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2024-09-22 08:21:10

Mariah Carey

American singer with five-octave vocal range
American singer with five-octave vocal range

Mariah Carey is known for her vocal range and melismatic style. She has influenced popular music, broke racial barriers, and holds numerous records. With over 220 million records sold worldwide, she is one of the best-selling music artists. Carey has won multiple Grammy Awards and holds the record for the most Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles by a solo artist.

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1880-03-21
Mariah Carey moves to New York City

A day after graduating from high school, Mariah Carey relocates to New York City to kickstart her singing career.

1969-03-27
Birth of Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey was born on March 27, 1969. She is a renowned American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her impressive vocal range and chart-topping hits.

1970-03-27
Birth of Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey is born in Long Island, New York.

1974-03
Mariah Carey signs with Columbia Records

At the age of 18, Mariah Carey signs a record deal with Columbia Records after taking voice lessons since the age of four.

1987
Graduation from High School

In 1987, Mariah Carey graduated from high school in Greenlawn, New York, before embarking on her journey to pursue a successful singing career in New York City.

1988-01-11
Mariah Carey meets Tommy Mottola

In 1988, Mariah Carey meets Tommy Mottola at a party, marking the beginning of their relationship.

1990-01-11
Release of Mariah Carey's debut album

On January 11, 1990, Mariah Carey released her debut album titled 'Mariah Carey'. The album produced hit singles such as 'Vision of Love,' 'Love Takes Time,' 'Someday,' and 'I Don't Wanna Cry,' all of which reached the number one position on the charts.

1990-05-15
Release of 'Vision Of Love'

Mariah Carey releases her first single, the ballad 'Vision Of Love,' which later climbs to #1 in America, setting her on track to become the best-selling female artist of the '90s.

1990-06-01
Mariah Carey's TV debut

Mariah Carey makes her national TV debut, performing 'Vision Of Love' on The Arsenio Hall Show, which later becomes a chart-topping hit.

1990-06-02
Mariah Carey's debut single enters Hot 100

Mariah Carey's debut single 'Vision Of Love' enters the Hot 100 at #73 and later goes on to reach #1, along with her next four singles.

1990-06-05
Mariah Carey's First Public Appearance at the 1990 NBA Finals

On June 5, 1990, Mariah Carey made her first public appearance at the 1990 NBA Finals, singing 'America the Beautiful'. Her performance included a notable whistle note towards the song's conclusion, which garnered praise and attention.

1990-06-12
Release of Mariah Carey's debut album

Mariah Carey releases her self-titled debut album, which sells 9 million copies in America, with all four of its singles hitting #1.

1990-08-04
Mariah Carey's first #1 hit

Mariah Carey lands her first #1 Hot 100 hit with her debut single 'Vision Of Love,' marking the beginning of her string of chart-toppers in the '90s.

1991-01-17
Release of Mariah Carey's second album, Emotions

On January 17, 1991, Mariah Carey released her second album titled 'Emotions'. The album featured the hit single 'Emotions' which reached the number one spot on the charts. Other singles like 'Can't Let Go' and 'Make It Happen' also achieved Top 5 positions.

1991-09-17
Release of Mariah Carey's Second Studio Album 'Emotions'

On September 17, 1991, Mariah Carey released her second studio album titled 'Emotions'. The album featured the title track as the lead single, which became her fifth chart-topping song on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite receiving praise for its content, 'Emotions' did not reach the same commercial success as her debut album.

1991-10-12
Mariah Carey hits #1 with 'Emotions'

Mariah Carey hits #1 in America with 'Emotions,' the title track to her second album, becoming the first artist to achieve this with their first five singles.

1992-01-17
MTV Unplugged EP Release

Mariah Carey releases an MTV Unplugged EP featuring a cover of the Jackson 5 song, 'I'll Be There'.

1992-03-16
Mariah Carey's MTV Unplugged Performance

On March 16, 1992, Mariah Carey performed an intimate seven-song show at Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens, New York for MTV Unplugged. The performance, which included a cover of the Jackson 5's 'I'll Be There', showcased Carey's vocal prowess and was highly acclaimed.

1993-08-31
Release of Mariah Carey's Album 'Music Box'

On August 31, 1993, Mariah Carey released her album 'Music Box'. The album, produced in collaboration with Walter Afanasieff, received mixed reviews from critics. Despite the reviews, 'Music Box' became one of Carey's best-selling albums with worldwide sales exceeding 28 million copies.

1994-01-17
Release of Merry Christmas Album

Mariah Carey releases a holiday album titled Merry Christmas. The single 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' becomes a hit.

1994-11-01
Release of Mariah Carey's Christmas Album 'Merry Christmas'

On November 1, 1994, Mariah Carey released her Christmas album 'Merry Christmas'. The album featured the iconic holiday hit 'All I Want for Christmas Is You', which has become a seasonal classic and achieved significant commercial success.

1995-09-30
Success of 'Fantasy'

Mariah Carey's 'Fantasy' becomes the second single to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying at the top spot for eight weeks.

