Usher Through the Years
  • Subscribe
  • Celebrity
    • Celebrity News
    • Black Women in Music
    • 'Yes. Girl!' Podcast
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
    • Entertainment
  • Fashion
    • Fashion News
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Beauty News
    • Dope Stuff On My Desk
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Nails
    • How-To
  • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weaves
    • 4C
    • Spring Hair & Beauty
  • Love
    • Love & Sex News
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle News
    • Health & Wellness
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Boss Lady
    • Black Girl Brilliance
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Videos
    • Latest Videos
    • 7 Things
    • ESSENCE Now
    • Black Girl Magic
  • Festival
    • ESSENCE Fest New Orleans
    • News & Announcements
  • Subscribe
  • Celebrity
    • Celebrity News
    • Black Women in Music
    • 'Yes. Girl!' Podcast
    • Black Celeb Couples
    • Celebrity Moms
    • Red Carpet
    • Entertainment
  • Fashion
    • Fashion News
    • Street Style
    • Accessories
    • Fashion Week
  • Beauty
    • Beauty News
    • Dope Stuff On My Desk
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Nails
    • How-To
  • Hair
    • Hair News
    • Natural
    • Relaxed
    • Transitioning
    • Weaves
    • 4C
    • Spring Hair & Beauty
  • Love
    • Love & Sex News
    • Weddings
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle News
    • Health & Wellness
    • Money & Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Travel
    • Boss Lady
    • Black Girl Brilliance
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Videos
    • Latest Videos
    • 7 Things
    • ESSENCE Now
    • Black Girl Magic
  • Festival
    • ESSENCE Fest New Orleans
    • News & Announcements
  • Subscribe
  • Give a Gift
  • Get our Newsletter
  1. Home
  2. News

Usher Through the Years

Essence.com
Mar, 29, 2010
1 of 73

Young & So Gifted

Usher kicked off his career at age 11 as a member of a boy-band. By 13, he’d appeared on “Star Search” and caught the attention of L.A. Reid. In 1994, he released his self-titled debut, with the help of Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Advertisement
2 of 73

Ready For The World

Back in 1997, Usher stops to check out the young man in the mirror.

3 of 73

Shining Young Star

Over time, Usher began to take more control of his career, co-writing and co-producing his second album, “My Way,” with Jermaine Durpi. “U Make Me Wanna” is still in rotation for many of us. The track earned the crooner his first Grammy nod.

Advertisement
4 of 73

For The Ladies

As Usher matured in the spotlight, so did his confidence and swag.

Advertisement
5 of 73

Mom-ager

Usher’s mom, Jonetta Patton, has played an integral role in his success, serving as his manager for most of his career.

Advertisement
6 of 73

Love, Actually

Usher had a very public, two-year relationship with TLC’s Chilli. The duo’s break-up inspired his most successful album to date, “Confessions,” in 2004.

Advertisement
7 of 73

Big Pimpin'

In 2003, Usher and Chilli dressed in full 70s regalia for his costume party for his 25th birthday.

Advertisement
8 of 73

Fashionable Pair

Usher and Chilli pose together at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York in 2002.

Advertisement
9 of 73

Over the Top

Usher defies gravity during his performance at the 2004 World Music Awards.

Advertisement
10 of 73

On His Arm

Naomi Campbell accompanied Usher to the MTV Europe Music Awards back in 2004.

Advertisement
11 of 73

Boo'd Up

Usher and Alicia Keys joined forces for the 2004 hit, “My Boo.” Their performances were so convincing that fans wondered if the duo were actually a couple.

Advertisement
12 of 73

Newfound Love

Business blossomed into pleasure when Usher found love with his wardrobe stylist, Tameka Foster.

Advertisement
13 of 73

Happy Times

The happy couple spends an evening out during the fall of 2007.

Advertisement
14 of 73

On the Town

The Raymonds smile for the cameras during a night on the town.

Advertisement
15 of 73

Proud Papa

The arrival of Usher’s first son, Usher V, in November 2007 was a life-changing experience for the Grammy winner. He dedicated his fifth studio album, “Here I Stand,” to his new heir.

Advertisement
16 of 73

I Do

In August 2007, Usher and Tameka became husband and wife in Atlanta.

Advertisement
17 of 73

At Home

Usher shares the best part of marriage was having children.

