Usher

• Usher is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. He is famous as a dominant figure in contemporary R&B and pop music. Beginning with his self-titled debut album in 1994, released at the age of sixteen, he gained fame in the late 1990s with hits like "Nice & Slow" and "You Make Me Wanna...". His album "Confessions" (2004) solidified him as one of the best-selling artists of the 2000s, featuring chart-toppers such as "Yeah!" and "Burn."
• Over his illustrious career, he has earned nine Grammy Awards, sold over 23.8 million albums and 38.2 million digital songs in the United States, and achieved international recognition with 80 million records sold worldwide. A pop icon, sex symbol, and philanthropist, he has left an indelible mark on the music industry, receiving accolades, inductions into various halls of fame, and contributing to humanitarian causes through his non-profit, Usher's New Look, established in 1999.

Who is Usher?

• Singer and songwriter, Usher rose to fame with hits like "Nice & Slow" and "You Make Me Wanna..." since his debut album in 1994 at the age of sixteen. "Confessions" (2004) marked him as one of the best-selling artists of the 2000s with chart-toppers like "Yeah!" and "Burn." With nine Grammy Awards and over 23.8 million albums sold in the U.S. and 80 million worldwide, Usher is a pop icon.
• Usher, born on October 14, 1978, in Dallas, Texas, USA, carries the birth name Usher Raymond IV. He holds American nationality with a Mixed ethnicity, rooted in African-American descent. His family background is marked by the early departure of his father, Usher Raymond III when Usher was just one year old. Raised by his mother, Jonetta Patto, who worked as a medical technician to support the family, Usher grew up alongside his then-stepfather and half-brother, James Lackey (born in 1984). His journey into music began early, joining the local church youth choir in Chattanooga at the age of nine, where his talent was noticed by his grandmother. The family later relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, providing Usher with more opportunities for his burgeoning music career. He attended North Springs High School in Atlanta and, recognizing his musical aptitude, joined the R&B local quintet, the NuBeginnings, at the age of 10.

Music Career

• Usher's journey into the world of music began at age ten when he joined the local R&B quintet NuBeginnings. 
• Recording ten songs with the group in 1991, their album "Nubeginning Featuring Usher Raymond IV" had a regional release, later reissued nationally in 2002. 
• At 13, Usher met A.J. Alexander, leading to a pivotal audition for L.A. Reid of LaFace Records, who signed him on the spot. 
• His self-titled debut album was released in 1994, but his career faced a hurdle when he lost his voice during puberty, prompting concerns from Reid. 
• Sent to "Flavor Camp" in New York, Usher navigated challenges and released his debut album in 1994.
• His breakthrough came with the 1997 album "My Way," featuring hit singles like "You Make Me Wanna..." and "Nice & Slow." 
• His third studio album, "All About U" was released in early 2001. 
• The Grammy-winning "Confessions" album in 2004 marked a career peak, with hits such as "Yeah!" and "Burn." 
• Subsequent albums like "Here I Stand" (2008), "Raymond v. Raymond" (2010), and its follow-up "Versus" showcased Usher's musical evolution, exploring themes of love, divorce, and fatherhood. 
• Between 2012 and 2014, Usher embarked on a musical exploration with his seventh studio album, "Looking 4 Myself," released on June 8, 2012. 
• This album, characterized as "revolutionary pop," garnered positive reviews, with Usher aiming to break away from his musical comfort zone. 
• The lead single, "Climax," showcased his versatility and became a chart-topping success. 
• Following this, Usher delved into coaching on NBC's "The Voice" for the fourth and sixth seasons. 
• In 2013, he announced his eighth studio album, "UR," and later released the hit "Good Kisser." 
• The subsequent "UR Experience Tour" in 2014 further solidified his dynamic stage presence. 
• Moving on to the period of 2015-2017, Usher's musical endeavors continued with the release of "Hard II Love" in 2016, which received positive reviews and debuted at number 5 on the US Billboard 200. 
• The album featured notable singles like "No Limit" and "Rivals." 
• In the years 2018-2020, Usher collaborated on the album "A" and headlined the RNB Fridays Live concert series. 
• His diverse contributions included acting in the film "Hands of Stone" and executive producing and judging the dance competition series "The Sauce." 
• Amidst these activities, Usher remained engaged with his musical career, releasing singles like "Don't Waste My Time" in 2019 and "I Cry" in 2020. 
• Starting in 2020, he revealed plans for a 12-show residency at the Colosseum at Caesars' Palace in Las Vegas, commencing in July 2021 and running until January 2022. 
• Not only did this residency promise a spectacular showcase of his talent, but it also carried a philanthropic aspect, with Live Nation Las Vegas and Caesars Entertainment donating $1 from every ticket to Usher's New Look foundation.
• Transitioning into 2022, Usher moved his residency to Park MGM and expanded it to 23 shows. 
• He also released the single "Bad Habits," which soared to the top of the Adult R&B Chart. 
• In March 2022, Usher parted ways with RCA Records after over a decade, signing a joint venture with Larry Jackson's Gamma Music company, and founding Mega with L.A. Reid. 
• June 2022 saw him perform on NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts, creating a viral moment with a meme-worthy clip. 
• In March 2023, Usher dropped the single "GLU," followed by an 8-night show residency announcement in Paris. 
• August 2023 brought the release of "Good Good" featuring Summer Walker and 21 Savage, claiming the top spot on multiple charts. 
• Amidst collaborations with Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz and J Balvin's single "Dientes," Usher made history by securing the headline spot for the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show in September 2023. 
• This monumental occasion coincided with the revelation that his ninth studio album, "Coming Home," is set to release on February 11, 2024.

