Mariah Carey, often referred to as the “Songbird Supreme,” is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress whose unparalleled vocal prowess and iconic holiday hit have made her a household name. Born on March 27, 1969, in Huntington, New York, to a musical family where her mother was an opera singer and vocal coach, Carey’s career spans several decades, marked by her debut album’s unprecedented success in 1990. Her influence extends beyond music, with her life and career offering a narrative of triumphs, challenges, and constant innovation in the pop music landscape.
Key Information Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mariah Carey |
| Nickname | Songbird Supreme |
| Birthday | March 27, 1969 |
| Parents | Patricia Hickey (Vocal Coach, Opera Singer), Alfred Roy Carey (Aeronautical Engineer) |
| Birthplace | Huntington, Long Island, New York |
| Siblings | Alison Carey |
| Spouses | Tommy Mottola (1993-1998), Nick Cannon (2008-2016) |
| Partners | Derek Jeter, Luis Miguel, James Packer, Bryan Tanaka |
| Children | Moroccan Scott Cannon, Monroe Cannon |
| Height | Around 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | Around 121 lbs (55 kg) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $340 million |
| Reasons for Fame | – Five-octave vocal range – Melismatic singing style – Signature use of whistle register – Record-breaking achievements on Billboard charts |
Key Events in Mariah Carey’s life:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1969 | Mariah Carey born on March 27 in Huntington, New York, to Patricia Hickey and Alfred Roy Carey. |
| 1987 | Carey graduates from high school and moves to New York City to pursue her music career. |
| 1988 | Carey begins recording her first album. |
| 1990 | Releases self-titled debut album, Mariah Carey, which becomes a multi-platinum success. |
| 1991 | Wins Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for “Vision of Love.” |
| 1993 | Marries Tommy Mottola, head of Sony Music, and releases Music Box. |
| 1995 | Daydream album includes hit “Fantasy,” which becomes the first female artist to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. |
| 1997 | Releases Butterfly, marking a shift to hip hop and urban sounds. |
| 1998 | Divorces Tommy Mottola. |
| 2001 | Signs an $80 million deal with Virgin Records, releases Glitter soundtrack, suffers a public breakdown, and parts ways with Virgin. |
| 2002 | Signs with Island/Def Jam Records and releases Charmbracelet. |
| 2005 | Makes a comeback with The Emancipation of Mimi, winning multiple Grammy Awards. |
| 2008 | Releases E=MC², with “Touch My Body” becoming her 18th #1 hit. |
| 2008 | Marries Nick Cannon, later having twins Moroccan and Monroe. |
| 2009-2010 | Releases Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel and Merry Christmas II You. |
| 2014 | Releases Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse. |
| 2015 | Performs a Las Vegas residency show, Mariah Carey #1 to Infinity. |
| 2016 | Divorces Nick Cannon. |
| 2018 | Releases her 15th studio album, Caution. |
| 2023 | Ends long-term relationship with Bryan Tanaka. |
The Early Years
Born on March 27, 1969, in Huntington, Long Island, New York, Mariah Carey has become one of the most celebrated artists of our time. Raised by Patricia Hickey, an Irish-American opera singer and vocal coach, and Alfred Roy Carey, an African-American/Venezuelan aeronautical engineer, Mariah’s early life was marked by a deep connection to music.
Her mother encouraged her talent, teaching her singing from an early age. Growing up in Greenlawn, New York, Mariah attended Harborfields High School, where she was involved in the choir and drama club, honing her skills.
The Journey to Stardom
Music Career
Mariah Carey’s journey into music began in earnest after high school. She moved to New York City, where she worked as a waitress and demo singer before catching the attention of Tommy Mottola, the head of Columbia Records. Her self-titled debut album, “Mariah Carey,” released in June 1990, was an instant hit, spawning four number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, a feat that solidified her place in music history. This album received critical acclaim and won her Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Throughout the ’90s, Carey’s career soared with hits from albums like “Music Box” (1993) and “Daydream” (1995), selling millions and cementing her status as a pop icon. Albums such as “Butterfly” (1997) showcased her evolution, blending pop with hip-hop and urban sounds. Her impact was recognized with numerous awards, including 5 Grammy Awards, 10 American Music Awards, and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Personal Life
Mariah Carey’s personal life has often been as much in the spotlight as her music. Her relationships have been well-documented, with high-profile marriages and romances capturing public attention. She married Tommy Mottola in 1993, but their marriage ended in 1998. Her subsequent marriage to Nick Cannon in 2008 brought her twins, Moroccan and Monroe, into the world. Despite their divorce in 2016, they’ve remained supportive co-parents. Carey’s most recent long-term relationship was with Bryan Tanaka, ending amicably in December 2023 after seven years together.
