See Mariah Carey Naked
During her years at Harborfields High School, Mariah was not what one would call, um, an “academic superstar.” MC's dream, a wish that had been with her ever since she could remember, was to share her voice and message with people around the world (actually, at that point, she just wanted to hear her voice on the radio; but hey, she had to start somewhere…). Although always struggling with math, Mariah was born with a sensitivity to life and a way with words that allowed her to be one of the best writers in her school. She spent her days writing poetry and much preferred songwriting and singing to attending school. In fact, by the 6th grade, she had been given the nickname “Mirage,” as she never really seemed to be in class. She would sleepily walk-onto campus around 5° (Lunch) after rehearsing with musicians all night. She never quite made it onto either her middle- or her high-school's “Wall of Distinguished Scholars,” but her passionate devotion to music would soon pay off.
After MC graduated from high school, she moved to New York City to chase her dream. During this time, Mariah worked a number of odd-jobs, but usually had trouble keeping them. Many of her former employers say it was the attitude, but MC couldn't help having her earphones on while working (even if it did mean missing an occasional instruction or two…or four or five…you get the point). She lived in a small apartment with four other girls and a mini-zoo of pets, and often had no money to her name…even for food. She would later reveal (on her second album in “Make It Happen”) that she often cried herself to sleep at night, wanting something with all of her heart she didn't yet have. In New York City, it's not easy getting people to listen to your demos, and initially MC was no exception. She was praying for the realization of her goal in life, and wondered whether or not it would come to be.
In the pursuit of her life's love, Mariah took a job as a back-up singer for Brenda K. Starr. Always the shy girl, MC would stand off in a corner, listening to the demo tapes she cut in a converted workshop that was serving as a studio. Brenda would bring Mariah shoes, food and other necessities that MC was having trouble affording herself. She always made sure to give Mariah every opportunity possible to show her talent, as it was Ms. Starr who not only knew Mariah was truly a special talent, but actually helped MC begin her record-breaking career. Believing in Mariah's abilities, Brenda took Mariah to a party with a number of big name record executives. This would be the night that would change Mariah's life. In fact, Mariah almost didn't go to the party because she thought the smoke and late hours would take a toll on her voice, but Brenda insisted. With her demo tapes in hand, Ms. Starr and Ms. Carey went to the party. Brenda was introducing MC to many execs, and finally Warner Bros. executive Jerry Greenberg asked for Mariah's demo. As MC handed it to him, Tommy Mottola, then of CBS records, snatched it out of her hand, but Mariah didn't seem to believe anyone would actually listen to it. Tommy didn't hear the demo at the party, but decided to check it out during his limo ride home. He was so impressed by it that he told his driver to turn around immediately and head back to the party. When he returned, MC was gone. Tommy, much like Brenda, immediately knew Mariah's talent was something that comes along only once in a great while, and within days of the party, he tracked down Mariah's number, called her, and signed her to the CBS label.
During the next two years, and with the help of writing partner Ben Margulies, Mariah would work on and release her self-titled debut. Musically unique from most everything that had been released before it, “Mariah Carey” offered a fresh new sound that uniquely incorporated R&B, Soul and Pop into one melodical body. The chance that had been taken on the album was successful, to say the least. By the time it left the charts many months later, Mariah's debut album had set a dizzying number of records, the vast majority of which still stand today. “Mariah Carey” was certified 8x RIAA-Platinum, sold 12 million copies worldwide, and produced a record-setting four consecutive #1 songs- "Vision of Love," "Someday," "I Don't Wanna Cry," and “Love Takes Time.” Her first-ever #1 hit, “Vision Of Love,” has become one of MC's signature works. There could have just as easily been three #1's on the album, however. “Love Takes Time” was not cut when Mariah originally thought her debut effort was done. After hearing the record, the then-heads of CBS Records Inc. decided it needed one more song. Despite the fact that “Mariah Carey” was already being pressed, and that Mariah was already in the process of promoting her new album, mass-production was stopped, and Mariah came back to New York. There, she wrote “Love Takes Time” with Ben, went back into the studio, and cut the track for the album. After its release, MC's debut album soon had changed the face of modern music.
1992 saw the release of Mariah's second album, "Emotions." This produced Mariah's 5th #1 hit "Emotions," and gained several awards and nominations. "Emotions" was twice-nominated at the 1992 Grammy Awards for "Best Pop Vocal, Female" and "Best Producer" with Walter Afanasieff. The American Music Awards also gave Mariah recognition by naming her 1992's "Favorite Female Artist, Soul/R&B." Although never reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts (but coming very, very close), the album spawned two more hits with “Make It Happen” and “Can't Let Go.” Reflective of the struggles during her teenage days (mentioned above), “Make It Happen” is one of Mariah's personal favorites.
