Usher

Usher was born in Dallas Texas, the son of Jonetta Patton and Usher Raymond III. Usher spent the majority of his young life in Chattanooga. His father left the family when Usher was one year old, and they relocated to Chattanooga, where Usher lived with his mother, then-step father, and half-brother, James Lackey, born in 1984. Directed by his mother, Usher joined the local church youth choir in Chattanooga when he was nine years old. There his grandmother discovered his ability to sing, although it was not until Usher joined a singing group that she considered he could sing professionally. In the belief that a city would provide greater opportunities for showcasing his talent, Usher's family moved to Atlanta Georgia where there was a more conducive environment for beginning singers.

At age 11, Usher joined an R&B local group called NuBeginnings, which was organised by local musician, Darryl Wheeler. Usher recorded 10 songs with the group in 1991 and the ensuing album, Nubeginning Featuring Usher Raymond IV was only made available regionally and by mail order.

At age 13, Usher competed on Star Search, where he was spotted by an A&R representative from LaFace Records, who arranged an audition for Usher. Usher's mother left her job as a medical technician to manage his career but later broke-up their relationship as manager-client in May 2007. After graduating from high school, Usher continued to develop his skills as a stage performer and laid the groundwork for his second album. He also appeared on their version of "Let's Straighten It Out", a 1995 duet with fellow Atlanta teen recording artist Monica and on "Dreamin'", from LaFace's 1996 Olympic Games benefit album Rhythm of the Games.

Usher developed a friendship with American record producer, Jermain Dupri, with whom he co-wrote and produced several tracks for his second album, My Way, released on September 16, 1997. The album's lead single, “You Make wanna”, reached number one in the United Kingdom, becoming Usher's first record to be top single. The record led to his popularity. It also became Usher's first gold and platinum single in the United States.

Aside from recording, Usher ventured into other business. He had established his own record label, US Records and is a part owner of the Cleaveland Cavaliers franchise. Usher was also instrumental in starting and continuing the career of teen singer Justin Bieber. He has also been appearing in films, debuting in the 1998 film The Faculty. He also starred in Light it up and In the mix. In addition to this, Usher has opened several restaurants.

Usher has his own line of designer fragrances. Usher for men was released in 2007 followed by Usher for women in the same year. Following the success of his first fragrances, a second line of fragrances were released, UR for men was later released in 2008 with the female version.

To view all products from this designer, click here