17 Years Ago, Lady Gaga Released the Pop Album That Marked the End of an Era

Lady Gaga, born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, is definitely one of the biggest pop stars in history. Her name itself carries such a weight, thanks in no small part to her undeniable vocal prowess, stage presence, and unique artistry. Beyond music, the pop artist, 39, also found almost the same recognition — and impressively so — in the acting terrain, with appearances in American Horror Story: Hotel, House of Gucci, Joker: Folie à Deux, andA Star Is Born. There really is no denying the impact Gaga has had on pop culture, which is why it is sometimes rather difficult to believe there was such a time when she was, to say the least, a relatively unknown artist. And 17 years ago, on August 19, 2008, the 14-time Grammy winner released the album that changed her life's trajectory and ultimately helped reshape the pop music scene. It is none other than The Fame, the album that introduced us to the beautiful spectacle that is Gaga.