Usher (entertainer)

Usher
Usher during a product launch
Usher during a product launch
Background information
Birth name Usher Raymond IV
Born October 14, 1978 (1978-10-14) (age 31)
Dallas, Texas, United States
Origin Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter, record executive, actor
Years active 1994–present (singing)
1998-present (acting)
Label(s) LaFace, Arista
Website www.usherworld.com

Usher Raymond IV (born October 14, 1978),[1] known simply by his first name Usher, is an American R&B-pop singer-songwriter and actor who rose to fame in the 1990s. To date, he has sold approximately 35 million albums worldwide and has won five Grammy Awards.[2] On September 13, 2008, Usher has been ranked into the All time Hot 100 Artist by Billboard magazine.[3] He is one of the few artists of his generation to be mentioned.

Usher is a part owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise,[4] and has his own record label, US Records.

Contents

Biography

Early life

Usher was born in Dallas, Texas,[5] the son of Jonetta Patton (née O'Neal) and Usher Terry Raymond III;[6] both of African American heritage. He spent the majority of his young life in Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a child, he joined his local church choir in Chattanooga where her mother discovered his ability to sing.[7] As early as junior high school, Usher successfully entered local talent shows.[5] Usher's family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, in the belief that the city would provide greater opportunities for showcasing his talent. While in Atlanta, Usher attended North Springs High School.[8]

Early works and debut: 1992—1996

At age 11, Usher joined a quintet singing group called the New Beginning, which was organized by local music svengali Darryl Wheeler. Usher recorded 10 songs with the group in 1991, and the ensuing album, Nubeginning Featuring Usher Raymond IV, was only made available regionally and by mail order.[9] However, Patton took him out because, according to her, it was a "bad experience".[7] Although her mother had already discovered his ability to sing, it was when Usher joined the group that she considered he could sing professionally.[7] The album was released nationally in 2002 by Hip-O Records.[9]

At age 13, Usher competed on Star Search, where he was spotted by an A&R representative from LaFace Records, who arranged an audition for Usher to L.A. Reid, the co-founder of LaFace; Reid signed Usher a contract with the record company.[5] Usher was introduced on "Call Me A Mack", a song he recorded for the soundtrack album to the 1993 drama-romance film Poetic Justice.[9]

On August 30, 1994, LaFace released Usher's self-titled debut album. Sean "P Diddy" Combs produced several of the tracks and co-executive produced the album.[5] Usher peaked at number twenty-five on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and was accompanied by three singles: "Can U Get Wit It", "Think Of You", and "The Many Ways".[10]

After graduating from high school, Usher continued to hone his skills as a stage performer and laid the groundwork for his second album. He also appeared on their version of "Let's Straighten It Out", a 1995 duet with fellow Atlanta teen recording artist Monica;[11] and on "Dreamin'", from LaFace's 1996 Olympic Games benefit album Rhythm of the Games. He was also featured on "I Swear I'm In Love" off the 1996 Kazaam soundtrack.[12]

Rising popularity: 1997—2002

Usher developed a friendship with American record producer Jermaine Dupri, with whom he co-wrote and produced several tracks for his second album, My Way, released on September 16, 1997. The lead-off single, "You Make Me Wanna" was serviced to radio that summer and hit number one in its second week out—the same week that the album was released. "You Make Me Wanna" stayed on top of the R&B/Hip-Hop track charts for a total of 11 weeks, the longest-charting R&B hit in more than three years. The single remained on the R&B chart for an unprecedented 71 weeks and became Usher's first platinum single. The album's second single, "Nice & Slow", was released in November, and in January 1998 peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks, as well as number one on the R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart for eight weeks. The following summer, the album's eponymous single title track peaked number two on pop chart and number four on R&B..

In the closing months of 1997, Usher embarked on a series of tour engagements including a spot on Puffy's No Way Out tour, dates with Mary J. Blige, and the opening spot on Janet Jackson's The Velvet Rope tour. My Way was certified six-time platinum in the United States. Usher received his first Grammy Award nomination as Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "You Make Me Wanna," which was also nominated for a Soul Train Music Award as 'Best Male R&B/Soul Single.'

