Usher is one of few R&B acts from the ‘90s who has gone on to become a global superstar. Since the start of his 30-year career, Usher has sold over 65 million records worldwide. He’s also starred in the Broadway musical Chicago, been a coach on The Voice, and recently added a Las Vegas residency to his long list of artistic achievements.
On today's episode Justin Richmond talks to Usher about why conflict has always been a big motivator in his songwriting—especially when working with producer Jermaine Dupri on his 2004 classic album, Confessions. Usher also explains how elder statesmen like Quincy Jones have helped him maintain a level of sophistication throughout his career. And he reveals why he thinks his first ever single was too raunchy.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Usher songs HERE.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kaytranada
Old Crow Medicine Show
Béla Fleck
Nilüfer Yanya
Neneh Cherry
Lyle Lovett
The Doors: Robby Krieger and John Densmore
Danny Brown and Johnny Echols on Love's Forever Changes
Sonny Rollins
Adrian Quesada
J Dilla: Dan Charnas on the Life and Legacy of Jay Dee
PJ Morton
Sharon Van Etten
Tom Jones
Belle and Sebastian
Michael Stipe
Chad Smith
Flea
John Frusciante and Anthony Kiedis
John Frusciante
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Revisionist History
Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
The Last Archive
Solvable