If you are among the “younger generation” of popular music fans, you surely know the names of such performers as Lady Gaga, the Black Eyed Peas, Eminem and Lady Antebellum.
If, however, you are “a little older,” you may wonder if any of the popular musical performers these days goes by a “regular name” – as did musicians several decades ago. Remember Glenn Miller of “Chattanooga Choo-Choo” fame, Doris Day, Frank Sinatra and others?
Well, today one of the biggest names in popular music is a former Chattanoogan – who goes professionally simply by the name “Usher.”
His full name is Usher Raymond IV. He was born in Dallas but spent most of his younger life in Chattanooga.
His grandmother discovered he could really sing. His mother put him in the St. Elmo Missionary Baptist Church choir at age 9. As he blossomed musically, his family moved to Atlanta to seek bigger opportunities. Well, he has certainly found them. He has sold many millions of albums, winning many awards along the way.
This week, Usher was named at the American Music Awards as the Soul/Rhythm & Blues Music Favorite Male Artist of the year, and he won for favorite soul/R&B album.
He has also acted on TV and in movies. Who knows what’s next?
Oh, one of this year’s outstanding pop artists has a “regular name.” The Pop or Rock Music Favorite Male Artist is just plain Justin Bieber.