Who is Usher Wife?

Usher, a previously married man, is currently in a loving relationship with his beautiful girlfriend, Jenn Goicoechea. The couple's romance began in October 2019, and in September 2020, they joyously announced the impending arrival of their first child. Welcoming their daughter, Sovereign Bo, on September 24, 2020, the family grew even more in May 2021 when Usher and Jenn confirmed that they were expecting their second child. The 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards served as the platform for this announcement. On September 29, 2021, their family joyously expanded once again with the birth of a baby boy named Sire Castello Raymond, born at 6:42 pm, weighing 7 lbs 13 oz. Usher and Jenn are savoring the joys of their present life together. 

In the realm of relationships, Usher's romantic history reflects a journey of love and complexities. His first marriage was with American hairstylist and wardrobe stylist Tameka Foster, whom he began dating in January 2005 after five years of professional collaboration. Engaged in March 2007, they exchanged vows on August 3, 2007, and welcomed two sons, Usher “Cinco” Raymond V in November 2007, and Naviyd Ely Raymond in December 2008. However, their union faced challenges, leading to a divorce in November 2009.

Following this, Usher's romantic endeavors led him to American personality Grace Miguel, with whom he got engaged in January 2015 after being linked romantically since June 2009. Despite being photographed together during Usher's previous marriage, they eventually split in March 2018. Usher's dating history includes a diverse array of high-profile names such as Ayesha Butler, Jennifer Freeman, Brandy, Karrine Steffans, Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas, Naomi Campbell, and more, showcasing the complexity of his personal life in the public eye.

Usher Net Worth 2023

Usher, a multifaceted talent in the music industry, has an impressive net worth estimated at $180 million as of 2023, primarily stemming from his lucrative career in the music sector. With an annual salary exceeding $15 million, he has achieved remarkable success, having sold 23.8 million albums and 38.2 million digital songs in the United States alone. Globally, Usher's international appeal has resulted in a staggering 80 million records sold worldwide, solidifying his position as one of the best-selling music artists in history, with a total sales figure surpassing 100 million records.

He has made notable appearances in various TV commercials and print ads. In the realm of television, he has lent his star power to brands like Coca-Cola (1995), Tommy Hilfiger jeans (1998), Twix candy (2002), Macy’s (2007), Dance Central 3 (2012), 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013), and Samsung (2013). Additionally, Usher has graced numerous print ads, promoting Usher men’s and women’s perfume in 2008 and Belvedere Vodka in 2011. 

