Mario (American singer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mario
Mario in December 2024
Background information
Birth name	Mario Dewar Barrett
Born	(1986-08-27) August 27, 1986 (age 39) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Genres	R&B
Occupations	Singer songwriter dancer actor
Years active	2001–present
Labels	New Citizen RCA J 3rd Street

Mario Dewar Barrett (born August 27, 1986), known simply as Mario, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and dancer. He grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. Mario signed his first record deal with J Records when he was just 14 years old.

His first album, Mario, came out in 2002. The song "Just a Friend 2002" from this album became a top-five hit. His second album, Turning Point (2004), was even more successful. It featured the number-one hit song "Let Me Love You." This song was a huge success and won two Billboard Music Awards.

Mario's third album, Go (2007), included popular songs like "How Do I Breathe" and "Crying Out for Me". His fourth album, D.N.A. (2009), had the hit single "Break Up." This song became very popular and was certified platinum. In 2010, Billboard magazine recognized Mario as one of the "Artist of the Decade." His fifth album, Dancing Shadows (2018), was his first album released independently.

Besides music, Mario has also acted in movies and TV shows. He appeared in the dance film Step Up (2006) and Freedom Writers (2007). He also competed on Dancing with the Stars and acted in the TV series Empire (2018–2020). In 2019, Mario starred in the live TV musical Rent. In 2024, he was the runner-up on The Masked Singer.

Mario's Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Mario Dewar Barrett was born on August 27, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland. His father, Derryl Barrett Sr., was a singer in a gospel group. Mario also has a half-brother, Derryl "D.J." Barrett Jr., who is a professional drummer. Mario grew up in Baltimore and was raised by his grandmother. His mother faced personal challenges during this time.

From a young age, Mario loved music. At four years old, he knew he wanted to be a singer. His mother supported his dream by buying him a karaoke machine. Mario learned to play the piano, which helped him create his own songs.

When he was eleven, Mario was discovered by producer Troy Patterson. This happened after he sang at a talent show. He attended Milford Mill Academy and was inspired by his music teacher. At just fourteen, he was offered a record deal with J Records. Mario's musical heroes include Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Usher. His first step into the music world was on the Dr. Dolittle 2 movie soundtrack in 2001.

Music Career

Mario's First Album: Mario (2001–2003)

Mario started recording his first album, Mario, in July 2001. It was released in March 2002. The album's first song, "Just a Friend 2002", became a big hit. It reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Other songs from the album included "Braid My Hair" and "C'mon". Mario also performed on the Scream Tour 3 with other popular artists. His debut album sold over 700,000 copies.

Turning Point and "Let Me Love You" (2004–2006)

After his first album, Mario wanted to make more mature music. He worked with famous producers like Scott Storch and Lil' Jon. His second album, Turning Point, came out on December 7, 2004. This album was even more successful than his first.

The album's biggest hit was "Let Me Love You." This song was number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks! It was written by Ne-Yo. Other popular songs from the album included "How Could You" and "Here I Go Again". Turning Point has been certified platinum, meaning it sold over a million copies.

Go and Creative Control (2007–2008)

Mario's third album, Go, was released in the U.S. on December 11, 2007. Mario dedicated this album to his mother. He worked with many talented artists and producers, including Jermaine Dupri and Timbaland. Mario had more creative control over this album, meaning he had more say in how it sounded.

The first song from Go was "How Do I Breathe". The second single, "Crying Out for Me", became a Gold-certified hit. Mario also competed on Dancing With the Stars in 2008. He was partnered with Karina Smirnoff.

D.N.A. and New Music (2009–2010)

In 2009, Mario announced his new entertainment company, "Soul Truth Entertainment." He began working on his fourth album, D.N.A.. He wanted this album to blend old-school R&B with modern dance-pop sounds. Mario described it as his "most personal" album yet.

The first song from D.N.A. was "Break Up", released in April 2009. It featured Sean Garrett and Gucci Mane. This song was very successful, reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also certified Gold. Other singles from the album included "Thinkin' About You" and "Ooh Baby". The album debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200.

New Citizen Label and Recent Music (2016–Present)

In May 2016, Mario started his own independent record label called New Citizen. He then released a new song, "I Need More." He announced that his fifth album would be called Paradise Cove. Later, in March 2017, he changed the album title to Cosmo 17. He explained that the album was about believing in love and not giving up.

In June 2018, Mario announced another title change for his fifth album. It was now called Dancing Shadows. He said that making an album is like "giving birth to something," and the name can change as it develops. The album was finally released on October 5, 2018.

Mario released the song "Closer" in April 2020. This song was part of his EP (Extended Play) called Closer to Mars, which came out on October 16, 2020. He also released the songs "Mars" and "Pretty Mouth Magick" from the EP. His sixth album, Glad You Came, was released in 2024. He also has an album titled Mood Swings planned for 2025.

In 2024, Mario competed on The Masked Singer as "Wasp." He finished in second place. He even performed his hit song "Let Me Love You" again.

Other Ventures

Mario's Acting Career

Mario has shown his talent in acting as well. He played Miles Darby in the dance movie Step Up, released in 2006. He also appeared in the film Freedom Writers in 2007. Mario has said he would like to start his own film company and become a director someday. He also appeared in TV shows like One on One and The Electric Company. In 2019, he played Benny in the live TV musical Rent: Live.

Knightwritaz Music Team

From 2005 to 2010, Mario was part of a music production team called Knightwritaz. This team included talented artists like Sterling Simms and Marsha. They wrote and produced songs for many famous singers. These included Jennifer Lopez, Chris Brown, and Usher. Mario mostly worked as a songwriter for the team. He left the group in 2009.

Do Right Foundation

Mario started the Do Right Foundation in March 2008. This foundation helps and inspires children whose parents are facing difficult personal challenges. In 2008, Mario re-recorded his song "Do Right" from his 2007 album Go. This song is dedicated to his mother and shares his personal story.

New Citizen LLC Record Label

In 2016, Mario founded his own independent record label called New Citizen LLC. He partnered with EMPIRE and later with The Orchard to distribute his music. This allows him to have more control over his creative work.

Mario's Personal Life

In 2009, Mario supported PETA in their campaign against killing animals for fur. He encouraged people to "Be comfortable in your own skin, and let animals keep theirs." Mario has homes in Baltimore, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.

In August 2025, Mario shared on his Instagram that he and his girlfriend, Esmeralda Rios, were expecting their first child.

Awards and Nominations

Mario has received several awards and nominations for his music:

• In 2005, he was nominated for Best R&B at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
• Also in 2005, he received three nominations at the Teen Choice Awards for Choice Music: R&B Artist, Choice Music: R&B/Hip-Hop Track for "Let Me Love You," and Choice Music: Love Song for "Let Me Love You."

Discography

Studio albums

• Mario (2002)
• Turning Point (2004)
• Go (2007)
• D.N.A. (2009)
• Dancing Shadows (2018)
• Glad You Came (2024)
• Mood Swings (2025)

Filmography

Film Roles

Television Appearances

Tours

• Crushin' It World Tour (2016)
• Mario's Concert Tour (2021)
• The Millennium Tour: Turned Up! (2022)
• Champagne and Roses Tour (2023 - 2024)
• The For My Fans Tour (2024)

Virtual Concert

• The Luxury of Love. Live. (2021)

See also

• List of dancers