Mariah Carey
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ABOUT
Mariah Carey, born on March 27, 1969, in Huntington, New York, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. She gained fame for her remarkable five-octave vocal range, melismatic singing style, and the whistle register. Often referred to as the "Songbird Supreme" by the Guinness World Records, Carey is considered one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. Her career took off with the release of her self-titled debut album in 1990, which included four number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
BEFORE FAME
Carey's musical talents were apparent from an early age, influenced by her mother, Patricia Carey, a former opera singer and vocal coach. During her high school years, Carey began writing songs and working as a demo singer. After graduating, she moved to New York City and attended beauty school while pursuing her music career. A significant turning point came when she attended a party hosted by CBS Records, where she handed her demo tape to Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola. Impressed by her talent, Mottola signed Carey to Columbia, which marked the start of her successful recording career.
TRIVIA
Mariah Carey's music is known for its genre versatility, encompassing pop, R&B, soul, hip-hop, and gospel. She has received numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards, 19 World Music Awards, 10 American Music Awards, and 15 Billboard Music Awards. Her holiday single "All I Want for Christmas Is You" has become a global standard during the festive season. In addition to her musical achievements, Carey has acted in films like "Precious" (2009), earning critical acclaim for her performance, and authored multiple books, including her memoir "The Meaning of Mariah Carey" released in 2020.
FAMILY LIFE
Mariah Carey's family background is diverse, with her mother being of Irish descent and her father, Alfred Roy Carey, of African-American and Afro-Venezuelan descent. She has an older brother, Morgan, and an older sister, Alison. Carey's personal life has been a subject of media attention, particularly her relationships and marriages. She married Tommy Mottola in 1993, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1998. In 2008, Carey married actor and comedian Nick Cannon, with whom she has fraternal twins, Moroccan and Monroe, born in 2011. The couple divorced in 2016.
ASSOCIATED WITH
Throughout her career, Mariah Carey has collaborated with numerous artists across various genres. She has worked with renowned producers and musicians such as Walter Afanasieff, Jermaine Dupri, and the late Whitney Houston. Her duet with Whitney Houston, "When You Believe," from the animated film "The Prince of Egypt" (1998), won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Carey has also collaborated with hip-hop artists like Jay-Z, ODB, and Busta Rhymes, contributing to the crossover between pop and hip-hop music. Her influence and contributions have left a significant impact on contemporary music and numerous artists cite her as a major influence in their careers.
Mariah Carey's illustrious career, vocal talent, and ability to reinvent herself have solidified her status as an icon in the music industry. As she continues to produce music and entertain audiences worldwide, her legacy as the "Songbird Supreme" remains firmly established.