One of the most creative and influential R&B and POP artists, Usher doesn’t stop to amaze us with each new album. He was only 15 when his first album came out and he hasn’t slowed down the pace since.
Usher making his own way
Usher was born Terry Raymond 4 on October 14th, 1978 in Dallas, Texas. He was raised in Tennessee but later moved to Atlanta where his mother signed him to perform at various singing events. This is where Usher caught the attention of a representative from LaFace Records. His debut self-titled album came out in 1994 when Usher was only 15 years old.
He quickly became known for his polished vocals and dance moves. Usher was playing his own game and contributing to the music industry his own unique way. The second album “My Way” was incredibly successful with hits like “You Make Me Wanna” going over 7 million in sales.
His next album came out in 1999 called “Usher Live” and the follow up album “8701” which brought him not one but two Grammy Awards. The Grammy-winning singles from the album were “U Remind Me” and “U Don’t Have to Call”. The album sold over eight million copies world-wide with more then half of those sales in United States.
The song “U Remind Me” was extremely well received that Usher won a Grammy for “Best Male R&B Vocal Performance” and the following year for “U Dont Have to Call”. Only Stevie Wonder and Luther Vandross achieved the same award consecutively besides Usher.
Usher also appeared on TV in the movie Texas Rangers and landed roles in The Twilight Zone, Moesha, 7th Heaven and American Dreams all in 2002.
Hottest year yet
Usher released his 4th studio album “Confessions” in 2004 and the pre-released single “Yeah” held its 1st place for the 6th week on the Billboard Hot 100. The album sold in excess of 1 million copies during the first week and over 20 million to this day, half of those sold in United States alone.
The album was supported by Usher with “The Trouth Tour” with Kayne West and Christina Milan as the opening to the tour.