Advertisement
18 of 73

Daddy Knows Best

Usher and his first born share a quiet moment. In December 2008, he and Tamika welcomed their second son, Naviyd Ely Raymond, into the world.

Advertisement
19 of 73

I'll Be There

Though his father was absent from his early life, Usher has no doubts that he will be the best dad he can be to his children.

Advertisement
20 of 73

Laid-Back

Even when he’s dressed down, Usher can’t help but exude his own brand of southern swagger.

Advertisement
21 of 73

Giving Back

With his growing success, Usher has continued to reach back to help others through his work with the Boys & Girls Club and his own foundation, New Look.

Advertisement
22 of 73

Empowerment

At Usher’s New Look camp, students learn the importance of citizen power and the origins of personal power.

Advertisement
23 of 73

For The Kids

Camp New Look includes a two-week program which helps kids understand the importance of service leadership and social entrepreneurship.

Advertisement
24 of 73

Doing Good

In 2008, Usher earned the Civic Leader of the Year Award, courtesy of Celebs Gone Good.

Advertisement
25 of 73

Making the Rounds

Usher is a frequent and welcomed guest on BET’s “106 & Park.”

Advertisement
26 of 73

Early Call

Dressed in a military-inspired jacket and studded belt, Usher wows the crowd during his performance on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

Advertisement
27 of 73

For the Fans

Usher was all smiles during an appearance on MTV’s now-defunct video countdown show, “TRL.”

Advertisement
28 of 73

Top-Billers

Beyoncé beams as her friend and collaborator serenades her during the 2005 World Music Awards.

Advertisement
29 of 73

Brand-Building

Usher remains in high demand for advertising partnerships, including the “Got Milk?” campaign. He’s also expanded his résumé as an actor, landing his first guest appearance on “Moesha” and starring roles in such films as “Light It Up” and “In the Mix.”

Advertisement
30 of 73

For The People

A suave Usher greets fans after his Broadway debut in “Chicago.”

Advertisement
31 of 73

Broadway Baby

Usher enjoys combining his love of singing, acting and dancing and looks forward to performing in more musicals.

Advertisement
32 of 73

Awarded

Usher proudly displays a few of the 11 statues he won at the 2004 Billboard Music Awards, including Artist of the Year.

Advertisement
33 of 73

Numero Uno

Usher performs at The Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York.

Advertisement
34 of 73

Victoria's Secret

Adriana Lima and Usher on the runway during the 2008 Victoria’s Secret Runway Show, held at the Fountainebleau Hotel and Resort, in Miami Beach, Florida.

Advertisement
35 of 73

Victoria's Secret

Adriana Lima and Usher on the runway during the 2008 Victoria’s Secret Runway Show, held at the Fountainebleau Hotel and Resort, in Miami Beach, Florida.

Advertisement
36 of 73

Dark As Night

Usher performs at the 2008 BET Awards in Los Angeles.

Advertisement
37 of 73

"Here I Stand"

Led by the single, “Love In This Club,” Usher released “Here I Stand” in the summer of 2008. The album’s title track was ever-sweet.

Advertisement
38 of 73

Man of Stage

Usher does his thing at the NFL Opening Kickoff concert at New York’s Columbus Circle in 2008.

Advertisement
39 of 73

Traveling Man

Usher is known for casual style and easy smile.

Advertisement
40 of 73

Ready For Change

Usher is always looking towards the future.

Advertisement
41 of 73

For Our President

Usher performs at the “We Are One: Opening Inaugural Celebration” at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington,
D. C.

Advertisement
42 of 73

Helping Hand

Usher supports his fellow artist, Alicia Keys, in her philanthropic efforts for “Keep a Child Alive.” Here, he arrives at the charity’s Sixth Annual Black Ball in New York last fall.

Advertisement
43 of 73

Regaining His Stride

Since the chatter surrounding his divorce has simmered down, Usher is making his way back to center stage.

Advertisement
44 of 73

On the Road

As Usher shifts into overdrive to promote his new album, he’ll surely be in-and-out of nearly every airport across the country in the coming weeks and months.

Advertisement
45 of 73

What Happens in Vegas...

Usher arrives on the red carpet at the Las Vegas nightclub, Haze, in January.

Advertisement
46 of 73

Back on His Game

Usher visits BET’s “106 & Park” to promote “Raymond vs. Raymond.”

Advertisement
47 of 73

Great Smile

Usher having fun at Coachella Music Festival. Look that smile!

