Mariah Carey Singer Date of Birth: 27.03.1970 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Struggles
2. Meeting Tommy Mottola and Breakthrough
3. Rise to Stardom
4. Marriage and Divorce from Tommy Mottola
5. Subsequent Career
6. Philanthropy and Advocacy
7. Legacy

American Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actress, and Philanthropist

Early Life and Struggles

Mariah Carey was born on March 27, 1969, in Huntington, New York. Her father, Alfred, was an Irish-born aeronautical engineer, while her mother, Patricia, was a Venezuelan-born opera singer. Carey's parents divorced when she was three, and she lived with her mother in various New York City neighborhoods.

From a young age, Carey displayed an exceptional voice. However, her dream of becoming a singer faced numerous obstacles. She was often teased and ostracized by her peers for being the product of a mixed-race marriage. Despite these challenges, Carey remained determined to pursue her passion.

Meeting Tommy Mottola and Breakthrough

In the early 1990s, Carey met Tommy Mottola, the flamboyant head of Sony Music. Mottola was immediately impressed by her voice and charm. He signed her to a five-album deal with CBS Columbia Records, a groundbreaking decision that would change both of their lives forever.

Carey's debut album, "Mariah Carey," was released in 1990 and became an instant success. It featured several hit singles, including "Vision of Love," "Love Takes Time," and "Emotions." The album won two Grammy Awards and sold over eight million copies worldwide.

Rise to Stardom

Over the next decade, Carey released a string of successful albums, including "Emotions" (1991), "Music Box" (1993), and "Daydream" (1995). Her powerful vocals, coupled with Mottola's keen marketing skills, made her one of the biggest and most popular singers in the world.

In addition to her musical career, Carey also pursued acting, making her film debut in the 1999 romantic comedy "The Prince of Egypt."

Marriage and Divorce from Tommy Mottola

In 1993, Carey married Mottola in a lavish ceremony. However, the marriage was plagued by rumors of infidelities and control issues. They divorced in 1998, and the acrimonious proceedings made headlines around the world.

Subsequent Career

After her divorce, Carey continued to release albums and tour, but she did not achieve the same level of commercial success as she had in the 1990s. She also faced personal struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues.

In recent years, Carey has made a comeback with critically acclaimed albums such as "The Emancipation of Mimi" (2005) and "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel" (2009). She has also returned to reality television, starring in the series "Mariah's World" (2016-2017).

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Throughout her career, Carey has been actively involved in philanthropy and social activism. She is the founder of the Camp Mariah foundation, which provides support to underprivileged children. She has also spoken out on issues such as domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, and LGBT rights.

Legacy

Mariah Carey is one of the most successful singers of all time. Her melismatic vocals, signature whistle register, and romantic lyrics have made her a global icon. She has sold over 200 million records worldwide and won five Grammy Awards, 19 Billboard Music Awards, and 15 American Music Awards.

Carey's influence is also seen in her many protégés, including Usher, Boyz II Men, and Jennifer Lopez. She has paved the way for other female singers and has broken down racial barriers in the music industry.