Madonna: Into the Groove

See the Material Girl up close and personal as she exploded to superstardom. In 1985, the world finally took notice of Madonna, and she met Ken Regan, one of the most versatile professional photographers of the 20th century. This trove of his beautiful, timeless images, most never before published, follows her through an array of unforgettable moments—studio poses, bedroom positions, fitness routines, onstage performances—highlighting her raw, magnetic sexuality. The accompanying text by Rolling Stone writer Tomás Mier brilliantly traces the development of her signature style. He shares exclusive new interviews with producer Nile Rodgers, choreographer Brad Jefferies, stylist Maripol, and others. He offers fresh insights into Madonna’s whirlwind romance with Sean Penn, why the Mondrian session became the most successful shoot of Regan’s career, and even how the infamous Penthouse and Playboy photos affected her performance at Live Aid, where, behind the scenes, Regan shot her at the center of one of the most remarkable group photos of all time. This definitive collection of their work together captures in detail exactly how the Queen of Pop grabbed the world’s attention and never let go.

Ken Regan photographed some of the 20th century’s most iconic recording artists, including The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Janis Joplin, and more. In the 1970s, Regan worked as the official photographer for the Rolling Stones on multiple tours and famously shot Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue. Regan officially documented Live Aid and the Concert for Bangladesh and worked as unit photographer for The Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia, The Bridges of Madison County, and other feature films. His work appeared on more than 200 magazine covers, including Entertainment Weekly, People, Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated, and Time. Rolling Stone named him one of their Seven Masters of Photography, and he received awards from the Missouri School of Journalism, New York Newspaper Guild, and World Press Photo. The author of All Access: The Rock ’n’ Roll Photography of Ken Regan and Knockout: The Art of Boxing, he died in 2012. Tomás Mier is a music journalist, most recently as a staff writer at Rolling Stone, and a digital creator focusing on pop and Latin music. He has interviewed Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Christina Aguilera, and other global icons. His work has appeared in Vogue Mexico, People, Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and Billboard. He regularly hosts conversations at the Grammy Museum with artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Ellie Goulding, and Benson Boone. He lives in Los Angeles.