Mario

Few artists sign to a major record label at the age of 11, and even fewer continue to be successful recording artists later in their lives. Mario happens to be one of the few artists who has managed to accomplish both. Born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1986, Mario Dewar Barrett developed a love for music at an early age. His mother bought him a karaoke machine and a piano, and the young self-taught singer was discovered by producer Troy Patterson after a stellar performance at a talent show at age 11.

Inspired by Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men, and Joe, Mario continued to pursue a singing career in high school while attending the prestigious Milford Mill Academy‘s music program. He began recording his first major album Mario in 2001, which was released on J Records (Alicia Keys, Cassidy) in 2002. Though only fifteen at the time, Mario’s precocious sincerity and singing ability shined through in singles "Braid My Hair" and "C’Mon".

He released his second album Turning Point in 2004, also on J Records. Wanting his second album to represent a transition to a more mature sound, Mario teamed up with superstar producers Scott Storch and Lil Jon to produce the aptly named album. A crossover success, the album reached the top 20 in both the mainstream Billboard 200 and the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop charts. Standout tracks from Turning Point include "Let Me Love You", "How Could You", and "Boom" featuring rapper Juvenile.

Mario Photos


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