Usher is on the cusp of a new prime in his career as he gears up for his highly anticipated Super Bowl performance. His recent second Las Vegas residency, which concluded in December 2023, showcased an ingenious production of ballads spanning his 30-year career and created several groundbreaking cultural moments. As one of the most heralded acts in R&B, Usher’s upcoming Super Bowl performance amplifies commercial appeal and allows him to commemorate his artistic achievements while maintaining an ethos that sets a standard for future generations of artists.
- Born in Dallas, Texas, it was Chattanooga, Tennessee where he discovered his spark as an artist. Raised in Chattanooga, Usher began showcasing his singing talents at the age of six as a participant in the local church choir led by his mother. His career took off when his family relocated to Atlanta and with the full-time management of his mother, he started participating in various talent shows at the age of 12.
- In 1992, following an impressive performance at a Star Search audition, Usher was approached by Bryant Reid, the brother of L.A. Reid, co-president of LaFace Records. Bryant arranged for the young talent to audition for the renowned R&B producer. After a mesmerizing rendition of the Boyz II Men’s hit single “End of The Road,” he was immediately offered a contract with LaFace Records. Two years later, at only 16 years old, Usher released his self-titled debut album in 1994.
- In 1997, Usher released his sophomore album, My Way, which marked the peak of his professional music career. Debuting at number 4 on the Billboard 200 chart, it quickly achieved RIAA Gold status. The album gave rise to a string of hit singles including “You Make Me Wanna…” and “Nice & Slow,” both awarded 3x Platinum status by the RIAA. My Way now stands as a 7 times Platinum album with over seven certified units sold. Ultimately, this album solidified Usher’s position as a significant figure in the realm of R&B and contemporary Black music.
- Usher’s devotion to artistry has earned him multiple accolades, including eight Grammy Awards. He is known for seamlessly transitioning between R&B and pop genres, achieving chart-topping success, and delivering cutting-edge choreography. His influence as a Black male talent in the music industry has been recognized with honors from various prestigious awards such as the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, BET and Soul Train Music Awards, NAACP Image Awards., and World Music Awards.
- Usher’s 2004 album Confessions is noted as evidence of his growing prominence in R&B. It had a significant impact on the genre with its unique storytelling and collaborations that were fitting for the era. Debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, Confessions produced culturally defining hits such as “Yeah!,” “Burn,” and “Confessions Part II” featuring dense hip-hop elements with contributions from hip-hop acts including Lil Jon, Ludacris, and Jadakiss. The album also includes one of Usher’s most celebrated collaborations to date, “My Boo” featuring Alicia Keys, another prominent R&B artist. This track played a transformative role in shaping the aesthetic of R&B music. Achieving Diamond status with over 9 million units sold according to the RIAA, this album has left a lasting mark on the industry.
- Usher is not only known for his artistic intelligence, but also as a strong advocate for youth empowerment. In 1999, he and his mother, Jonnetta Patton, established the New Look Foundation in Atlanta. This nonprofit is committed to supporting the educational and career aspirations of talented young individuals from underserved communities. One of its key initiatives is the Leadership Academy, which helps high school students develop essential soft skills and earn a National Leadership Certificate endorsed by Emory University upon completion. The organization has already empowered over 50,000 students with an impressive 100% high school graduation rate and a 98% college enrollment rate (with 61% being first-generation college students).
- Usher has not only delved into philanthropy, but also ventured into business. Apart from his music venture, Raymond Braun Media Group, which he co-founded with Scooter Braun, Usher has invested in various industries. Through RBMG Records, Usher played a key role in discovering and promoting Justin Beiber from a local Canadian child star to global acclaim. In 2019, he expanded his business portfolio by investing in the culinary start-up Hungry as part of the Series A round. This investment was made in collaboration with J’s Kitchen Culinary Incubator, an initiative started by his mother to support professional chefs at an Atlanta-based commercial kitchen. Alongside Usher as investors are Jay-Z, Ndamukong Suh, former Whole Foods CEO Walter Robb, and restaurateur Tom Colicchio.
- Usher is truly a doctor in his field. In 2023, he received an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the music industry and his philanthropic efforts aimed at advancing access to resources and expertise for aspiring creatives. Sharing this gracious moment on Instagram, he referred to it as a message for the next generation: “They call me D-o-c-t-o-r R-a-y-m-o-n-d 🎓😏🙏🏾 Thank you @berkleecollege for honoring me with a Doctor of Music degree. I’m so grateful for this opportunity to share a message with the next generation of artists, producers, vocalists, arrangers, dancers and more. ‘Be brave and I hope your spark never goes away.”
- In 2022, Usher launched his two-year Las Vegas residency titled “My Way: The Vegas Residency.” Beginning during the peak of post-pandemic events, the residency featured 100 shows at Dolby Theater where the R&B legend delivered a captivating performance of his iconic hits, showcasing his polished showmanship. According to Billboard, the residency raked in over $100 million from ticket sales exceeding 300,000 and averaged $1 million per show. Usher’s prominent presence in Nevada led to him receiving a key to the city in 2023 and being honored with October 17th declared as “Usher Raymond Day.”
The King of R&B’s Las Vegas residency has created a sensation, and now he is set to take the stage for the Super Bowl Halftime Show on Sunday. This marks a defining era in his career as he plans to release his ninth studio album, Coming Home, on February 9th—the same day as his highly anticipated Super Bowl performance.
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