Usher Raymond IV - Honorees - The Gordon Parks Foundation

Challenging himself creatively and testing musical boundaries are characteristics that have defined Usher’s career since he was first discovered twenty years ago on Star Search. The Recording Industry Association of America ranked Usher as one of the best-selling artists in American music history, having sold over 46 million albums worldwide. He has won numerous awards including 8 Grammy Awards and was named the #1 Hot 100 artist of the 2000s decade. Usher’s business ventures include a best-selling line of fragrances, and a business venture with RBMG (Raymond Braun Media Group). Realizing that with success comes responsibility, Usher has also proven to be a major philanthropic force. Founded in 1999, his New Look Foundation empowers youth from impoverished communities to become leaders.