USHER Raymond

Profile
Name: Usher Raymond
Birth Name: Usher Raymond IV
Height: 5' 11"
Sex: M
Nationality: American
Birth Date: October 14, 1978
Birth Place: Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
Profession: actor, musician
Relationship: Tameka Foster (stylist; engaged on March 30, 2007)
Father: Usher Raymond III
Mother: Jonetta Patton (Usher's manager)
Brother: James Raymond (younger)

Biography
Usher was spotted by a LaFace record executive at a talent show in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, and after that it took no time for his career to take off. The 14-year-old auditioned for LaFace Records co-founder L.A. Reid, who signed the gospel choir boy to a recording contract. Raymond was introduced to the world simply as "Usher," and released his debut album of the same name in 1994, which featured co-executive producer Sean "Puffy" Combs. The first single, "Think of You," gained Usher notoriety and reached gold status. From that initial exposure, Usher was approached to do other projects. In 1995, he recorded a national holiday jingle for Coca-Cola. He also joined several top male R&B vocalists to form Black Men United for the single "You Will Know," featured on the Jason's Lyric soundtrack. He also teamed with teen singing sensation Monica for a duet remake of Lattimore's "Let's Straighten It Out." After graduating from high school, Usher graduated as well to his sophomore release, My Way, in 1997. In an attempt to display his maturity and songwriting abilities, Usher co-wrote six of the nine songs and enlisted the help of producers Jermaine Dupri, Babyface, and, again, Sean "Puffy" Combs. The album's first single, "You Make Me Wanna," re-established Usher as one of R&B's hottest artists, and also made him a crossover sensation; it topped the R&B charts for 11 weeks, hit number two pop, and eventually went double platinum. Both of the follow-up singles, "Nice & Slow" and "My Way," also went platinum; the former stayed at number one on the R&B charts for eight weeks and became his first number one pop single. In the meantime, Usher launched an acting career, appearing in the 1998 horror spoof The Faculty and the 1999 urban high-school drama Light It Up. To tide fans over, he issued a concert recording titled simply Live in 1999. Usher returned with his third proper album, All About U, toward the end of 2000. His third album, 8701, (2001) moved Usher from a teen pop star to a sultry R&B singer.

Filmography
2005 In the Mix Actor: Darrell / Executive Producer
2005 Usher Live: One Night One Star / Actor
2005 Usher: Rhythm City, Vol. 1 - Caught Up / Actor
2002 The Alcatraz Concert, Vol. 2: You Make Me Wanna Actor
2002 Usher: Live - Evolution 8701 Actor / Executive Producer
2000 Texas Rangers Actor: Randolph Douglas Scipio
2000 Geppetto Actor: Ring Leader
1999 Light It Up / Actor: Lester Dewitt
1999 She's All That / Actor: Campus D.J.
1998 The Faculty / Actor: Gabe Santora
1998 Usher: My World My Way /Actor

Discography
2005 8701 [DualDisc]
2004 Confessions [Japan Bonus Track]
2004 Confessions [Bonus Tracks]
2004 Confessions
2003 8701 [Bonus Videos]
2002 8701 [Australian Bonus Tracks]
2001 8701 [Japan Bonus Track]
2001 8701
2000 All About U [Clean]
2000 All About U
1999 My Way [Australia]
1999 Live [Bonus Tracks]
1999 Live
1997 My Way [Clean]
1997 My Way
1994 Usher

Awards
World Music Awards
Year : 2004
Category : Best pop male artist, Best R&B artist
Won

Nordic Music Awards
Year : 2004
Category : Top Male Artist
Won

Radio Music Awards
Year : 2004
Category : Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
Won

Teen Choice Awards
Year : 2004
Category : Album
For : Confessions
Won

MTV Europe Awards
Year : 2004
Category : Best Male Artist , Best Album
For : Confessions
Won

Trivia

Confirms that his mother, Jonnetta Patton, is no longer his manager, but denied the break was due to any rift. (May 6, 2007)

Is now engaged to his longtime girlfriend stylist Tameka Foster and plans to make it official by the end of the year. (March 31, 2007)

Is reportedly engaged to his girlfriend, stylist Tameka Foster. (February 27, 2007)

Sentenced to community service for speeding. (January 19, 2007)

Broadway's musical 'Chicago' spurted in ticket sales since usher went into the show Aug. 22 to play shady lawyer Billy Flynn. (August 29, 2006)

Makes his big-screen debut as a leading man with the romantic comedy IN THE MIX. (November 19, 2005)

Three years after its formation was announced, Usher's records label US Records make its formal debut next month with the release of film soundtrack In the Mix.

Put on a benefit concert in Atlanta on to assist the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. (October 9, 2005)

To play a special show called Project Restart in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, to benefit victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. (October 1, 2005)

Had reportedly told friends that he wants to quit the game as a singer, and become a music executive. (August 17, 2005)

Has opened Camp New Look in Atlanta, a summer camp for minority youth designed to help prodigies-in-training realize their dreams. (July 15, 2005)

Criticizes TV's extreme makeover shows because people should learn to love who they are. (June 1, 2005)

Has confirmed he is in negotiations to star in a new movie version of the musical DREAMGIRLS - just days after his mother denied any association with the project. (May 21, 2005)

Usher and Beyonce have agreed to star in a film together. Beyonce will play a singer and Usher will play the choreographer in DREAMGIRLS. (May 14, 2005)

Plans early retirement because he doesn't think he can keep up his tough workout and performance regime into his 40s. (May 5, 2005)

Spontaneously unveiled what he calls the Double C at his center courtside seats during the second half of Cleveland Cavaliers's game, crossing his arms over his head and making letter C's with his hands. The Cavs rallied and members of the crowd became instant disciples. (March 16, 2005)

Is now one of the new owners of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. (March 3, 2005)

Was crowned the 'Godson of Soul' by funk superstar James Brown, after the two danced together onstage at 2005 Grammy Awards.

Claims Jennifer Lopez's “Get Right” is a re-recorded version of Ride, a song he co-wrote in 2004 year which is only available on the internet. (January 24, 2005)

Is the best-selling artist of 2004.

Dominated at radio in 2004 as his hits Yeah! and Burn were the first- and fourth-most played singles of the year.

His third album, Confessions, is confirmed as the biggest selling album across the US for 2004.

Has reportedly ended his three-month relationship with supermodel Naomi Campbell because she refused to join him at the Billboard Awards earlier this month. (December 22, 2004)

Has spent over $300,000 for a luxurious chauffeur-driven new car. (December 7, 2004)

Is launching the first-ever celebrity debit card. The Usher Raymond 4th Debit MasterCard, is backed by the financial service group Bankfirst. (July 31, 2004)

Has three singles from his album Confessions in Billboard top 10, a feat only previously matched by British bands the Beatles and the Bee Gees. (May 29, 2004)

Swears his latest album, Confessions, – which features songs about a painful breakup and infidelity – is not a reflection on his recent split with TLC member Rozonda Chilli Thomas. (March 25, 2004)

Usher says his mother is his best friend. He credits her for keeping him grounded. She continues to guide Usher's career as his manager today, a duty she assumed after quitting her full-time office job when deciding to move to Atlanta.

Sometimes Credited As: Usher

Nickname: Big Ush

Chosen as one of Teen People Magazine's 21 Hottest Stars Under 21. (1999)