Advertisement
48 of 73

We Are the World

Celine Dion, Gladys Knight, Justin Bieber, Usher, will.i.am, Barbra Streisand, LL Cool J, Harry Connick Jr., Wyclef Jean, Vince Vaughn, Jeff Bridges and others sing in unison to record a track for Haiti relief.

Advertisement
49 of 73

Happy Halloween

Usher takes his kids to the pumpkin patch in West Hollywood. How cute is this pic?

Advertisement
50 of 73

Smokin Hot

Usher performs onstage during the 2010 BET Awards in Los Angeles, California.

Advertisement
51 of 73

Smooth Operator

“Raymond v. Raymond” is a return to a more creative, free-minded Usher.

Advertisement
52 of 73

Grand Entrance

Usher makes his grand entrance at the MTV Video Music Awards in style.

Advertisement
53 of 73

Sunday Bike Ride

Usher needs to stay fit to keep up with that choreography. Here he is riding his mountain bike in West Hollywood.

Advertisement
54 of 73

Take a Ride

Singer Usher takes a ride on his mountain bike in L.A.

Advertisement
55 of 73

My Little Men

Usher with his kids arrive at the premiere of ‘Justin Bieber: Never Say Never’ in Los Angeles, California.

Advertisement
56 of 73

Take the Stage

Usher performs at the New Look Foundation’s First Annual World Leadership Awards in Atlanta, Georgia.

Advertisement
57 of 73

London Calling

Usher poses backstage at the Capital FM Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium in London, England.

Advertisement
58 of 73

Walking the Walk

Usher on his way back from lunch in Los Angeles.

Advertisement
59 of 73

Sexy in Leather

Usher performs at Palais Omnisports de Bercy during the OMG Tour in Paris, France.

Advertisement
60 of 73

Plaid Day

Usher signs an autograph as he leaves the Mayfair Hotel in London, UK.

Advertisement
61 of 73

Read My Lips

Singer Usher performs during the OMG Tour at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Advertisement
62 of 73

On Stage Colloration

Usher and will.i.am took to the stage for an electrifying Super Bowl 45 halftime performance of their hit collaboration, ‘OMG.’

Advertisement
63 of 73

Peace, Love, and Usher

Usher at Radio One in London on June 2.

Advertisement
64 of 73

Rock the Stage

Usher performs during the OMG Tour at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

Advertisement
65 of 73

Strike a Pose

Usher poses next to the statue of the late Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy while visiting Dublin where he played two concerts of his OMG World Tour in Dublin, Ireland.

Advertisement
66 of 73

Hot Performance.

Usher performs during the OMG Tour at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.

Advertisement
67 of 73

A Perfect Duet

Usher is joined on stage by Ciara to sing a duet. These two make an awesome pair on stage together.

Advertisement
68 of 73

Daddy Duty

Just how cute are these two. Usher and his son Usher Raymond V show off their swagger on a walk in LA.

Advertisement
69 of 73

53rd Annual Grammy Awards

Justin Bieber and Usher go all-out for their Grammy performance.

Advertisement
70 of 73

Hey, Hey!

Usher out and about in New York City.

Advertisement
71 of 73

Mini Me

Usher with his son checking out of their hotel downtown in New York City.

Advertisement
72 of 73

Double Take

Usher takes a walk around New York City with his sons.

Advertisement
73 of 73

Daddy Dearest

There’s nothing sexier than a good daddy! Usher, we love you! Can’t wait to see you take the stage on EMF.

You May Like

Read More

Sign Up for our Newsletter

Get The Essence Newsletter and Special Offers delivered to your inbox!
Sign Up Now
Tags
  • News

Subscribe To The Magazine

Plus, receive digital access and a free gift with your purchase!
Subscribe Now

Sign Up for our Newsletter

Get The Essence Newsletter and Special Offers delivered to your inbox!
Sign Up Now
HELP AND INFORMATION
  • Our Company
  • Customer Service
  • Change Your Address
  • Contact Us
  • Job Opportunities
  • Internships
  • Media Kit
SUBSCRIBE
  • Give a Gift of ESSENCE
  • Magazine Tablet Edition
MORE ON ESSENCE
  • Home
  • Love
  • Celebrity
  • Beauty
  • Hair
  • Fashion
  • ESSENCE Festival
Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
© 2018 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Your California Privacy Rights | Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms | AD CHOICES