The Singer - Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey's life and career have been marked by remarkable achievements, challenges, and reinventions. Born on March 27, 1969, in Huntington, New York, Carey faced racial tensions and adversity during her childhood due to her mixed-race background. Despite the challenges, her early talent in music and literature became evident during her years in elementary school.

In high school, Carey excelled in the arts, writing poetry and lyrics. She graduated from Harborfields High School in Greenlawn, New York, in 1987. During this time, she began vocal training under her mother, Patricia Carey, a former opera singer. Although her mother was classically trained, she never pressured Mariah to pursue classical opera.

Mariah Carey's career breakthrough came in December 1988 when she handed her demo tape to the head of Columbia Records, Tommy Mottola, at a music executive's party. Mottola, impressed by her talent, signed her to Columbia, and her debut studio album, "Mariah Carey," was released in 1990. The album became a massive success, topping the Billboard 200 for eleven consecutive weeks and producing several chart-topping singles.

Her second studio album, "Emotions" (1991), continued her success, with the title track becoming her fifth chart-topping single on the Billboard Hot 100. However, the album did not reach the same commercial heights as her debut.

"Music Box" (1993) marked another significant milestone in Carey's career. Despite mixed reviews, the album became a massive commercial success, featuring hit singles like "Dreamlover" and "Hero." "Daydream" (1995) further solidified her status, earning critical acclaim and becoming her biggest-selling album in the United States.

The album's lead single, "Fantasy," made history by becoming the first single by a female artist to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The collaboration with Boyz II Men, "One Sweet Day," also set a record by remaining atop the chart for 16 consecutive weeks.

As Carey's career progressed, her musical style evolved, incorporating more elements of R&B and hip-hop. "Butterfly" (1997) marked a turning point in her career, introducing a more subdued singing style and exploring mature lyrical themes.

In 2001, Carey faced personal and professional challenges, including a highly publicized breakdown. Her film project "Glitter" and its accompanying soundtrack were commercial disappointments, leading to her departure from Virgin Records. She rebounded with "The Emancipation of Mimi" (2005), which became a critical and commercial success, earning her several Grammy Awards.

Throughout her career, Mariah Carey has been recognized for her vocal prowess, songwriting skills, and chart-topping achievements. Despite facing setbacks, she has consistently reinvented herself, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

References;

1.  Harper's Bazaar (December 22, 2021). "Can Mariah Carey Remember Tricky Questions About Her Long Career? All About Me Harper's BAZAAR". Event occurs at 0:01 – via YouTube.
2. "Mariah Carey gets hand and footprints cemented in Hollywood history". ABC7 Los Angeles. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
3. "Mariah Carey". Songwriters Hall of Fame. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
4. Rowley, Glenn (April 13, 2023). "Mariah Carey Is 'Honored Beyond Belief' to Be Inducted Into the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry". Billboard. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
5. "Long Island Music Hall of Fame: Notable inductees". Newsday. September 26, 2018. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
6.  "Recent Births Are Announced". The Long-Islander. Huntington, New York. April 10, 1969. p. 2-3. Archived from the original on March 3, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2021 – via NYS Historic Newspapers. Recent births at Huntington Hospital have been announced as follows ... March 27 Mariah, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Carey, Huntington
7.  Gamboa, Glenn (October 22, 2008). "LI Music Hall of Fame recognizes local talent". Newsday. New York City / Long Island. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved September 14, 2017. Born in Huntington, raised in Greenlawn.
8. Buchanan, Jason (2013). "Mariah Carey Biography". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved August 14, 2011.