Mario (singer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mario
Mario in 2023
Background information
Birth name	Mario Dewar Barrett
Born	(1986-08-27) August 27, 1986 (age 38) 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 as Mario, is an American R&B singer. He was born and grew up in Baltimore, Maryland.

Mario signed a record deal when he was just 14 years old with J Records. His first album, Mario (2002), was very successful. It included the hit song "Just a Friend 2002," which reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His second album, Turning Point (2004), featured his biggest hit, "Let Me Love You." This song was number one on the charts for nine weeks! It also won two Billboard Music Awards and was nominated for a Grammy Award.

His third album, Go (2007), had popular songs like "How Do I Breathe" and "Crying Out for Me". His fourth album, D.N.A. (2009), included the song "Break Up," which was also very successful. In 2010, Billboard magazine named him one of the "Artist of the Decade." Mario's fifth album, Dancing Shadows (2018), was his first album released independently, meaning he had more control over his music.

Besides singing, Mario has also acted in movies and TV shows. You might have seen him in Step Up (2006), Freedom Writers (2007), or Empire (2018–2020). In 2019, he also starred in the live TV musical Rent.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Mario Dewar Barrett was born on August 27, 1986. His mother is Shawntia Hardaway, and 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 other neighborhoods in Baltimore County, Maryland.

When he was only four years old, Mario knew he wanted to be a singer. His mom supported his dream by buying him a karaoke machine. Mario joined a music group at Milford Mill Academy with friends. He learned to play the piano, which helped him create his own songs and melodies.

Mario attended Milford Mill Academy until tenth grade. His music teacher inspired him during his teenage years. At just 14, he was offered a record deal and signed with Clive Davis' J Records. Mario's musical inspirations include famous artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and Usher. His first step into the music world was singing on the Dr. Dolittle 2 movie soundtrack in 2001.

Music Career Highlights

First Album: Mario (2001–2003)

In July 2001, Mario started recording his first album with a major record label. It was called Mario and was released in March 2002. The first song from the album, "Just a Friend 2002," was a cover of a Biz Markie song and became a big hit, reaching number one on the charts. Other songs released from the album were "Braid My Hair" and "C'mon".

Mario also performed as an opening act on the Scream Tour 3, alongside popular artists like B2K and Marques Houston. By 2006, his first album had sold over 700,000 copies, making him very popular with teen audiences.

Second Album: Turning Point (2004–2006)

After his first album, Mario wanted to make music that felt more grown-up. 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, thanks to the huge hit song "Let Me Love You."

Reviewers said the song was "melodic and sweetly lilting," reminding them of Michael Jackson's romantic songs. "Let Me Love You" was number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks in a row! The song was written by Ne-Yo. Other 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.

Third Album: Go (2007–2008)

Mario's third album, Go, was released in the U.S. on December 11, 2007. Mario had more creative control over this album than his previous ones. He worked with many talented people like Jermaine Dupri, Ne-Yo, and Timbaland.

The first song from the album was "How Do I Breathe," released in May. The second song was "Crying Out for Me," which became certified Gold by the RIAA. This means it sold over 500,000 copies. The album also featured the song "Music for Love." Go sold over 331,000 copies in the U.S.

In 2008, Mario competed on season six of Dancing With the Stars with his dance partner Karina Smirnoff. They made it to week eight of the competition.

Fourth Album: D.N.A. (2009–2010)

For his fourth album, D.N.A., Mario worked with a variety of producers and songwriters. He described this album as having a "world music" feel, mixing old-school R&B with modern dance-pop sounds. He called it his "most personal, colossal album of his career."

The main song from the album, "Break Up," was released on April 28, 2009. It featured Sean Garrett and Gucci Mane. This song became Mario's most successful single in five years, reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Other songs from the album included "Thinkin' About You" and "Ooh Baby."

The album D.N.A. debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200 chart.

New Music and Independent Label (2011–Present)

Mario continued to record new music and explore different sounds. In August 2011, his record label, J Records, became part of RCA Records. Mario then released his future music under the RCA Records label.

In May 2013, Mario released the song "Somebody Else" featuring rapper Nicki Minaj. He also worked with producers like Polow da Don. After some time, Mario decided to leave RCA Records to have more creative freedom.

In 2016, Mario started his own independent record label called New Citizen LLC. He released a new song called "I Need More" and announced his fifth album would be titled Paradise Cove. Later, he changed the album title to Cosmo 17, and then finally to Dancing Shadows.

On July 20, 2018, Mario released the song "Drowning" and its music video. The album Dancing Shadows was finally released on October 5, 2018.

In 2020, Mario released the song "Closer," which is part of his EP (Extended Play) called Closer to Mars. This EP was released on October 16, 2020. He also released "Mars" and "Pretty Mouth Magick" from the EP. Mario has plans for his sixth album to be released in the future.

In 2024, Mario appeared on season twelve of The Masked Singer as "Wasp." He finished in second place and even performed his hit song "Let Me Love You" again!

Other Ventures

Acting Career

Mario has shown his talent in acting as well. He played Miles Darby in the dance movie Step Up, which came out on August 11, 2006. He also appeared in Freedom Writers, released in 2007. Mario has said he would like to start his own film company and become a director someday.

He also appeared on TV shows like One on One and The Electric Company on PBS. In 2019, he played the character "Benny" in the musical Rent: Live, which won an Emmy Award.

Knightwritaz

Knightwritaz was a music production team that Mario was a part of, formed in 2005. The team included other talented artists like Sterling Simms and Marsha. Besides creating songs for Mario's album Go, the team also wrote and produced music for famous singers such as Jennifer Lopez, Chris Brown, and Usher. Mario often worked as a songwriter within the team.

Do Right Foundation

Mario has been involved with the Do Right Foundation. In May, he shared on the foundation's Facebook page that he was re-recording the song "Do Right" from his 2007 album Go.

New Citizen LLC

Since 2016, Mario has owned his own independent record label called New Citizen LLC. This means he has more control over his music and how it is released. He has partnered with companies like EMPIRE and The Orchard to help distribute his music to fans.

Personal Life

In 2009, Mario supported PETA in their campaign against killing animals for fur, called "Ink, Not Mink." He encouraged people to "Be comfortable in your own skin, and let animals keep theirs." Mario has homes in Baltimore, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.

Discography

Studio albums

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

Filmography

Film

Television

Tours

• The Millennium Tour: Turned Up! (2022)
• Champagne and Roses Tour (2023 - 2024)
• The For My Fans Tour (2024)

Images for kids

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  Mario in 2023

See also

In Spanish: Mario (cantante) para niños