Usher Raymond IV is an iconic American singer, songwriter, producer, and actor, with an impressive net worth of $180 million. He began his career in music at a young age, performing with a pre-teen group and appearing on the talent show “Star Search” at the age of 13. His performance caught the attention of L.A. Reid, co-founder of LaFace Records, which ultimately led to his music career.
By the time Usher was still in high school, his debut album had already sold 500,000 copies. His second album, My Way, was released when he turned 19. The album was a major success, featuring a #1 single and going 7x Platinum in the U.S. It remains a classic to this day. Throughout his career, Usher has consistently released hit albums such as 8701, Confessions, Here I Stand, Raymond vs. Raymond, Versus, and Looking 4 Myself. His album Confessions reached Diamond status, marking over 10 million copies sold.
Beyond music, Usher has also pursued acting, with roles in TV shows like Moesha and movies such as The Faculty, She’s All That and Killers. He even served as a judge on The Voice. Usher’s impact is reflected in the 80 million records he has sold globally, establishing him as one of the best-selling artists of all time. He co-founded RBMG Records alongside Scooter Braun, which launched the career of Justin Bieber. In 2024, Usher headlined the halftime show at Super Bowl LVIII.
Early Life and Beginnings
Born on October 14, 1978, in Dallas, Texas, Usher was raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His mother, Jonetta, and father, Usher Raymond III, recognized his vocal talent early. Encouraged by his parents, Usher joined a local church choir at the age of nine. His family moved to Atlanta to further his career, where he began recording professionally. Usher attended North Springs High School and began making guest vocal appearances.
Career Development
At just 13 years old, Usher’s appearance on Star Search led to a meeting with LaFace Records. Impressed by his audition, the label signed him on the spot. Usher’s mother left her job to manage his career. During the recording of his debut album, Usher faced challenges adjusting his voice due to puberty, so the label sent him to a singing coaching camp with Puff Daddy in 1994.
Usher’s self-titled debut album was released on August 30, 1994, when he was only 16. The album peaked at #25 on the Billboard charts. His second album, My Way, debuted in 1997. The single “You Make Me Wanna…” reached #1 in the UK, marking his first Gold and Platinum-certified single. “Nice & Slow” became another chart-topping hit in 1998, and the album was certified 6x Platinum.
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Usher’s third album, 8701, was released in 2001 with singles like “U Remind Me” and “U Got It Back,” both of which topped the Billboard Hot 100. Usher won Grammy awards for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for these songs. In 2004, his fourth album Confessions sold a record 1.1 million copies in its first week, breaking the record for the highest first-week sales by a male R&B artist. The album’s lead single, “Yeah!” topped charts worldwide.
Usher continued his success with albums such as Here I Stand (2008), Raymond v. Raymond (2010), Looking 4 Myself (2012), Hard II Love (2016), and Coming Home (2024). His works have consistently made the top five on the Billboard 200 chart, with Confessions achieving Diamond status for selling over 10 million copies. Usher’s ten #1 singles, including “U Remind Me” and “Yeah!”, solidified his legendary status in R&B.
In addition to his solo work, Usher collaborated with other artists and has been featured on numerous tracks. He’s received numerous accolades, including eight American Music Awards, eight Grammy Awards, and 18 Billboard Awards.
Other Ventures and Partnerships
Usher’s success extends beyond music. As an actor, he appeared in Moesha, The Faculty, She’s All That, and In the Mix. He has also invested in various businesses, including co-owning US Records and Tidal. Additionally, Usher co-owns the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team.
In 2022, he partnered with Remy Martin, starring in commercials to promote their champagne brand. Usher’s versatility in entertainment further reflects his multifaceted career.
RBMG Records and Justin Bieber
In 2008, Usher and music manager Scooter Braun co-founded Raymond Braun Media Group (RBMG) Records, which later signed Justin Bieber. Usher discovered Bieber after watching his YouTube videos and brought him to Atlanta for an audition. This partnership with Braun and Island Def Jam led to the signing of Justin Bieber, forever changing the course of the teen pop star’s career.
Philanthropy
Usher is deeply committed to philanthropy. He founded the New Look Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on providing youth with education and real-world experience. Usher has received recognition for his humanitarian work, including the Freedom Award from the National Civil Rights Museum.
Following Hurricane Katrina, Usher launched Project Restart, which helped over 700 families find housing. His contributions earned him the key to the city of New Orleans, and he was honored with “Usher Day” in 2008.
In 2015, Usher donated over $500,000 in scholarships for students attending historically black colleges. He partnered with UNCF to create the Usher Raymond Scholarship Program, which awarded a $100,000 scholarship to Tuskegee University.
Personal Life
Usher’s personal life has attracted significant media attention. He dated TLC member Chilli Thomas from 2001 to 2003, and married stylist Tameka Foster in 2007. The couple had two sons together before divorcing in 2009. Usher gained primary custody of their children after a lengthy child custody battle.
In 2015, Usher married his long-time girlfriend and manager, Grace Miguel. However, the couple filed for divorce in 2018. Usher began a relationship with music executive Jenn Goicoechea, and in 2020, they welcomed a daughter. They had their second child in 2021 and married in February 2024.
In 2023, Usher was awarded an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music.
Real Estate Ventures
Usher has made several real estate investments over the years. In 1998, he purchased a 10,000-square-foot mansion in Alpharetta, Georgia, for $1.2 million, selling it in 2018 for $1.5 million. In 2007, he bought a 13,000-square-foot estate in Roswell, Georgia, for $3.04 million, later selling it for $2.2 million.
He also owned a 2,908-square-foot home in Atlanta, which he sold in 2019 at a loss. In 2015, Usher bought a home in Hollywood Hills for $3.37 million, later selling it in 2018 for $3.3 million. In 2022, Usher acquired another Hollywood Hills property for $3.4 million, selling it in 2024 for $3.8 million.
These real estate transactions illustrate his continued financial success and his ability to make profitable investments.
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