78. Usher: The Man and his Music

Usher Raymond IV, known professionally as Usher, is of the best-selling artists in American Music history. has sold more than 23 million albums, in United States alone, since he began his recording in 1998. He is a singer, songwriter, dancer, philanthropist. His second album My Way sold more six million copies, making Usher a music megastar.

in Dallas, Texas on October 14, 1978, Usher the majority of his childhood in Chattanooga, Tennessee. mother was from Texas, and his father was , who left the family when Usher was just year old, leaving his mother to raise him . His mother eventually remarried, and Usher, along with half-brother, were brought up by his step-father.

When was nine years old, Usher began singing in church choir. His grandmother decided he would have better chance to develop his musical talents in , Georgia, so the family relocated there. When Usher just 11 years old, he joined a Rhythm Blues band called NuBeginnings. This was the start his musical career. At 13, Usher appeared on popular 90's show Star Search. He was discovered a major record label, and invited to Los to record. On August 30, 1994, Usher's self-titled was released and become very popular. It peaked No. 25 on Billboard's list.

His success in music industry has been achieved by very few . He has sold more than 65 million records to date, making him one of the best-selling of all time. His recordings have been ranked the Top 10 eighteen times; he has had , No. 1 hits in his career. In 2002, founded Vanity Records, and he has also ventured other venues. He is part owner of the Basketball Association's Cleveland Cavaliers, and owns a string restaurants.