considered 80s pop rival Cyndi Lauper as the one with staying power, Madonna proved them all wrong and continues to today. Her ability to constantly reinvent herself while staying true to who she is, is what makes Madonna work.

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She’s weathered her fair share of wardrobe disasters (Little Bo Peep, anyone?), painful relationships, tabloid scandals and still manages to come out on top with not only dignity but a great deal of respect for herself. There are few, I believe, who truly have that ability.

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I remember, as a young girl, having sleepovers with my friend Kortney and we’d writhe around with flashlights and hairbrushes, performing various Madonna hits for each other.

In high school I gave a report on Madonna during twelfth grade that I’ll never forget. To end the presentation to my class, I wanted to show a clip of 1991’s “Truth or Dare,” a documentary chronicling her Blonde Ambition Tour. Being that those were the days of VCRs and tapes always seemed to rewind a little bit more than you wanted them to, when I hit the play button, we all saw Madonna giving a spit and polish job to a water bottle that my senior class will surely never forget.

Thanks for the lesson in humility, Madge.

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And while Madonna’s seemingly straight-forward demeanor, sometimes outrageous antics and out-spoken beliefs - on everything from sex to religion - are what cause some people to disapprove of her, those are what I see as her beauty and strength.

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I believe that her message has always been empowering, educating and freeing. She has shown that it’s okay to fail as long as you’ve tried to succeed. Though she is still a woman and at times vulnerable, it is something that all women (and men too) can connect with and identify in.

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For a woman who has come so far in half a century, I find it an honour to be able to celebrate the mother, wife, style icon, musician, singer, songwriter, AIDS advocate, actress and woman that she is.

Here is to 50 more.

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Last night, in preparation for this post, I spent over an hour watching her videos on YouTube. While I can’t possibly begin to pick a favourite, below are some of what I believe to be her best MTV work to date. Check them out if you have time to kill and want to take a lil’ trip down memory lane.