Beyond his music ventures and endorsement deals, he has diversified his portfolio through strategic business investments. He holds a significant ownership stake in the Cleveland Cavaliers professional basketball team, acquired as part of a group purchase totaling $375 million in 2005. Furthermore, he has delved into media ventures, joining forces with notable figures in investments such as Mass Appeal Magazine in 2017 and a catering startup called Hungry in 2019, where he collaborated with Jay-Z and others to invest $6 million and $8 million, respectively.

Usher's commitment to various enterprises extends to health and nutrition, as seen in his investment of $5 million in Liquid I.V., a wellness company based in California, alongside fellow celebrities like Justin Bieber and DJ Khaled. Usher's financial prowess has earned him a spot on Forbes' Celebrity 100 list and recognition among the world's highest-paid musicians, further exemplifying his ability to lead a lavish lifestyle. 

How tall is Usher?

Usher, a handsome singer, possesses an athletic body build. He stands at a tall height of 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and has a body weight of 75 kg (165 pounds). He has a body measurement of 45-33-16 in. With dark brown hair and matching dark brown eyes, Usher's features contribute to his magnetic presence. Speculated to don a size 13 shoe, his physical attributes add to the allure that has long been associated with the renowned artist and performer. 

Maintaining his sculpted physique is no easy feat for Usher, who diligently engages in a rigorous fitness routine guided by his personal trainer. Incorporating a variety of exercises, Usher commits to an ab circuit at least three times a week, featuring challenging moves such as the Incline Resistance Ball Plank, Prone Knee Tuck, T-Push-up Hold, Upside Down Banana Crunch, and Egg Roll Crunch. Striving for optimal results, he repeats this circuit five times within an hour.

Usher's commitment to his fitness extends beyond ab workouts, encompassing activities like boxing, weight training, and a diverse range of exercises. Known for pushing through the discomfort that comes with intense workouts, Usher emphasizes the importance of allowing muscles adequate recovery time, and striking a balance between dedication and essential rest for optimal physical well-being.

Facts About Usher

1. Usher started singing in church

Usher's journey in music began in church, joining the local youth choir in Chattanooga at the age of nine, where his grandmother first recognized his singing talent. Despite facing challenges such as losing his voice during his teenage years and adjusting to changes after puberty, Usher's potential was noticed at a young age. His breakthrough came when he participated in the music competition Star Search, catching the attention of a talent scout from LaFace Records. This led to an audition with L.A. Reid, co-founder of LaFace, who signed Usher to a record contract. 

2. His mum is his manager

Usher's mother, Jonetta O'Neal, transitioned from being a medical technician to becoming his dedicated manager, often referred to as his 'momager.' Skillfully managing his career from its inception, Jonetta played a crucial role in Usher's success. However, their professional relationship came to an end in May 2007, marking a shift in the dynamics of their association. Throughout the years, Jonetta's guidance and management significantly contributed to Usher's accomplishments in the music industry.

3. He owns a record label

Usher, a versatile artist, ventured into record label ownership with US Records in 2002, a subsidiary of Clive Davis' J Records. Distributed by Sony BMG, the label debuted in 2005 with the soundtrack to "In the Mix," showcasing emerging talents. Usher also co-owns Raymond-Braun Media Group (RBMG) with Scooter Braun, featuring Justin Bieber. Not just a label owner, Usher's musical prowess made him the top Hot 100 artist of the 2000s and the second most successful artist of the decade, with "Confessions" topping Billboard's solo album list for the 2000s.

4. He is an actor as well

Usher extends his artistic talents to acting, appearing in various feature films such as 1998's "The Faculty," and notable roles in "Light It Up" and "In the Mix." His on-screen presence also includes a role as a police officer in a 2002 episode of the Twilight Zone Revival series. Demonstrating versatility, Usher ventured into stage acting, making his Broadway debut in 2006 as lawyer Billy Flynn in "Chicago," and later joining the cast of the Off-Broadway play "Fuerzabruta" in 2012.