The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers - Episode 184 Summary: Madonna - The Immaculate Collection with Kathy Griffin

Release Date: November 27, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 184 of The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers, host Josh Adam Meyers teams up with comedian and actress Kathy Griffin to delve into Madonna's iconic compilation album, The Immaculate Collection. This episode, part of their ongoing series counting down Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, offers an in-depth exploration of Madonna's enduring legacy in the music industry, as well as personal anecdotes and cultural insights from Kathy Griffin.

Madonna's Influence and The Immaculate Collection

Josh opens the discussion by positioning Madonna as the quintessential Queen of Pop, comparing her stature to other monumental figures like Beyoncé and Janet Jackson. He notes, "Madonna is the Queen of Pop. I think you can also say that about Janet, but we're talking about Madonna from 1990" ([26:52]).

Kathy Griffin echoes this sentiment, highlighting Madonna's unparalleled ability to stay relevant across decades. She mentions, "She has a number one hit every decade. She's still relevant." ([25:47]) emphasizing Madonna's consistent presence at the top of the music charts and her ability to evolve with changing musical landscapes.

Key Tracks and Their Impact

The conversation navigates through several standout tracks from The Immaculate Collection. Both hosts express their admiration for songs like "Vogue" and "Like a Prayer."

Kathy reminisces about attending a Madonna concert with fellow celebrities, describing the experience: "We actually left early because of Madonna's no air conditioning policy... It was humiliating to leave because we were literally getting overheated." ([13:57])

Josh adds historical context to Madonna's performances, particularly her groundbreaking appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards: "There's something about seeing her kind of roll around on the floor in a wedding dress while singing about virginity that just made our heads explode." ([57:50])

Kathy Griffin's Personal Anecdotes and Insights

Beyond discussing Madonna's music, Kathy shares personal stories that intertwine with Madonna's influence. She talks about her own career in comedy and acting, drawing parallels to Madonna's journey in music and film.

Reflecting on her friendship with Rosie O'Donnell, Kathy says, "Rosie and Madonna go way back. Everybody loves them together in a league of their own." ([20:33]) This highlights the intertwining of Madonna's influence with other prominent figures in the entertainment industry.

Kathy also delves into her experiences with controversy, relating it to Madonna's own reigns of public scrutiny. She recounts her infamous Trump photo scandal, stating, "What I do talk about openly is it's okay to be a saver...," and ties it back to Madonna's resilience in the face of media challenges: "Madonna has a lifelong policy of no air conditioning, even in her home. So, I thought it was just broken." ([15:51])

Cultural and Political Context

The episode doesn't shy away from addressing the broader cultural and political implications of Madonna's work. Kathy and Josh discuss how Madonna has consistently pushed boundaries, both artistically and socially.

Kathy praises Madonna's role in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly through the song "Vogue." She explains, "Madonna put the spotlight on [voguing] kids and took some of them on tour with her at the Blonde Ambition Tour, really putting her money where her mouth is." ([75:10])

They also touch upon Madonna's ability to navigate and control her public image amidst controversies, reinforcing her status as a trailblazer who defines her own narrative.

Conclusion

Episode 184 of The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers offers a comprehensive look at Madonna's The Immaculate Collection, celebrating her contributions to music and culture. Through engaging dialogue and personal stories, Kathy Griffin and Josh Meyers underscore Madonna's enduring influence and her role as a pioneering figure in the entertainment industry. This episode serves as both a tribute to Madonna's legacy and a reflection on the transformative power of music and personal resilience.

Notable Quotes

• Kathy Griffin on Madonna's Iconic Status: "She is an icon. She is incredible. She is talented. She is sexy. She is taboo esque. She's just Madonna one name before everybody else." ([08:40])

• Josh Adam Meyers on Madonna's Career Trajectory: "This record stands on its own... it's like the Eagles greatest hits, which was one of the biggest selling records of all time." ([38:02])

• Kathy Griffin on Financial Prudence Inspired by Madonna: "Take it from someone who saved for a rainy day because honey, it's a rainy day coming." ([73:48])

Further Engagement

Listeners who wish to explore more about Madonna or the topics discussed can visit The 500 Podcast’s website at the500podcast.com. For additional content and clips from this episode, check out their YouTube channel The 500 Podcast and follow them on social media for updates on future episodes.