Mario Barrett

Mario (born Mario Dewar Barrett on August 27, 1986) is a Grammy Award-nominated American R&B singer. He is best known for his hit singles "Just a Friend (2002)" and "Let Me Love You", which won him two Billboard awards, as well as for appearing in the films Step Up and Freedom Writers. His latest album, Go! will be released on August 21, 2007 in the United States. Mario was born in Baltimore, Maryland and grew up in Pikesville, Randallstown, Gwynn Oak and other working-class neighborhoods in Baltimore County, Maryland.[1] He grew up with his grandmother, who raised him while his single mother struggled with a drug problem.[1] Mario wanted to become a singer at the age of four. His mother supported his dream and bought him a karaoke machine. Mario was in a singing group with Mo'Nique's oldest son while in school. He learned to play the piano and used that skill to create musical melodies and songs. He was discovered at age eleven and signed on by producer Troy Patterson, after singing "I'll Make Love to You" at a Coppin State College talent show.[1] Mario attended Milford Mill Academy up until the tenth grade where he was inspired by his music teacher, during his early teen years, and was offered a record deal at the age of fourteen, signing with Clive Davis' J Records.[1] His musical influences include Stevie Wonder, Usher, Fernando & Q-Bah, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men, and Joe. His first introduction to the music industry was the Dr. Dolittle 2 movie soundtrack in 2001. He sang a captivating performance of the Stevie Wonder classic You and I at Clive's Grammy party in 2002, and began recording an album.