USHER FIX

 
Usher has sold more than 65 million albums and has been nominated at numerous award ceremonies including the BRITS, MTV Video and Europe Music Awards, Billboard and the Grammys but says what spurs him on more than anything is motivating others.

He explained: “I tend to do things that are motivating for others and continue to be creative, open-minded and believe in my dreams. At this stage, doing something for the good of others is bigger than an award, bigger than a new album or new bling.”

However, while he loves making music, Usher’s favorite way of relaxing and getting new inspiration is going to art museums all over the world.

He told Britain’s HELLO! magazine:” I love to travel and see the world, taking in art museums. I really enjoyed the Louvre when I was there not so long ago. I just love to talk to people as much as I can, talking about what’s going on in their life and what they’re experiencing.”

Also, Usher is finding it tough to get his two kids, Usher Raymond V and Naviyd, to go to bed because they have taken on his ”late-night personality”.

He admits bed time can be difficult because his sons would love to stay up all night if he let them.

“What parent doesn’t have a hard time when their kid doesn’t want to go to bed? But I’ve been practicing. I’ve got a routine down pat with them – we read books, say our prayers and then it’s lights out for bed, after which they might ask for a glass of water or milk. You might think that the standard is a bit different for a rock star dad!

“My boys have inherited my late-night personality and would love to blast their music and jump on tables if I let them.”

While Usher has sold more than million albums worldwide in his career, he cites fatherhood as his greatest achievement.

He said: “Given the adversity I’ve had in my life, I’m just happy to be alive, kicking and loving life the way that I am. But really my proudest accomplishment is having my sons.”

 

 
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Affectionately known throughout the music industry as “Mama Jan,” Jan Smith has made her mark from her beloved hometown over the past 20 years as a singer/songwriter, producer/consultant and vocal coach/vocal producer who has helped develop some of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music-including Rob Thomas, Usher, Ciara, Sugarland, India.Arie, TLC and Justin Bieber. Two of those major clients – The Biebs and Usher- are going above and beyond to show their gratitude.

Smith, a former trustee for the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences and former president of the Atlanta NARAS chapter, is among this year’s inductees into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. She will receive the Chairman’s Award at the induction ceremony Sept. 17 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre at 8 PM. The event will air live on Georgia Public Broadcasting.

During the event Usher and Justin Bieber, will be performing a special tribute for her. “I think it’s a great honor,” says Smith, whose work with Bieber is known by the teen star’s fans worldwide thanks to her memorable appearance in the 2011 documentary concert film Justin Bieber: Never Say Never. “It will be quite a night. I’m very humbled by all of the artists who lend their celebrity to me and I’m proud to be part of their success.”

In August, Smith and philanthropist/music lover Jim Ramseur launched The Bridge Music Foundation, a unique, non-profit organization dedicated to providing philanthropic financial support and artist development services to talented musicians who might otherwise never have the opportunity to follow their own musical dreams.

BMF offers a different approach to the traditional artist development process. With the help of the Joel A. Katz Music & Entertainment Business Program at Kennesaw State University, BMF artists will be provided with the educational resources and business tools needed to create sustainable careers in the music industry. The Bridge Music Foundation uses an “open door” application system, meaning that anyone who meets its criteria can apply. The foundation and its board of directors leverage their relationships and industry insight in order to provide each selected artist with a world-class team custom tailored for their specific needs.

Smith, owner of Jan Smith Studios, a state of the art and production facility in Atlanta, joins the other Georgia Music Hall of fame inductees being honored, including actor-director Kenny Leon, singer-turned reality star Toni Braxton, the band Mothers Finest and promoter Paul Cochran. Jazz/cabaret star Judy Argo, composer/arranger Hall Johnson and blues harmonica musician Sonny Terry will be honored posthumously.

 

 
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Congrats to Usher for winning the Best Male R&B Vocal Performance award for “There Goes My Baby” and the Best Contemporary R&B Album award for “Raymond vs. Raymond”.

Usher has been nominated for two NAACP awards:

• Outstanding Male Artist
• Outstanding Album – “Raymond vs. Raymond”

Nominations for the 42nd annual ceremony were announced today (Jan. 12) during a press conference at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, Calif. The telecast will air Mar. 4 on Fox (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).

Congratulations Usher!

The Fragrance Foundation is delighted to announce that The Board of Directors has chosen multi-platinum recording star USHER as Male Celebrity Fragrance of the Year. Rochelle Bloom, President of The Fragrance Foundation, comments “Usher has introduced a hugely successful, sophisticated and gentlemanly wardrobe of fragrances to a new generation of consumers who love his music and his style.” Usher himself says “I consider fragrance to be one of the most important tools of engagement for seduction! My fragrances are all about what you do with confidence and how you make an impact on the lives of those around you.”

For more information, visit here.

CGG (Celebs Gone Good) hung out with Usher on the red carpet at last night’s Do Something awards where he showed up to support his generation S: generation of service-minded leaders! After joking around with Akon and MTV’s Sway, he told us all about how he felt about winning the first ever CGG award as Civic Leader of the Year.

“To be recognized as an artist for what you do you know is major, don’t get me wrong,” says the suave singer, “But to be here with my alumni, you know it’s really a treat for all of us. This is a story in the making that’s all about making a difference in America through service with teens. And to do service in a positive way.”

The ‘alumni’ are graduates of his Camp New Look alumni who posed with their mentor and got to present his award later on during the show. Usher explained to us that Camp New Look helps at-risk young people through education and skill building: “I give them an open eye to other alternatives.”

The two protégées told us about their annual New Look service project. Last year they did the “I Can’t But You Can” campaign where each of them registered 3,500 plus young people to vote in New Orleans. They echoed finalist David Burstein’s call to vote for his innovative 18 in ’08 campaign.

Usher encouraged the finalists to keep working it out for their cause: “Young people should be active because they can truly make a difference between service and understanding…We are powered by service. Service makes the difference!”

What do you think about Camp Usher and all of his philanthropic efforts? Do you want to DO Usher’s SOMETHING? You can! He is all about education, so this summer you can dive right in by contributing to Do Something 101 and collect school supplies for children in need!

Usher’s Dosomething.org PSA

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Source: Dosomething.org

“The Georgia Center for Nonprofits is proud to announce that Ingrid Saunders Jones and Usher Raymond IV will be recipients of the annual Revolutions Philanthropic Awards. Taking place on May 12, 2009 at America’s Mart in Atlanta, Ga., the Revolutions awards ceremony will recognize both humanitarians for their tireless efforts to improve communities across the globe.”

Usher will receive the 2009 Emerging Philanthropist Award for his commitment to mentoring disadvantaged youth. To view the entire press release click here.