Usher made his acting debut on the UPN television series Moesha, which resulted in a recurring role on the series and subsequently his first film role in 1998's The Faculty. Usher's extracurricular activities outside of the recording studio gathered momentum over the following year as he was cast in the daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful and was seen in the family series Promised Land. He completed two more films, She's All That, and his first starring role in Light It Up. He also appeared in the Disney TV movie "Geppetto" with Drew Carey. Usher also became involved community activities: he served as national spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Transportation's "Get Big On Safety" campaign, and appeared on NBC's NBA Inside Stuff. He also participated in the NBA's "Stay In School" program, and performed at several of the franchise's jamborees.

Raymond's first concert album, Live was released in 1999, which featured appearances by Lil' Kim, Jagged Edge, Trey Lorenz, Shanice, Twista and Manuel Seal, and was RIAA-certified Gold.

Usher's third studio album, originally titled All About U, was slated to be released in early 2001. The first single, "Pop Ya Collar" (co-written and produced by Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs), was released in late 2000 and became a number two hit in the UK—but underperformed in America. The album was subsequently pushed back and retooled after select tracks were later leaked to the radio and Internet, and garnered a largely cold public response.

After having revised the album, it was renamed 8701 (named for the years of his career at that point [1987-2001], and for its release date of August 7, 2001, or 8/7/01). The first two singles "U Remind Me" and "U Got It Bad" each topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four and six weeks, respectively. In early 2002, "U Don't Have to Call", also went top five pop. The albums final single, "U-Turn" was released outside of America, and became a top twenty hit in Australia and the U.K.. 8701 was certified 4x platinum, selling more than eight million copies worldwide.

In February 2002, Usher won a Grammy for 'Best Male R&B Vocal Performance' for "U Remind Me".[13] The next year, he won the same award for "U Don't Have to Call," making Usher the only artist aside from Luther Vandross, more than a decade before, and Stevie Wonder (in the 1970s) to win this award consecutively.

In summer 2002, Usher contributed vocals to P. Diddy's "I Need a Girl, Part I". The year closed out with a trio of TV series appearances, all in November, on The Twilight Zone, 7th Heaven, Moesha , and American Dreams (in which Usher portrayed Marvin Gaye).

Breakthrough success and acting: 2004—2007

Usher's fourth studio album, Confessions, was released on March 23, 2004—just as its first single, "Yeah!", was in its sixth week at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and fifth week on top of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Chart.[14] The album's nearly 1.1 million unit debut sales was the highest first-week numbers ever scanned by a male R&B artist and the seventh best of the Nielsen SoundScan history.[15][16] To date, the album has accumulated sales of nearly 20 million copies worldwide,[13] over 10 million of which were sold in the United States, earning the album a Diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America.[17][18]

The album's second and third singles, "Burn" and "Confessions Part II", also topped the Billboard Hot 100, the former for eight weeks. Usher became the first artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay with three consecutive number-one singles,[19] and later four consecutive with "My Boo". In September 2004, "My Boo", a duet with American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, also peaked at number one at the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the album's fourth number-one single.[20] In December, the album's final single "Caught Up" peaked at number eight on the Hot 100.[21]

Confessions earned Usher numerous awards, including four American Music Awards, two MTV Europe Music Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, and three World Music Awards.[22][23][24][25] At the 47th annual Grammy Awards ceremony in 2005, Usher won three awards, including: R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals for "My Boo", which he shared with Keys; Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Yeah!"; and Contemporary R&B Album for Confessions. At the 2004 Billboard Music Awards, Usher was recognized Artist of the Year, in addition to receiving 10 other accolades.[26]

In spring of 2005, Usher scored a number three Hot 100 hit as a featured vocalist on Lil' Jon's "Lovers & Friends".[27] In 2007, Usher also collaborated with R. Kelly on the track "Same Girl," for Kelly's album, Double Up.[28] He was also featured in a remix version of Omarion's "Ice Box".[29] Usher also appeared on the track "Shakedown" on American singer-songwriter Mary J. Blige's 2007 album Growing Pains.[30]

In November 2005, Usher starred as a disc jockey named Darrell in the Lions Gate film, In the Mix.[31] On August 22, 2006, Usher took over the role of Billy Flynn in the long-running Broadway musical Chicago.[32] Critical response to his overall performance were mixed.

