Becoming the top-selling female musician of all time, Madonna has asserted an incalculable influence. The pop superstar is turning 60 on August 16 and is again breaking barriers – this time as a mature woman who is still brash, carnal and unapologetic.

Madonna is hardly the first female entertainer to stay active while growing older, with singers as diverse as Aretha Franklin, Cher, Dolly Parton and Stevie Nicks on stage in their 70s.

Her latest album, Rebel Heart, summed up her unwavering attitude.

In a 2016 speech as she accepted an award from music magazine Billboard, Madonna said that society allowed women to be “pretty and cute “but not to share their opinions”. Describing unwritten rules of the music business she said, “Be what men want you to be. But more importantly, be what women feel comfortable with you being around other men.”

She continued, “And finally, do not age. Because to age is a sin. You will be criticised, you will be vilified, and you will definitely not be played on the radio.” The singer was likely referring to BBC Radio 1 declining to play one of her recent singles as it pursued a younger audience.