Mario Dewar Barrett, professionally known as Mario, was born on August 27, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland. Raised primarily by his grandmother until her passing when he was 12, Mario had a challenging upbringing. His mother, Shawntia Hardaway, struggled with addiction, making their relationship difficult. Nevertheless, she remained his primary inspiration to pursue a singing career, encouraging his musical talents from an early age.
By the age of four, Mario had already begun singing. He participated in multiple local talent contests throughout his childhood and revealed aspirations of becoming a music star as early as age 11. His standout performance of a Boyz II Men song at a local talent show marked a turning point, capturing the attention of industry insiders and setting his career in motion.
Mario signed his first record deal with manager Troy Patterson, who became a mentor and father figure to him. His big break came when Clive Davis, the legendary music executive and founder of J Records, discovered him. Davis, known for launching the careers of artists such as Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys, was impressed by Mario’s vocal talent and quickly brought him under his label.
In 2002, Mario released his debut single, “Just a Friend 2002,” a modern take on Biz Markie’s 1989 hit. The single was a commercial success, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and surpassing the popularity of the original. That same year, he released his self-titled debut album, which featured tracks like “Braid My Hair,” “C’Mon,” and “Put Me On.” The album reached number nine on the Billboard 200, propelling Mario to stardom at just 15 years old and earning him a devoted fan base, particularly among teenage audiences.
| Birth Date: | 27 Aug, 1986 |
| Age: | 33 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Baltimore |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American singer, songwriter and actor |
| Net Worth 2021: | 14 million |