Mariah Carey’s Relationships
| Year | Relationship | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1993-1998 | Married to Tommy Mottola | Mariah married Tommy Mottola, head of Sony Music, in 1993. They divorced in 1998. During their marriage, Carey’s career peaked, but their relationship was tumultuous and ended in divorce. |
| 1997-2006 | Dated Derek Jeter | Carey had an on-again, off-again relationship with baseball player Derek Jeter, which reportedly influenced her work on the album Butterfly. |
| 2001-2003 | Dated Luis Miguel | Carey had a relationship with Mexican singer Luis Miguel, which began when they met at a dinner party. |
| 2008-2016 | Married to Nick Cannon | Married in 2008, they had twins Moroccan and Monroe in 2011. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2016, but they’ve remained supportive co-parents. |
| 2016-2023 | Dated Bryan Tanaka | Carey was in a relationship with dancer Bryan Tanaka for seven years, starting in 2016. They ended their relationship amicably in December 2023. |
| 2016 | Dated James Packer | Carey briefly dated Australian billionaire James Packer before their relationship ended in 2016. |
Legacy and Influence
Mariah Carey’s influence in the music industry is profound. Her vocal range, songwriting ability, and chart-topping hits have inspired countless artists. She holds numerous records, including the most Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles by a solo artist, with 19, and her enduring Christmas hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” has become a holiday staple.
Mariah Carey’s hobbies and interests
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movies | – Comedy and horror |
| Favorite Spots | – Beach – Amusement Park |
| Favorite Activities | – Riding roller coasters – Swimming |
| Favorite Color | – Pink |
| Favorite Food | – Pasta – Salad |
| Favorite Juice | – Cranberry Juice |
| Pets | – Multiple dogs, including Jack Russell terriers, Yorkshire terriers, and Dobermans – Cats, including Persian cats |
Mariah Carey’s interests reflect her love for relaxation, fun, and her affinity for certain foods and colors. Her pets also play a significant role in her life, often accompanying her in her luxurious lifestyle and appearing in her music videos.
Mariah Carey’s notable quotes and anecdotes
Quotes
- “No stress, no fights. I’m leaving it all behind. No tears, no time to cry. Just making the most of life.”
- “Never ever listen to anyone, when they try to discourage you, because they do that, believe me!”
- “I don’t think anyone knows as much about what’s right for me as I do.”
- “I work myself into the ground. But I think I’m a nice friend and a good person, and I try to do my work as best I can.”
- “Don’t take anybody for granted. Cause you never know when you might lose them, and you may never get the chance to tell them how you really feel.”
- “It’s kind of like being on a roller coaster. If you don’t get on the ride, you won’t experience the adventure.”
- “Cause there’s a light in me that shines brightly. They can try, but they can’t take that away from me.”
- “If you believe in yourself enough and know what you want, you’re gonna make it happen.”
- “I know you’re shining down on me from Heaven, like so many friends we’ve lost along the way. And I know eventually we’ll be together, one sweet day.”
- “I know life can be so tough And you feel like giving up But you must be strong Baby just hold on You’ll never find the answers if you throw your life away. I used to feel the way you do Still I had to keep on going.”
- “I really haven’t paid attention to Madonna since about like 7th or 8th grade when she used to be popular.”
- “I can still count on one hand the number of men I`ve slept with.”
- “Time has shown me there is no benefit in trying to protect people who never tried to protect me.”
- “Everybody out there, don’t ever take anybody for granted, ’cause you never know when you might lose them and you may never get the chance to tell them how you really feel.”
Anecdotes
- Subtle Diss: Carey subtly dissed Madonna in 1995 when asked about her comments, saying she “really hadn’t paid attention to Madonna since about like 7th or 8th grade when she used to be popular.”
