Usher became an R&B icon through his smooth vocals, sensual ballads and energetic onstage performances – becoming known for both his musical talent and charitable efforts.
Usher suffers from Usher syndrome, a combination of deafness or hearing loss and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). RP causes cells in the retina to break down and ultimately results in night vision loss as well as side (peripheral) vision impairment.
Usher was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Usher Raymond IV, more popularly known by his stage name Usher, is an award-winning multi-platinum singer-songwriter renowned for his musical and acting talents that have made him a global superstar. His 1997 album My Way marked an era-defining success that altered R&B music forever.
Usher began his singing career singing in his mother’s church choir before moving with his family to Atlanta at 12 years old. While joining local R&B group NuBeginnings, Usher first caught LaFace Records exec L.A. Reid’s attention through Star Search television show performances.
He signed with LaFace Records
Usher remains one of the biggest draws in pop music with his charming persona and consistent music, though recent years have been trying for some of his R&B peers. However, his music remains consistent. Usher remains the epitome of gentlemanliness with a soft heart. His consistent presence is evidenced in every live performance he performs and in interviews that feature him.
Usher has become one of the industry’s power players and continues to make headlines for his shows and movies. His charismatic appeal makes him unrivaled, boasting both an irresistibly silky voice and muscular physique – qualities which made Tidal sign up him for their subscription services last summer as he is working on his ninth studio album release.
He released his first album Usher in 1994
Usher, the singer-songwriter-dancer-actor-showman has recently experienced something of a comeback. With several hit albums under his belt and his appearance at this year’s Super Bowl as a headline act, Usher has seen his popularity soar on charts worldwide.
Usher first gained musical experience through his church choir led by his mother. Following a successful audition on Star Search, Usher signed with LaFace Records at age 14.
He pursued various projects over time, from recording a Coca-Cola jingle to working with R&B producers such as Babyface and Teddy Riley. In 1997, Usher released his debut R&B album which charted within the top five and yielded his first top ten single “Think of You”.
He released his second album My Way in 1997
As Usher enters his seventh decade in business, he plans to release an expanded version of his 1997 album My Way with three reimagined songs and a mini-documentary. The Deluxe edition will be out September 16 and features Nigerian-sounding beats in “Ruin,” his song about not being able to move forward from past relationships.
After making his initial mark in music, Usher was recruited by Sean Combs of Bad Boy Records as part of his Flavor Camp program. Here he was exposed to hip-hop’s lavishness as well as nonstop recording sessions.
He released his third album 8701 in 2001
Usher first came into prominence with his debut and My Way albums as an R&B teenage popstar with unbridled hormones, but with 8701 he emerged as an artist ready to put all the tools he’d accumulated into something greater. Produced by The Neptunes, Babyface, Mike City Soulshock & Karlin Bryan Michael Cox Jam & Lewis produced several stand-out moments from this record that demonstrate an artist who’d outgrown his years.
“U Remind Me” captures the mesmerizing pull of new love while “U Got It Bad” delves deeper into tension between minor arguments and hopes for resolution.
He released his fourth album Confessions in 2007
Confessions was Usher’s breakthrough album, featuring his hit single, “Yeah!” The record propelled his global career and cemented his status as one of R&B music’s premier superstars of this era.
Confessions’ unique combination of narrative and catchy hooks made an immediate and profound impression upon listeners of all types, drawing people back into record stores after years away and earning diamond status alongside TLC’s CrazySexyCool and Boyz II Men’s II albums.
Usher’s album’s success propelled him on an extensive world tour, while subsequent albums explored various sonic avenues – Strange Birds and Let It Play being among them.
He released his fifth album Past, Present & Future in 2015
Usher remains a humble individual despite his many successful endeavors, maintaining a balanced approach to work-life. He invests time and resources in his foundation as well as running business ventures such as his music label and men’s cologne line.
“Sins of My Father,” one of Usher’s signature ballads from his R&B days, shows his maturity as an artist while remaining soulful and emotionally charged.
There’s only so much syrupy slow jams you can take before they wear thin and leave an unpleasant aftertaste. Unfortunately, this album falls flat before its end, leaving nothing but an overwhelming schmaltziness behind.