Usher became an R&B superstar during the 1990s with his smooth vocals, sensual ballads, and dance skills that earned him rave reviews from audiences around the world. Additionally, he featured in movies as an actor while receiving accolades for his live stage performances.
Usher suffers from Usher syndrome, an inherited condition affecting hearing and vision, which requires him to rely on aid from outside sources for both hearing and vision issues. Through his foundation he provides funding for foster care children. Additionally, he runs his own men’s cologne line.
His Family
Usher Raymond V and Naviyd Ely Raymond, as well as Sovereign Bo Raymond made their music video debuts together in 2021 – Sovereign Bo was named after her father’s love of royalty as explained by Usher via an adorable Instagram post at that time.
Usher has proven his versatility by acting in various films and TV shows besides music. In 2002 he played Marvin Gaye in American Dreams while five years later he made an appearance as a disc jockey in In The Mix.
Roderick Usher is the patriarch of the House of Usher family, an affluent business dynasty he inherited from his twin sister Madeline. An ambitious businessman, Roderick wants to leave a lasting mark at Fortunato Pharmaceuticals with which his legacy can continue; yet, Usher harbors deep resentment toward his mother due to her neglectful ways, feeling especially attached to their homestead, the titular House of Usher.
His Early Years
Jonetta Patton recognized Usher’s potential early on. She encouraged him to pursue his talent, provided excellent career guidance through management skills and helped establish him on a national stage by recording Coca-Cola jingles for Coca-Cola and recording at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta.
He released his debut album in 1994 and quickly rose through R&B music with hit singles that propelled him. His self-titled debut album became the fastest selling R&B record of its decade.
Usher released his sophomore album 8701 to the world in 2001 and made waves with major hits like ‘U Got It Bad’, showing his growth as both an artist and performer.
Usher released his 2010 album Raymond v Raymond which included the hit track, “OMG.” This track combined elements from Eurodance, dance-pop, synthesizer, auto-tune, crowd chanting and more into his hip hop-influenced R&B sound to become more versatile performer with widening audiences.
His Music
Once My Way had become successful, Usher set his sights on expanding his horizons further. He took up acting roles such as landing one in American Dreams period drama series and appearing on Sabrina the Teenage Witch TV shows.
Usher released his fourth album Confessions in 2004, and it quickly became an incredible success. Selling over one million copies in its first week and producing four number one singles “Yeah!”, “Burn,” the Alicia Keys duet “My Boo,” and “Confessions Part II,” this Grammy-winning effort became an unparalleled commercial triumph.
Songs on Usher’s second studio album told stories of love and heartache that resonated with fans, particularly lead single “U Remind Me” with its charming chords that entranced listeners. Additionally, “Burn,” detailing an affair leading to motherhood was another massive hit that secured his place as one of today’s premier artists. Each new release brought forth music that touched audiences due to Usher’s honesty and ambition – qualities which enabled his songs to remain timeless pieces that remain part of today’s musical landscape.
His Personal Life
Usher stands out among his contemporaries by maintaining an upstanding personal life, supporting several charitable causes and entering entrepreneurial ventures such as US Records label and men’s cologne line. Additionally, he owns part of Cleveland Cavaliers franchise as part owner as well as expanding media empire.
Early 2000s saw success for “U Got It Bad” singer Paul McDonald on television through guest appearances on shows such as Moesha and American Dreams. Additionally, he made appearances in numerous films, most notably American Idol (2004).
Usher married Tameka Foster in 2005 and welcomed two sons together: Usher V and Naviyd Ely. Unfortunately, the marriage ended amicably; Usher insists they did not remain amicable following their 2009 split. In 2019 however, Goicoechea became his special someone – sparking romance rumors when the two were seen kissing backstage at a concert! Since then they’ve been frequently seen together while Usher keeps up his music career while being active with his charity New Look Foundation which helps children in foster care as well as service programs and helps develop leadership qualities within at-risk youths.