Mariah Carey

Guide Note

Mariah Carey is a Grammy-winning Pop and R&B singer, songwriter and actress. Carey was named "best-selling female pop artist of the millennium" at the 2000 World Music Awards, and has a record eighteen #1 singles, second only to The Beatles in #1 hits.

Background

Born in Long Island, New York, Carey learned to appreciate music at an early age - as her mother was a former Opera singer and vocal coach. After graduating from high school, she began working as a demo singer and held down a number of other part-time jobs. While at a party, Carey met Columbia Records executive Tommy Mattola who heard her demo recording and eventually signed her to a record contract.

Queen of the 90s

Carey's self-titled debut album was released in 1990 and went on to reach #1 on the U.S. charts - earning her four #1 singles and two Grammy Awards (including one for "Best New Artist"). Although her second album Emotions wasn't as much of a critical or commercial success as her first, Carey's performance on the television show MTV Unplugged was heralded as a major success and helped launch her cover of The Jackson 5's hit "I'll Be There" to #1 in the U.S. After a few more hit records, and a marriage to Tommy Mattola, Mariah Carey ended the decade as one of the best selling artists of the 90s.

Glitter

In 2001, Carey acted in and provided the music for the semi autobiographical film Glitter. The film and soundtrack were both critical and commercial disasters and led to her being bought out of the remainder of her record contract. During that time, Carey was hospitalized due to exhaustion, leading some to believe that she'd had a breakdown.

Comeback

After taking some time off, she returned in 2005 with The Emancipation of Mimi to rave reviews and a Grammy in 2006 for "Best Contemporary R&B Album." Carey's eleventh studio album E=MC2 was released in April 2008.

Fast Facts

Born: March 27, 1970
Origin: Huntington, Long Island, New York
5-Octave Vocal Range
Grammy Awards: 5
Has eighteen #1 singles, behind only The Beatles who have 21
Net Worth: $225 M (2007)
Once married to former head of Sony Music Tommy Mottola
Has been romantically linked to New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter
Her record label, MonarC Entertainment released one album before folding into Island Records in 2002