The origin and development of the Igusa local zeta function, by Igusa and others, is presented. In particular, we discuss the various conjectures Igusa made and the notable results that have so far been obtained. We also explain how topological and motivic zeta functions arose from the Igusa local zeta function and present the current status of the analogous conjectures. Igusa's conjecture on exponential sums that are related to his zeta function is described, and along with the progress made towards its resolution.