On March 17th of that same year, Mariah sang on MTV's acoustic concert special “Unplugged.” A recording of the seven songs she performed was released as an EP entitled “Mariah Carey- MTV Unplugged.” Only one of the seven tracks was a song not on one of MC's first two albums- the cover of The Jackson 5's “I'll Be There.” Perhaps most memorable about the show was Mariah's duet with long-time friend and fellow R&B/Soul singer Trey Lorenz. Truly a magical moment, the performance is how many-a long-time MC fan remembers the MTV special. Mariah and Trey's on-stage melodical chemistry catapulted “I'll Be There” to become MC's 6th #1 hit. This album itself was yet another huge success, selling 5 million copies worldwide and being certified 3x Platinum in the United States.
In 1993, Mariah released “Music Box.” Her most successful to-date, MC's third studio album sold an astonishing 24 million copies throughout the world and was certified 10x RIAA Platinum. From "Music Box" came her 7th (“Dreamlover”) and 8th (“Hero”) #1 smash hits, as well as the top 10 hit "Without You." As is true for “Vision Of Love,” and because of its lyrical beauty, power, and intimately human reach, “Hero” has become not only another of Mariah's most-recognized songs, but also one of her own most-treasured pieces.
It was also in that year that Mariah and Tommy found love in each other, and on June 5th, 1993, they were pronounced man-and-wife.
One year after the release of "Music Box", in November 1994, "Merry Christmas" was released. An album of Christmas classics as well as three new songs, it sold 8 million copies worldwide thus being certified RIAA Quadruple Platinum and became one of the best selling Christmas albums of all time. The album's most popular singles included the Mariah/Walter-written “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” and a gospel rendition of “Joy To The World.” More than anything, Mariah did the album because Christmas is her favorite time of the year, and she wanted to share her spirit with her fans.
Mariah's 5th studio album, “Daydream,” was released in 1995. Consistent with Mariah's seemingly fool-proof musical style, it produced three consecutive #1's, first with "Fantasy," then with "One Sweet Day," and finally on "Always Be My Baby." "One Sweet Day," was the passionate, heart-felt duet with Boyz II Men. An amazing and at the same time wonderful coincidence, both Mariah and Nate Morris had been writing a song about the pain and acceptance of loss (Boyz II Men had recently lost their manager). The two sang their ideas back-and-forth to each other, and when the track had been laid down, the longest-running #1 single in Billboard chart history had been created. It still holds the record for most weeks at #1, staying in the top spot for four months (16 long weeks) in 1995. Like "Music Box," "Daydream" was certified 10x RIAA Platinum. The success of "Daydream" gave Mariah the title of first female artist in history to have three studio albums to each sell in excess of 8 million copies. On a more personal note, even though not one of the album's more popular songs, “Looking In” was the most meaningful to MC herself. It was reflective of a feeling of an unwanted isolation and a desire to be understood for who she is as a person. The track, like those on her albums before, continued the unfortunate custom of Mariah's albums ending on a depressing note.
Unusually, Mariah did not release an album in 1996. A depressing end was coming to Mariah and Tommy's marriage, one which would affect MC and be expressed through changes in her music, style and presentation Instead, she waited for 1997 when she would present listeners with "Butterfly." This album stirred controversy throughout Mariah's fan base. Although representative of Mariah's R&B and Urban roots, it deviated from the Pop-genre that many had come to love. Sadly, it would be MC's new image that would make more waves than did her actual music. After having the long-time image of “the girl next door,” Mariah had grown tired of being viewed in a classically immature, teeny-bopperish light. Never having any real freedom of her own since the inception of her career, largely as a result of Columbia's executives, MC was ready for something new. Free of Tommy's direct business authority, and after essentially living in the studio for six years, Mariah, like anyone, wanted to have some fun. Contrary to popular belief, and as MC herself has said, there never really was a “new image- ” Mariah's self-marketing decisions came from who she was, and what her heart told her. After all, she had always been the same person. The incorporation of more Hip-Hop, Rap, and R&B into her work had boded well for record sales, as "Butterfly" was certified 4x platinum by the RIAA. The album's tracks "Honey" featuring Puff Daddy, Ma$e & The Lox, and the sultry ballad "My All" both reached the #1 slot on the Billboard Charts. By March 1998, after Butterfly enjoyed much success, Mariah and Tommy's divorce was finalized. As with “Looking In” on “Daydream,” and perhaps even more personal, the song closest to her heart and most real was “Close My Eyes.” Although it wasn't a hit as a single, writing and putting the song on her album helped her to deal with a number of previously buried feelings, and is one of her most personally cherished songs.