Return to music: 2008—present

To promote the Usher's fourth studio album, the single "Love In This Club" was sent to radio in February 2008 and peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100—and went on to spend three consecutive weeks at the top—becoming Usher's eighth number-one single and the fastest-rising song of his career.[33][34] Here I Stand was released on May 26 in the United Kingdom and May 27, 2008 in the United States. The album debuted on the Billboard 200 at number one for accumulated first-week sales of 433,000 copies.[34] The follow-up single "Love in This Club, Part II", which features American singer Beyoncé Knowles and Lil Wayne, has peaked at the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Moving Mountains" and "Trading Places" have both peaked at the Top 20 of Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[35]

Usher said he is working on plans for a tour in which he will perform for audiences comprised of only females entitled One Night Stand. Usher said he is attempting this for the challenge of it.

Other ventures

Usher founded US Records, a vanity label, in 2002.[36] The label is a subsidiary of Clive Davis's J Records, which is distributed by Sony BMG. The first album released by US was the soundtrack of In the Mix in late 2005,[36] which was used to introduce the label's acts, such as rapper Rico Love, R&B vocal group One Chance (both of whom had tracks released on a dual single prior to the album's release), and singer Rayan.

US has not released any further material since the In the Mix soundtrack. One Chance's debut album, originally scheduled for release in late 2006, has been pushed back numerous times.

Personal life

Usher married Tameka Foster in 2007,[37] with whom he has a son, Usher Raymond V, born the same year.[38] On September 9, 2008, it was announced that the couple are expecting their second child together.[39]