- Ice Cream Cart: Carey made a surprise appearance on “Total Request Live,” where she pushed an ice cream cart and told Carson Daly he was her “therapy session.”
- Full Bathtub: Carey once climbed into a full bathtub while wearing a towel during a tour of her apartment on “Cribs.”
- I Don’t Know Her: Carey denied knowing Jennifer Lopez during an interview, famously saying, “I don’t know her.”
- New Year’s Eve Disaster: Carey’s New Year’s Eve performance in 2016 was a disaster, with technical issues, and she later blamed “everybody.”
- Carpool Karaoke: Carey refused to sing on “Carpool Karaoke,” instead suggesting they just drive around and chat.
- Mirage: Carey’s friends called her “Mirage” in high school because she often cut class to work on her music.
Achievements
- Grammy Awards: 5
- American Music Awards: 10
- Number One Singles on Billboard Hot 100: 19
- Albums Sold: Over 220 million
- Inducted into: Songwriters Hall of Fame, National Recording Registry, Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame
10 amazing facts about Mariah Carey
- Vocal Range: Mariah Carey possesses an extraordinary vocal range, spanning five octaves. She effortlessly showcases this in her music, known for her intricate vocal embellishments and ability to hit high notes with precision.
- Guinness World Records: Carey holds three Guinness World Records for her holiday track “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” including highest-charting holiday song by a solo artist and most weeks in the U.K. singles top 10 chart for a Christmas song.
- Grammy Awards: Throughout her career, Carey has won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. She has a total of 6 Grammy Awards.
- Billboard Chart Success: Carey holds the record for the most U.S. No.1 singles by a solo artist, with 18 tracks, putting her ahead of Elvis Presley. She became the first solo artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 in four different decades.
- Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame: Carey’s songwriting talents were recognized when she was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Many of her chart-topping hits are not only showcases for her vocal prowess but also testament to her songwriting genius.
- Queen of Christmas: Carey has been dubbed the “Queen of Christmas” due to the enduring popularity of her holiday song “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” which has become a holiday classic.
- Album Sales: Her albums Music Box and Daydream both sold over 10 million copies in the United States, making them among the best-selling albums of the 1990s.
- Voice Classification: Carey’s voice is classified as a soprano, capable of achieving free, open, and full notes up to A5/Bb5 at her best, performing chest-head or head-chest transitions with ease.
- Social Impact: Carey has been honored for her work with The Fresh Air Fund’s Camp Mariah, showcasing her contributions beyond music.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: In 2015, Carey was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her significant impact on the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Mariah Carey’s career is a testament to her talent, resilience, and innovation in the music industry. From her early days in New York to becoming a global superstar, her life has been a melody of success, challenges, and constant evolution. As she continues to enchant audiences worldwide with her voice and music, Mariah Carey remains an indelible part of pop culture, a true Songbird Supreme.
List of external resources for more information on Mariah Carey:
- IMDb Biography: Mariah Carey – Biography
- Britannica Biography: Mariah Carey | Biography, Albums, Songs, Book, & Facts
- Wikipedia Article: Mariah Carey – Wikipedia
- 8notes Biography: Mariah Carey biography
- Mariah Carey Official Website: Mariah Carey
- Mariah Carey Tour: Mariah Carey Tour | Find Dates & Score Tickets!
- Vulture Retrospective: Mariah Carey’s Albums, Ranked From Worst to Best
- Rolling Stone: The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time
- Billboard: Mariah Carey’s Career Milestones
- The Guardian: Mariah Carey: ‘I’m a singer, not a reality star’
- NPR: Mariah Carey’s Memoir ‘The Meaning of Mariah Carey’
- The New York Times: Mariah Carey Talks About Her Career
- BBC News: Mariah Carey: The Voice
- Variety: Mariah Carey to Receive Power of Women Honor
- People: Mariah Carey: Inside Her Early Years
- Billboard: Mariah Carey’s Chart History
- The Hollywood Reporter: Mariah Carey on Her Las Vegas Residency
- Los Angeles Times: Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’
- The Guardian: Mariah Carey on Her Christmas Album
- The Atlantic: The Enduring Legacy of Mariah Carey