Usher: The Quintessential Entertainer Usher Raymond IV, known simply as Usher, has captivated audiences for over two decades as a consummate entertainer, wielding dynamic talent transcending traditional boundaries as a singer, songwriter, dancer, producer and actor. Since first bursting onto the music scene as a teenage heartthrob in 1994, Usher has continually reinvented his sound and image over nine hit albums, solidifying his iconic status as a bestselling R&B idol adept at thriving with mainstream pop crossover dominance through slickly choreographed swagger. Humble Beginnings Born in Dallas, Texas but raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Usher immersed himself in music and performance at a young age while participating in local church choirs. His mother Jonnetta Patton, a devout Christian, recognized Usher’s prodigious vocal ability and natural stage charisma early on. Believing her son destined for greatness, Patton relocated the family to Atlanta as Usher honed his talents by entering talent shows. These competitions caught the attention of fledgling record executive L.A. Reid who quickly signed the budding 13-year-old prodigy. In 1993 Usher recorded his first demo tracks with producers including Jermaine Dupri. Impressed by the mature R&B polish showcasing range exceeding his age, Dupri let Usher hang around his Atlanta recording studio absorbing knowledge and watching genuine stars like TLC work. Usher studied hitmaking creative processes realizing the importance of blending catchy songcraft with sharp choreography for total package appeal. By observing Rico Wade’s legendary Dungeon Family collective experimenting with inventive Southern hip-hop soul, Usher witnessed cutting-edge pop get architected in real-time. These experiences proved formative in his artistic development. Rising Teen Idol After rushed grooming for stardom, Usher’s smash single “Call Me A Mack” debuted in 1993 movie Poetic Justice establishing adolescent notoriety. This momentum fueled his 1994 self-titled debut album Usher aged just 15. It spawned modest hits “Can U Get Wit It” and “Think Of You” while earning Usher BET’s “Best New R&B Artist” award. But despite flashes of talent, both critics and Usher himself felt unsatisfied with generic safe material stifling potential. So for sophomore effort My Way in 1997, Usher asserted more creative control by co-writing six tracks including seductive opener “You Make Me Wanna”. The record showcased increasing vocal confidence, earning RIAA triple platinum status as the sinuous funky “You Make Me Wanna” topped Billboard’s R&B chart for eleven weeks straight in a sleeper crossover smash. Propelled by Usher’s sensually athletic music video choreography, “You Make Me Wanna” announced the 17-year-old’s arrival as R&B’s reigning promising heartthrob. That artistic step forward built immense momentum toward even bigger things ahead. Crossover Sensation Usher wasted no time capitalizing on breakout momentum, vigorously sharpening trademark skillsets through extensive dance training plus collaborating with producers Jermaine Dupri and Sean “Puffy” Combs exploring diverse sounds. He emerged in 2001 with a dynamic third LP 8701 featuring polished lead single “U Remind Me”. The track topped both US Pop and R&B charts for four weeks, signaling Usher’s mainstream grip tightening. That crossover blast radius expanded further on the monumental fourth album Confessions in 2004, Usher’s magnum opus STILL discussed frequently 20 years later for its cultural impact. Beyond spawning an astounding four Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping smash singles including “Yeah!” with Ludacris and Lil Jon, plus “Burn”, “Confessions Part II” and “My Boo”, the album also showcased Usher’s blossoming creative vision, co-writing/co-producing majority tracks. At only 25 years old, Usher took the music industry by storm while critics praised Confessions for injecting refreshing innovation into the R&B landscape. The universally appealing LP, blending sybaritic club bangers with vulnerable quiet storm pillow talk remains Usher’s bestselling effort to date - over 20 million copies sold globally. Sustained Success Usher’s early momentum never slowed post-Confessions. In fact following a high-grossing 87-date arena tour, he expanded his entertainment empire into film acting plus Broadway stage production. Displaying newfound cultural kingmaking clout, Usher introduced then-unknown Justin Bieber to industry executives facilitating the YouTube phenomenon's eventual fame. He continued dropping hit albums too including Raymond v. Raymond garnering impressive sales. Fan-favorite tracks “Climax” and “Lemme See” with Rick Ross dominated urban radio for all of 2012. Usher’s subsequent releases looked inward for influence as life evolved during his 30’s. He divorced his ex-wife Tameka Foster while regaining sole custody of sons Usher V and Naviyd. ...
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