Discography

Main article: Usher discography

Filmography

Awards and nominations

Main article: List of Usher awards

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Usher Raymond - Profile". E!. Retrieved on 2008-04-26.
  2. ↑ "Grammy Award Winners". The Recording Academy. Retrieved on 2008-11-17.
  3. ↑ "The Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved on 2008-11-17.
  4. ↑ Davis, Carolyn E. (February 25, 2005). "Usher About To Become Part-Owner Of Cleveland Cavaliers". MTV. Retrieved on 2008-11-30.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Lane, Lynda. "Usher: Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved on 2008-11-18.
  6. ↑ "Usher: Profile". E!. Retrieved on 2008-11-18.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Reid, Shaheem. "Usher: King Me", MTV. Retrieved on 2008-11-18. 
  8. ↑ "North Springs High School". Public School Review. Retrieved on 2008-11-18.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 D'Angelo, Joe (2002-02-05). "Early Usher Recordings Get A Nubeginning", MTV. Retrieved on 2008-11-18. 
  10. ↑ "Usher: Billboard Albums". Allmusic. Retrieved on 2008-11-18.
  11. ↑ Hamilton, Andrew. "Panther: Review". Allmusic. Retrieved on 2008-11-18.
  12. ↑ "I Swear I'm In Love - Usher". Yahoo!. Retrieved on 2008-11-21.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Usher". EMI. Retrieved on 2008-12-04.
  14. ↑ Finn, Natalie (2008-04-02). "Usher Stands on New Release Date". E!. Retrieved on 2008-11-17.
  15. ↑ D'Angelo, Joe (2004-03-31). "Usher Makes Record-Breaking Debut Atop Albums Chart", Billboard, Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved on 2008-11-17. 
  16. ↑ D'Angelo, Joe (2004-03-31). "Usher Makes Record-Breaking Debut Atop Albums Chart", MTV. Retrieved on 2008-11-17. 
  17. ↑ Donnelly, Matt; Rosenbaum, Claudia (2008-08-06). "Usher Back in Mommy's Arms After Dumping Manager Medina", E!. Retrieved on 2008-11-22. 
  18. ↑ "Gold and Platinum". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved on 2008-11-22.
  19. ↑ Whitmire, Margo (2004-07-15). "Usher Notches Another No. 1 Single", Billboard, Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved on 2008-11-22. 
  20. ↑ Whitmire, Margo (2004-10-21). "'Boo!': Usher, Keys Scare Up No. 1 Single", Billboard, Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved on 2008-11-23. 
  21. ↑ "Usher: Billboard Singles". Allmusic. Retrieved on 2008-11-22.
  22. ↑ Susman, Gary (2004-11-15). "House of Usher", Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved on 2008-11-23. 
  23. ↑ Simon, Perry (2004-11-19). "Usher Nabs MTV Europe Awards", People. Retrieved on 2008-11-23. 
  24. ↑ "2004 MTV Video Music Awards". MTV. Retrieved on 2008-11-23.
  25. ↑ Rashbaum, Alyssa (2004-09-16). "Usher, Outkast Clean Up At World Music Awards", MTV. Retrieved on 2008-11-23. 
  26. ↑ "2004 Billboard Music Awards Winners". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc (2004-12-08). Retrieved on 2008-11-23.
  27. ↑ Reid, Shaheem (2005-01-24). "Lil Jon, Usher, Luda ... How 'Bout Another Video?", MTV. Retrieved on 2008-11-23. 
  28. ↑ Reid, Shaheem (2007-05-04). "R. Kelly And Usher Get Played By The 'Same Girl'", MTV. Retrieved on 2008-11-23. 
  29. ↑ Reid, Shaheem (2007-03-19). "Omarion On Red-Hot 'Ice Box' Remix With Usher: 'It's Big, It's So Big'", MTV. Retrieved on 2008-11-23. 
  30. ↑ Christgau, Robert (2007-12-13). "Mary J. Blige: Growing Pains". Rolling Stone. Retrieved on 2008-11-23.
  31. ↑ Gates, Anita (2005-11-24). "In the Mix (2005) November 24, 2005 Usher Makes Some Friends Who Are Mobsters". The New York Times. Retrieved on 2008-11-23.
  32. ↑ Boucher, Geoff (2006-08-20). "Usher's Next Step". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved on 2008-11-23.
  33. ↑ Bonson, Fred (2008-03-06). "Chart Beat". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved on 2008-11-22.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Hasty, Katie (2008-06-04). "Usher Scores Second Best Sales Debut Of '08", Billboard, Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved on 2008-11-22. 
  35. ↑ "Artist Chart History - Usher". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved on 2008-11-22.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Mitchell, Gail (2005-10-21). "Usher's Label Finally Goes Live", Billboard, Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved on 2008-11-24. 
  37. ↑ Finn, Natalie (2007-08-04). "Usher Takes the Plunge". E! Online. Retrieved on 2008-04-26.
  38. ↑ Aswad, Jem (2007-11-28). "Usher, Tameka Foster Welcome Baby Boy". MTV. Retrieved on 2008-01-19.
  39. ↑ Alissa R. (September 9, 2008). Singer Usher and Wife Expecting Second Child Us Magazine. Accessed September 11, 2008.
  40. ↑ Usher Says Ne-Yo Will 'Potentially' Work On New Album. MTV.com. Accessed November 7, 2008.

External links

Usher
Studio albums
Usher · My Way · 8701 · Confessions · Here I Stand
Live albums
Live
Singles
"Call Me a Mack" · "Can U Get Wit It" · "Think of You" · "The Many Ways" · "You Make Me Wanna" · "Nice & Slow" · "My Way"  · "Bed Time" · "Pop Ya Collar" · "U Remind Me" · "U Got It Bad"  · "U Don't Have to Call" · "U-Turn" · "Yeah!" · "Burn" · "Confessions Part II" · "My Boo" · "Caught Up" · "Love in This Club" · "Love in This Club, Part II"  · "Moving Mountains"  · "Trading Places" · "Here I Stand"
Featured singles
"I Need a Girl (Part One)" · "Lovers & Friends" · "Same Girl"
Related articles
Discography · Awards