“Everybody” is the debut single by Madonna, released on October 6, 1982 with dub version of the song as a B-side, by Sire Records. It was Madonna’s first step into the music industry and the song that began her journey to becoming one of the most iconic pop stars in the world. With its infectious dance-pop sound and club-friendly vibe, “Everybody” laid the foundation for Madonna’s rise to fame during the 1980s.
Madonna had been working hard in the early 1980s to get her music career off the ground. After recording a demo tape that included “Everybody,” she convinced Mark Kamins, a New York DJ and producer, to play the track at the club Danceteria, where it gained attention for its catchy, danceable beat. Kamins introduced Madonna to Seymour Stein, the founder of Sire Records, who quickly signed her to a recording contract. “Everybody” was written by Madonna herself and produced by Mark Kamins. The song was part of Madonna’s initial efforts to blend dance and pop music, aiming to create a sound that would resonate in the underground club scene while also appealing to a mainstream audience.
The lyrics of “Everybody” are straightforward and reflect a message of unity and inclusiveness. Musically, “Everybody” is a dance-pop track with strong influences from post-disco and R&B. The song features a catchy synthesizer melody, a funky bassline, and an upbeat drum machine rhythm, creating a sound that was both fresh and highly danceable for the time. Madonna’s vocal delivery is playful and confident, with a touch of sass that would come to define her future hits. The production has a minimalist feel, focusing on electronic beats and rhythmic elements, which suited the emerging club sound of the early 1980s.
“Everybody” was released with modest expectations, and though it didn’t chart on the Billboard Hot 100, it became a hit on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, where it peaked at No. 3 in January 1983. This success in the dance clubs helped build Madonna’s reputation as an up-and-coming artist and paved the way for her future success. The song performed well in urban clubs and helped Madonna develop a fan base, which would grow rapidly with her next singles and the release of her self-titled debut album Madonna in 1983.
The music video for “Everybody” was shot on a low budget and directed by Ed Steinberg. It features Madonna and her dancers performing at New York’s Paradise Garage.
“Everybody” is often celebrated as a key track in the early days of Madonna’s career, marking the start of her long journey to becoming a global pop icon. It also became a fan favorite and has been included in some of her greatest hits compilations and performed during several of her early tours.