Usher

Name: Usher Raymond
D.O.B.: 14th October 1978
Place of Birth: Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
Star sign: Libra
Siblings: James Raymond

Usher Raymond made his singing debut at the age of six, in a church choir run by his mother. A single mum, she brought Usher and brother James, up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. When Usher was twelve, his mother moved the family to Atlanta, Georgia. Upon moving to Atlanta, Usher started to participate in local vocal talent shows. In 1992, Usher was spotted by Bryant Reid who was related to Antonio Reid (R&B producer and Co-president of LaFace Records).

Rumour has it that Antonio Reid offered Usher a contract on the spot! In 1994, Usher brought out his first debut album "Think of You" when he was only fourteen. LaFace records had to get professional vocal coaches to help Usher finish the rest of his first album as puberty changed Usher's voice.

After Usher graduated from high school, he entered the studios to record his album "My Way", which was produced by Jermaine Dupri from So So Def records. This record was released around the same time of Usher's 19th Birthday in October 1997.

His first hit single lifted from the album was "You Make Me Wanna", which blitzed through the R&B charts and hovered in 2nd position in the pop charts to Elton John's song "Candle in the Wind". Usher wrote five tracks from the nine track record. The other four tracks consisted of artists such as Babyface, Teddy Riley and producer Dupri. During the making of the album, Usher stayed at Dupri's house for six months. This helped Dupri understand what was going through Usher's head.

The second song to be released from "My Way" was "Nice & Slow" which was a complete smash in the singles chart.

In 1997, Usher won the "Soul Trained Award" for Best R&B Single by a Male for "You Make Me Wanna". He has also been nominated at this year's Grammy Awards for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his fabulous song "U Remind Me."

As well as his successful music career, which has included tours with the likes of P-Diddy and Mary J. Blige, Usher is also well known for his television appearances.

It is these successes that make Usher a true wonder and an artist of many talents. His songs are truthful and will undoubtedly continue to inspire people all over the world for many years to come.

- Ashlee Hamill