A famous child from a singing contest
During the childhood of ‘Usher, Raymond IV’ or ‘Usher’ for short opened his eyes to this world for the first time on October 14, 1978 in Dallas in the state of Texas. When Usher was only 1 year old, his mother divorced his father. As a result, Usher’s childhood was raised by his mother and stepfather.
He is a child who loves to dance and sing. This preference is not just a normal childhood preference. But Usher can sing and dance unbelievably. With this outstanding ability His mother supported him so much that when he was 9 years old, his mother suggested that Usher join the youth choir of his local Chattanooga church.
Mother who saw Usher’s talent and singing talent So he decided to move to Atlanta, Georgia to give Usher the opportunity to fully develop his skills. along with seeking fortune in the big city
When Usher was 10 years old, he joined a local R&B band called ‘NuBeginnings’ where he developed his singing skills with his 5 friends in the band and recorded 10 songs.
Everything seems to be going well. But then Usher’s family had to move again. When Usher moved to live in this new place He began singing in places like parking lots and shopping malls. Therefore, Usher gradually gained experience. Including people starting to see more of this talented little kid.
One day, while Usher was performing at a talent show in Atlanta, With outstanding singing and dancing talent, he caught the eye of ‘AJ Alexander’ (AJ Alexander), the personal bodyguard of the famous singer ‘Bobby Brown’ (Bobby Brown). ) then went to talk and suggested that Usher audition for ‘Star Search’, which is a singing competition program to find top stars.
Usher saw an opportunity Decided to attend the audition according to A.J.’s suggestion, and invited ‘Bryant Reid’ (Bryant Reid), a representative from ‘LaFace Records’, to come watch while Usher sang. With a mesmerizing voice along with attractive hip-hop style dance moves An amazing performance that mesmerizes the audience. Until people gave this 13-year-old boy the nickname ‘Michael. The next Jackson’
immeasurable ability Making Usher become another kid with a bright future that is worth keeping an eye on. For this reason, Bryant Reed quickly contacted ‘LA Reid’ (LA Reid), co-founder of ‘LaFace Records’, to sign this little boy immediately.
Usher was only ten years old. Signed to LaFace Records, they released the song ‘Call Me a Mack’ in 1993, from the soundtrack to the film ‘Poetic Justice’, which peaked at number 56 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart. Even though it wasn’t very successful. But it is an important step for Usher that will help him become famous in the future.
In August 1994, Usher released his debut album ‘Usher’ to great acclaim. It reached number 25 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
In 1997, Usher released his highly successful second album ‘My Way’. In the first week it was able to enter the top 5 charts on Billboard. and sold more than 3 million copies. The album included hits such as ‘You Make Me Wanna’, ‘Nice & Slow’ and ‘My Way’, making Usher’s fame at just 19 years old.
With increasing fame This gave him the opportunity to act in movies like ‘The Faculty (1998)’ and ‘She’s All That (1999)’ as well.
Usher continued to be active in the music industry until 2001, releasing his third album ‘8701’ which reached the top 5 of the Billboard charts. Comes with well-known songs like ‘U Got It Bad’ as well as ‘U Remind Me’ and ‘U Don’t Have to Call’
With this hit song Therefore making this album highly successful. Until selling more than 8 million copies, Usher also won the Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocalist.
Reinforce success
With the success of his previous albums, Usher’s fame became more well-known. In 2004, Usher released his fourth album, ‘Confessions’, which reinforced his success. With the all-time hit song ‘Yes!’ that has become famous all over the world. It quickly soared to number 1 on the Billboard charts and held the spot for 12 weeks.
The album sold more than 1 million copies in its first week. It became Usher’s most popular album of all time. It also won the award for Best Contemporary R&B Album. That is why Usher is considered to be ‘One of R&B’s greatest artists’
But life in the spotlight Instead, it caused quite a bit of trouble for Usher. From family, lovers, and relationships, in 2008 he released ‘Here I Stand’, his fifth album, presenting himself as he grew up. It was inspired by the story of the troubles he had to endure as his fame grew.
Such as the song ‘Here I Stand’ which has the same name as the album. which is inspired by the story of a married life that is full of obstacles. But still Still, I choose to stay by my beloved wife’s side and devote everything to her.
and the song ‘Prayer for You’ in reference to his late father. Even though his relationship with his father was not good. But now that Usher has a son Ready to do his father’s duty as best he can.
Although Usher’s fifth album was not as commercially successful as his predecessor, But it also shows Usher growing up. It is also an album where Usher expresses his feelings.
Nanny for ‘Justin Bieber’
Usher was once a mentor to the famous singer of the era, ‘Justin Bieber’. The first time Usher met Justin Bieber, he was definitely sure that this child would… Be famous in the future Until finally, 14-year-old Justin signed a contract with the record label ‘Island Def Jam Recordings’.
That made Usher a mentor who provided advice and they also recorded together on the song ‘Somebody to Love’, the second single from Justin Bieber’s first album ‘My World 2.0’ which made Justin’s fame became more and more known over time.
With Justin’s rapid rise in fame at just a young age, This has resulted in a change in behavior to the point where bad news often comes out. Both were arrested for drunk driving. Including a video clip of Justin telling a joke that included a racial slur. until the social trend began to overwhelm Still, Usher is one of the few people who chooses to stay by Justin Bieber’s side despite the criticism from society.
“What he did He makes his own decisions and wants attention. I can tell you that there are some things I don’t agree with. But I still choose to stay by his side.”
Until Justin began to slowly grow up and adjust to dealing with his increasing fame. As a result, Justin Bieber gradually learned of his own mistakes. Including the way he acts. In 2020, Usher also mentioned Justin Bieber, saying that he was proud to see how far Justin had come since the first day they met. and continue to support Justin Even though he is successful
“It is very difficult. You may not understand the pressure. It looks like a wonderful thing. with colorful lights shining in And there are people staring at you. But that comes with pressure. In fact, it is very difficult for you to live your life in the light of that. And Justin was able to learn how to deal with that.”
Usher has continued to be active in the music industry until now, and on February 9, 2024, Usher is preparing to release his 9th album, ‘Coming Home’, which has been absent from the music industry. Released the previous album ‘Hard II Love’ 7 years ago.
Since the 90’s, Usher released his own music. With a reputation that gradually accumulated until becoming highly successful in the music industry And is still being talked about today, which emphasizes the success of Prince R&B who has always captured the hearts of fans.
And on February 11, 2024, music fans can look forward to watching Usher’s 13 special minutes on stage at the Super Bowl, the artist who will cast a spell with his powerful voice. that no matter how many years have passed It still always makes the listener fall into a trance.
subject : Karunkorn Wutthichaiwong (The People Junior)
picture : Getty Images
refer :
Usher Biography: Life And Career Of The R And B Singer
Usher’s ‘Here I Stand’ Turns 15 | Album Anniversary
Tragic Details About Usher’s Life
The Truth About Justin Bieber’s Relationship With Usher
