Who Is 'Joanne' and What's Her Connection to Lady Gaga's Career?

People learning that Lady Gaga decided to name her upcoming fourth full-length album Joanne may be scratching their heads a little. But for those who have been following her career since the start, "Joanne" has been a guiding influence for the pop star since the beginning.

First thing to note: Joanne is the name of Gaga's late aunt. Joanne Stefani Germanotta was was born on March 12, 1955 and died of Lupus on December 18, 1974 at the young age of 19. Just under 12 years later, Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta—a.k.a. the Lady Gaga we all know and love—was born. 

While Gaga never knew her aunt, Gaga has spoken multiple times about how she felt a connection with her, described as an artist as well. That influence has popped up multiple times in Gaga's art, career and life.