Usher rose to stardom as an R&B musician during the 90s, delighting audiences with his smooth vocals and sensual ballads as well as energetic live performances. He quickly won over millions of fans.
Usher pursued a successful acting career. He appeared in several movies and on Broadway stages; most notably as Billy Flynn in Chicago musical.
Usher Raymond
Usher hails from Chattanooga, Tennessee and began singing in his church choir at age 12. Subsequently he performed in several talent competitions before winning Star Search, leading him to being signed with LaFace Records at age 14. In 1994 his self-titled debut album was released as co-produced with Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs and produced an accompanying single called “Think of You”.
Since then, Usher has earned numerous accolades, including winning the Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance with his 2001 album Confessions. Additionally, he has made guest appearances on television programs as well as featured roles in movies American Dreams and In The Mix. Usher also established his own philanthropic foundation and participated in various social justice campaigns.
Singer
Usher was orphaned at 2 years old by his biological father but raised by an adoring household that placed great importance on music. By 13 he had signed his first professional contract; by 20 he had earned both a Soul Train Award and Artist of the Year by Billboard magazine.
Usher has not only distinguished himself as one of pop music’s finest vocalists, but has also forged an impressive acting career. In the 1990s he appeared regularly on television shows such as Moesha (which featured fellow singer Brandy). In 2005 he played a disc jockey in In the Mix and, two years later, made his Broadway debut in Chicago musical.
Usher remains true to his charitable roots throughout his busy performing schedule, being the founder of New Look Foundation which offers education and career opportunities to children from lower-income backgrounds.
Actor
Usher is an accomplished entertainer with an extensive resume. In addition to recording and touring, he has appeared on television programs as well as the Broadway stage – as well as several movies.
In 1998, he made his acting debut in sci-fi thriller film The Faculty and later on the UPN sitcom Moesha as Jeremy Davis (Brandy Norwood’s love interest). Additionally he has appeared as a guest judge on multiple reality TV shows such as X Factor, America’s Got Talent and Punk’d.
Usher shares two sons with Tameka Foster: Usher Raymond V and Naviyd Ely. Additionally, Usher fathered Sire Castrello through Jenn Goicoechea as his partner. Usher has always been an enthusiastic supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s BE GREAT campaign.
Philanthropist
Usher is an activist who uses his platform to advocate for racial justice and support minority communities. Additionally, as a philanthropist he founded New Look; an organization which mentors youth all around the globe. Additionally he works with several charities, such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Do Something and Trumpet Foundation.
Usher has made an impactful mark with his charitable activities. Most recently, in an Instagram post shared via Truist, Usher announced that his New Look program received a $500,000 grant that will be used to fund high school leadership training programs and financial literacy education initiatives.
Singer/actor Adam Lambert is also an active businessperson. He co-owns the Cleveland Cavaliers, and was one of the original investors in Jay Z’s Tidal streaming service.
Social activist
Usher has an active social activism presence, having participated in multiple charities. One such charity, Usher’s New Look, has been working for over 10 years to better the lives of marginalized young people by offering mentoring opportunities and service projects for children and teenagers.
Usher also holds numerous business interests beyond his charitable endeavors. These include owning his own record label, men’s cologne line and stakes in restaurants as well as music streaming service Tidal. Furthermore, he owns professional basketball team Cleveland Cavaliers.
Usher Raymond V is grounded by his four children – Naviyd Ely Raymond, Sovereign Bo Raymond, and Sire Castrello Raymond – who all enjoy spending quality time together as their father is an excellent provider.
