Born: 1969 (Huntington, New York)
Biography:
Mariah Carey (born March 27, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Referred to as the Songbird Supreme by Guinness World Records, she is noted for her songwriting, five-octave vocal range, vocal improvisation skills, melismatic singing style, and signature use of the whistle register. With a career spanning over three decades, Carey has cemented herself as one of the most influential figures in popular music.
Born into a multiracial family in Huntington, New York, Carey discovered her passion for music at a young age. She began singing and writing songs as a teenager and eventually caught the attention of industry executive Tommy Mottola, who signed her to Columbia Records in 1988. It was with Columbia that Carey released her eponymous debut album in 1990, which catapulted her to stardom.
Carey’s debut album produced four consecutive number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, making her the only artist to achieve such a feat with their first five singles. Hits like Vision of Love and Emotions showcased Carey’s incredible vocal range and established her as a powerhouse vocalist. She quickly became known for her ability to effortlessly switch between soaring ballads and catchy pop tunes.
Throughout the 1990s, Carey continued to dominate the charts with albums like Music Box (1993) and Daydream (1995). With her powerful ballads and infectious melodies, Carey became one of the best-selling artists of the decade. In fact, Billboard named her the most successful artist of the 1990s, thanks to her impressive string of number one hits.
In 1997, Carey underwent a musical transformation with the release of her album Butterfly. Embracing a more urban sound, Carey incorporated elements of hip-hop into her music and collaborated with artists like Jay-Z and Diddy. This shift in her style showcased her versatility as an artist and broadened her appeal.
Following a period of personal and professional struggles in the early 2000s, Carey made a triumphant comeback with the release of The Emancipation of Mimi in 2005. The album spawned the chart-topping hit We Belong Together and solidified her status as one of the most successful artists of the 21st century. Its follow-up, E=MC² (2008), was also a commercial success and further cemented Carey’s place in music history.
Throughout her career, Carey has amassed a truly impressive catalog of hit singles. Songs like One Sweet Day, a duet with Boyz II Men, and We Belong Together hold the distinction of being the biggest U.S. chart hits of the 1990s and the 2000s, respectively. Other notable hits include Hero, Without You, Fantasy, Always Be My Baby, My All, Heartbreaker, Touch My Body, and Obsessed.
In addition to her contributions to music, Carey has also made a mark in the world of Christmas music. Her 1994 album, Merry Christmas, includes the enduring hit All I Want for Christmas Is You, which has become the best-selling holiday single by a female artist of all time. The song’s popularity has only grown over the years, consistently topping the charts during the holiday season.
Carey’s influence extends beyond her music career. She has ventured into acting, with notable roles in films like Glitter (2001), Precious (2009), and The Butler (2013). She has also served as a judge on American Idol and even published her memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, in 2020, offering fans a deeper insight into her life and experiences.
Throughout her life, Carey has faced numerous challenges, including her highly publicized marriages to record executive Tommy Mottola and comedian Nick Cannon. She bravely opened up about her struggles with mental health, including a well-documented breakdown in 2001, which further humanized her in the eyes of her fans.
As one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide, Carey has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her powerful vocals, innovative approach to songwriting, and ability to connect with audiences have solidified her status as an icon.
Awards:
– 5 Grammy Awards
– 19 World Music Awards
– 10 American Music Awards
– 15 Billboard Music Awards
– 12 MTV Video Music Awards
– 21 NAACP Image Awards
– 1 Golden Globe Award (Best Original Song)
– Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
– Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame