Emmy and the Emmys (also known simply as Emmy) was the short-lived, pre-fame post-punk and ska band formed by Madonna in New York City around 1979–1980.
After moving to New York City in 1978 to pursue dance, Madonna played drums, guitar, and sang in the band Breakfast Club (with then-boyfriend Dan Gilroy and others). She left that group around 1980, ended the relationship with Gilroy, and formed Emmy with her former Michigan boyfriend and collaborator Stephen Bray (drums). Other members included Gary Burke (bass) and Mike Monahan (guitar), with a rotating cast. The name came from Madonna’s nickname at the time, “Emmy.”
The band played a post-punk (described by Madonna as “deranged punk with minimal funk”), performed low-paying gigs at New York venues such as Max’s Kansas City, the Roxy, Botany Talk House, My Father’s Place, and Chase Park, and recorded demos. A notable four-song studio demo was recorded on November 30, 1980, and distributed on cassettes around the city. Tracks included “(I Like) Love for Tender,” “No Time for Love,” “Bells Ringing,” and “Drowning” (an early version that later evolved into Madonna’s solo track “Burning Up”). Other associated material included early takes related to songs like “Everybody” and “Ain’t No Big Deal.”
The group was active roughly 1980–1981 and did not release an official album. Madonna left to pursue a solo career; she was signed by manager Camille Barbone (Gotham Records/Management) in 1981, who focused on Madonna individually rather than the full band. Her songwriting partnership with Bray continued successfully into her solo work, including hits like “Into the Groove” and “Angel.”
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