In late November of 1998, Mariah decided to thank her fans for giving her an almost-unprecedented 13 #1 singles. Since MC was so very vehement about this during her promotion of what is essentially a tribute to her fans, it is important to know that THE ALBUM IS NOT A GREATEST HITS! Jeez, Mariah's still young, and has many more year of music left in her heart and soul. It is who she is. "#1's" had achieved 3x Platinum. Along with Mariah's 13 #1 songs came four new songs; one was a duet with Whitney Houston ("When You Believe" from the "Prince of Egypt" soundtrack), that would eventually be nominated for multiple Grammies. Another was a duet with Brian McKnight of “Whenever You Call,” a song performed as a solo by MC on “Butterfly.” "Sweetheart" was a hip-hop joint which Mariah did with Jermaine Dupri (a.k.a. JD), who helped Mariah with her 11th #1, “Always Be My Baby.” "I Still Believe" was probably the closest to Mariah's heart of the four new tracks on the album. It was done as a thank-you for the love and support Brenda showed Mariah's uncertain days as a struggling singer.
1999 was the year that the world would be introduced to Mariah Carey's "Rainbow." According to Mariah, it is her message of hope for the new millennium- to combat the racial prejudice that still plagues the world today, and to erase barriers created purely on the basis of color or belief. Growing up tri-racial has allowed MC to understand how horrible receiving blind hatred can be. She always wished for a peace that would allow people to unite, and that would allow the human race to progress as brothers and sisters, with no man or woman being inferior to another. A poem on the inner-cover on the album puts into words her dream. The first single off the album was "Heartbreaker." Not only was this Mariah's 14th #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles, but "Heartbreaker" also gave Mariah her 60th week in the singles #1 spot. This 60th week meant that Mariah had broken The Beatles record of 59 weeks. Ms. Mariah Carey has had more #1 singles than any other female artist. Her closest rivals are The Supremes with 12 and Madonna with 11. Her only rivals now are Elvis Presley with 20 and The Beatles with 17. The album's last track, “Thank God I Found You” (with Joe and 98°), was released as a single on January 25th, and includes a remix that is, like many of Mariah's remixes, a new song. “Make It Last” was performed with the help of both Joe and lyrical prodigy Nas. An interesting note- “Rainbow” is the first album that MC has ended with an upbeat, hopeful song. Not surprisingly, Mariah gave “Can't Take That Away” the title of her personal theme. Despite years of struggling that many outsiders could not see, Mariah has survived, and has gone on to become one of the most-cherished musicians in the world. As with her two previous albums, Mariah has yet another deeply personal song on the album. Entitled “Petals,” it is a moving account of her life from being a self-conscious girl through her maturation as both a musician and a woman.
Mariah has had at least one number single for each year of the past decade. More of Mariah's singles (3) have debuted in the #1 spot than any other artist. She has also had four #1 albums and was the first female artist to see two of her albums reach the 10 million mark in worldwide sales. Mariah's entire catalogue has achieved multi-platinum sales. Mariah has co-written each of her #1 songs with the exception of the remake of the Jackson 5's "Ill Be There". With the exception of "I Don't Wanna Cry," "Someday," "Love Takes Time" and "Vision of Love", Mariah has co-produced all of her singles.
In 1998 at the World Music Awards in Monaco, Mariah was presented with the "Legends' Award" for Best Selling Artist of the Decade. In the same year, she was presented with the "Aretha Franklin Entertainer Award" and named "Entertainer of the Year" at the Lady of Soul Awards.
1999 saw Mariah named the "Artist of the Decade" at the Billboard Awards. MC will be remembered in history not as only one of the most successful artists of the 1990's but of the 1900's. She is now in the league of Elvis Presley and The Beatles, and no doubt will surpass their success within the next few years. She has earned an astonishing 84 either Gold, Platinum or Multi-Platinum certifications for her albums, singles and videos. Mariah has sold in excess of 120 million albums and no doubt will sell a great deal more.
Only once in a great while does an artist come along that has as dramatic an impact on culture as Mariah has had. Blessed in so many ways, she has given invaluable contributions to music, and to the lives of many millions of people around the world. Combining a timeless, unique beauty with a deep emotional sensitivity to the feelings and experiences which are common to the human experience, her music has always spoken to the heart and soul. Although a co-producer of her songs, the message behind the melodies have mostly come from Mariah and Mariah alone. Her phenomenal range and vocal depth have allowed her words to touch those she has never met personally. Her music creates a feeling impossible to put into words, but it is a feeling that connects her to her listeners. Mariah's passionate devotion to music and singing is made vividly clear by her visible immersion in her performing. Not only that, but also by a bright twinkle that seems to sparkle in her eyes, symbolic of an unending and deep-rooted love for her art that few that have come before possessed. It is these factors combined into one immensely talented, devoted, sensitive, intelligent and stunningly gorgeous woman that have allowed Mariah to survive in a business where fewer than 5% of those who are lucky enough to “make it big” ever stay big. MC has done both, and as Billboard has agreed, she is, in every sense of the word, the “Artist of the Decade.”
- Written by Justin Manger
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