Mariah Carey is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer known for her five-octave vocal range, whistle register, and hit songs that have shaped pop and R&B music. Here’s a look at her history:
Early Life
- Born: March 27, 1969 (or 1970, as debated) in Huntington, New York.
- Family: Her mother, Patricia, was an opera singer and vocal coach, while her father, Alfred Roy Carey, was an aeronautical engineer.
- Early Passion: Showed an interest in music from a young age, excelling in singing and songwriting.
Breakthrough & 1990s Success
- 1988: Discovered by Tommy Mottola (then the head of Sony Music) after giving him a demo tape at a party.
- 1990: Released her debut album, Mariah Carey, which produced four consecutive No. 1 singles, including Vision of Love and Love Takes Time.
- 1993: Music Box became one of the best-selling albums of all time, featuring Hero and Dreamlover.
- 1994: Released Merry Christmas, which included All I Want for Christmas Is You, now a holiday classic.
- 1995-1997: Daydream (1995) brought Fantasy and One Sweet Day (with Boyz II Men), which held the record for the longest No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 run (16 weeks).
- 1997: Divorced Tommy Mottola, gaining more creative freedom.
2000s: Setbacks & Comeback
- 2001: Released Glitter (album and movie), which flopped commercially, leading to a publicized breakdown.
- 2005: Made a huge comeback with The Emancipation of Mimi, featuring We Belong Together, one of the biggest hits of the decade.
- 2008: Released E=MC², with Touch My Body, earning her 18th No. 1 hit.
2010s-Present: Icon Status & Legacy
- 2011: Became a mother to twins, Moroccan and Monroe.
- 2018: Opened up about her struggles with bipolar disorder.
- 2019: All I Want for Christmas Is You hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, 25 years after its release.
- 2020s: Continues performing, with her music breaking records every holiday season.
Legacy
- Over 200 million records sold worldwide.
- 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 (most for a solo artist).
- Known as the “Queen of Christmas” and a pop/R&B icon.
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