![]() A teenage Usher took to Combs’ lessons in urban entertainment, but his eponymous album debut stalled on the Billboard 200. Flown to New York City to partake in Combs’ Flavor Camp, Usher was exposed to hip-hop opulence, groupies and round-the-clock recording sessions while gaining experience as a music industry newcomer. Undecided if his new signee should be dropped from the label roster, Reid looked to Bad Boy Records founder Sean Combs - then known as Puff Daddy. Usher’s introductory single “Call Me a Mack” found modest success, creating a dilemma for Reid, who also noticed that Usher’s vocals were adjusting due to puberty. Patton became Usher’s full-time manager while Reid landed the young crooner a placement on the soundtrack for the 1993 Tupac Shakur and Janet Jackson-led film Poetic Justice. Reid, who signed the future child star on the spot after he sang Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road” during an audition. Hearsay about 13-year-old Usher made its way through the grapevine and into the boardroom of LaFace co-founder L.A. Alexander, former bodyguard of ’80s R&B nonconformist Bobby Brown. ![]() Soon thereafter, Patton didn’t foresee the quintet taking off, pulling her son from the group and placing him into regional talent shows until he caught the eye of A.J. Born in Dallas before residing in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for a period, Usher was brought to Atlanta to join local kiddie group NuBeginning. In 1989, the track was famously was covered by The Red Hot Chili Peppers.Before the teenage R&B charmer established himself during the late-’90s, Usher was first managed by his mother, Jonetta Patton, who saw the vision of her first son becoming a high-profile artist. In 2021, Rolling Stonelisted it on the 113 position on its "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list. “Higher Ground had a drive and intensity that truly sounded like Wonder reaching for new heights," the outlet wrote of the track, noting the song's use of its funky guitar pedal and spiritual lyrics. Karwai Tang/WireImage Swan Gallet/WWD/Getty Images Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagicĪ track off of Wonder's 1973 album Innervisions, "Higher Ground" reached the number 4 position on the Billboardcharts that year. Usher attends the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Main Beverly Hills, California Shakira at the Fendi Fall 2023 Couture Collection Runway Show on Jin Paris, France Stevie Wonder attends the Los Angeles Premiere Of Apple's "They Call Me Magic" on Apin Los Angeles, California. RELATED: Adam Levine Hit a Wild High Note Singing Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" with Usher What to know about "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder The song wrapped up as the three began to ad-lib some passionate riffs, perfectly playing off of each other's voices. Usher sang the introduction lyrics with soul and Shakira jumped in with her own signature vocals. The performance started out with Usher ramping up the crowd, and some pillars moved to reveal Wonder playing the keyboard upstage. The three gathered at the event to perform a show-stopping rendition of Wonder's hit "Higher Ground." In 2009, Usher and Shakira joined forces with one of R&B's most celebrated musicians, Stevie Wonder, for We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial, celebrating Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony as the 44th President of the United States. ![]() Watch The Voice Monday, September 25 at 8/7c and Tuesday September 26 at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock.
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