Usher

 Usher Raymond IV was born in Dallas, Texas, to Jonetta Patton (nee O'Neal) and Usher Raymond III. At six years of age He began singing and was a part of the church choir at his local church. His mother was the choir director. Jonetta was a single mother, raised Usher and James, his brother. James at home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, before moving the family to Atlanta, Georgia, when Usher was twelve years old. Usher speaks of his mother as his best friend. Usher's mother continues to run his business following her resignation from her full-time occupation as an office worker some years ago. Upon moving to Atlanta, Usher began participating in various local talent shows. It was during one of these event, held in 1992 when he was discovered by Bryant Reid, brother of L.A. Reid, the famed R&B producer, and co-president (with 'Kenneth Babyface' Edmonds') of LaFace Records. Bryant set up for Usher to audition for his brother, and the renowned producer was instantly impressed by Usher's talent. Legend claims that Reid provided Usher a contract right away. Usher recorded and released his first album with LaFace in 1994. The record, which was co-executive-produced by Reid and Sean 'P. Diddy Combs, produced the minor smash "Think of You". He was just 14 years young when he began working on the album. The puberty stage also proved to be a hindrance. In the end, the producers brought in a variety of vocal coaches in order to assist him in completing the record. The effort was not wasted, as the album perfectly captured Usher's youthful enthusiasm and his natural talent for singing as well as the admiration of a lot of listeners. After graduating from high school, U