Usher Birthday Special Throwback: When Singer Credited His Mother For Helping Him Navigate His Career And Success

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As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but be in awe of Usher‘s incredible journey from a young boy with dreams in his heart to a global superstar. Born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Usher’s story is one of grit, determination, and unwavering belief in oneself. His early years were filled with ambition, but it was his mother, Jonnetta Patton, who saw the potential in her son and nurtured it into greatness.

On October 14, as Usher marks another year of life, it’s a fitting moment to look back at the early forces that shaped his journey towards stardom. The R&B icon, renowned for hits like U Got It Bad and Confessions, frequently acknowledges his mother, Jonnetta Patton, as the guiding light in his music career. Hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Usher’s path was not without challenges, but his mother’s support and resolve played a pivotal role in his achievements.

Born on the 14th of October, 1978, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Usher nurtured his passion for music from an early age as he sang in his local church’s gospel choir.

Despite the fact that most young people from his hometown typically completed high school and found employment, Usher grew up in a single-parent household with dreams of stardom. In an interview with Grant Cardone, he shared that this was not the path he had imagined for himself, stating, “I’m a dreamer, so I thought I was already a superstar when I was just 7 years old.

It wasn’t until Usher’s family relocated to the vibrant music city of Atlanta, Georgia, that his professional journey truly took flight. His mother, recognizing his talent, believed the move would offer more chances for him to establish a solo career in an environment where music was valued and nurtured.

When he turned 12 years old, Usher first joined the Tennessean boy band NuBeginning, under the stage name Cha-Cha. Their debut album was named Nubeginning, but his mother envisioned a more illustrious career for him as a solo performer instead.

Despite initial reservations, Jonnetta Patton relocated her family to Atlanta for a fresh start at the urging of Usher. “We had a record deal,” Usher explained, “but it felt like my entire world was slipping away.” However, his mother encouraged him, saying, “No, dear, your world is merely starting anew because you are now a solo artist.

Patton aided Usher in triumphing at Atlanta’s local talent competitions by linking him with influential figures in the industry. One of these victories piqued the interest of producer L.A. Reid, who encouraged Usher to abandon his nickname and instead focus on his unique identity.

Following that incident, Usher finally saw beyond his limitations as he put it, “That’s when, quite suddenly, I felt like my blinkers were removed,” he shared in an interview with Cardone.

Under his mother’s guidance for his career, Usher ended up signing with LaFace Records and put out his first studio album, titled after himself, in 1994. Although this album didn’t achieve instant commercial success right away, L.A. Reid’s (Patton) counsel was instrumental in helping him navigate the complexities of the music industry.

For 17 years, she skillfully guided his career, making sure that Usher always had the necessary artistic freedom and assistance. Her direct method played a substantial role in the triumph of his second album, “My Way,” which hit the market in 1997.

In a chat with OWN, Usher disclosed how sticking to his mother’s approach ultimately proved successful. As Patton put it, his mother had envisioned him as this ‘bad boy’ persona. However, Usher didn’t conform to that stereotype.

Usher isn’t a troublemaker,” Patton noted further, and they crafted the album based on their own conditions. The single “My Way” marked Usher’s first No. 1 record achievement and was awarded seven times platinum. Reflecting on it, Usher commented, “On ‘My Way,’ you’ll simply find raw talent displayed.

By the time Usher’s 2004 album “Confessions” hit the shelves, he was already a well-known figure in many homes. In its debut week, the album managed to sell an impressive 1.1 million copies and has since been certified Diamond, meaning it has surpassed sales of over 10 million units worldwide.

Back in the groove of the new millennium, I found myself firmly planted among the ranks of the music industry’s elite. Tracks like “Yeah!”, “My Boo”, and “Caught Up” were anthems that resonated with people far and wide, instantly becoming hits. This album served as a testament to my enduring talent, further solidifying my status as one of the decade’s top-selling artists in the 2000s.

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2024-10-14 14:08