1995-12-02
Success of 'One Sweet Day'

Mariah Carey's duet with Boyz II Men, 'One Sweet Day,' hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and holds the top spot for a record 16 weeks.

1996-03-16
16th week at #1 for 'One Sweet Day'

For the 16th consecutive week, Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men's 'One Sweet Day' is #1 in the US.

1997
Release of Mariah Carey's album 'Butterfly'

Mariah Carey's album 'Butterfly' showcased a new musical direction with heavy elements of hip-hop and R&B. The album received critical acclaim for its mature themes and Carey's evolving vocal style.

1998-03-05
Divorce from Tommy Mottola

On March 5, 1998, Mariah Carey divorced Tommy Mottola.

1998-04-14
Debut of VH1 Divas special

The very first VH1 Divas special debuts as a benefit concert for VH1's Save The Music Foundation, featuring headliners like Mariah Carey and Celine Dion.

1998-11-17
Super Tuesday releases

Retailers in the US are hit with a wave of superstar releases on 'Super Tuesday,' including Mariah Carey's #1's album.

1999-11-02
Release of Mariah Carey's album Rainbow

Mariah Carey released her album Rainbow in November 1999, which marked a departure from her previous collaborations and featured new producers. The album had successful singles like 'Heartbreaker' and 'Thank God I Found You', but faced challenges with her record label and lower sales compared to her previous works.

1999-11-05
Mariah Carey's acting debut

Mariah Carey makes her acting debut in the romantic comedy 'The Bachelor,' playing a temperamental opera singer.

2000-04-09
Mariah Carey participates in VH1 Divas concert

On April 9, 2000, Mariah Carey took part in a VH1 Divas concert as a tribute to Diana Ross. This event showcased Carey's talent and contribution to the music industry.

2001-01-17
Behavioral changes and rumors of breakdown

In 2001, Mariah Carey's public behavior became erratic, leading to rumors of a breakdown. She posted concerning messages online, appeared on TRL in a t-shirt, and exhibited rambling conversations.

2001-02-03
Mariah Carey's performance at Super Bowl XXXVI

Mariah Carey's rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' at Super Bowl XXXVI was described as stunning by Billboard, showcasing her vocal prowess and talent.

2001-07-01
Hospitalization and New Record Deal

In July 2001, Mariah Carey was hospitalized for a 'physical and emotional collapse' while preparing to promote her film 'Glitter.' She later signed a new record deal with Universal Music Group's Island/Def Jam Records in May 2002.

2001-07-19
Mariah Carey's breakdown and appearance on Total Request Live

In July 2001, Mariah Carey experienced a physical and emotional breakdown, leading to erratic behavior and distressing messages on her website. She made a memorable appearance on Total Request Live, showcasing her struggles in the public eye.

2001-07-26
Hospitalization of Mariah Carey

On July 26, 2001, Mariah Carey was hospitalized due to exhaustion and a physical and emotional breakdown. This event marked a challenging period in her life and career, leading to a hiatus from the public eye.

2001-09-11
Release of Glitter Album and Film

Mariah Carey's album Glitter, which was also a film soundtrack, faced commercial failure due to setbacks and delays. Both the album and film were released on September 11, 2001.

2001-09-21
Release of 'Glitter'

The film 'Glitter,' starring Mariah Carey as a singer looking to make it big, is released in theaters, earning Carey a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress.

2002-01-09
MTV Cribs tours Mariah Carey's penthouse

MTV Cribs tours Mariah Carey's New York penthouse in a special one-hour episode, showcasing her luxurious lifestyle.

2002-01-17
Signing with Island/Def Jam and MonarC Music label setup

On January 17, 2002, Mariah Carey signed with Island/Def Jam and established her own label, MonarC Music.

2002-03-23
Razzie Award for Mariah Carey

At the 22nd Golden Raspberry Awards, Mariah Carey takes home her first Razzie as Worst Actress for her role in 'Glitter.'

2002-12-03
Release of Charmbracelet album

On December 3, 2002, Mariah Carey released her ninth album, Charmbracelet, which unfortunately did not perform well commercially.

2003
Mariah Carey named the greatest singer of the past twenty years by MTV2

In a 2003 MTV2 online poll, Mariah Carey was ranked as the greatest singer of the past twenty years, earning her the title of 'Songbird Supreme' by the Guinness World Records.

2005-08-24
Arrest of Mariah Carey's Sister for Prostitution

Alison Carey, Mariah Carey's sister, is arrested for prostitution after offering sex to an undercover officer. She has struggled with alcohol and drug addiction for years and has a turbulent relationship with her family.

2005-09-01
Mariah Carey at MTV Video Music Awards

Mariah Carey makes an appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards held in Miami.

2005-09-25
Mariah Carey's Record-Breaking Week on Billboard Hot 100

During the week of September 25, 2005, Mariah Carey became the first woman to occupy the first two spots atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart with 'We Belong Together' and 'Shake It Off'. This achievement marked a significant milestone in her career.

2005-11-12
Awards for Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey wins Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for 'The Emancipation of Mimi' at the Vibe Awards.

2006-12-11
Certification for 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'

'All I Want For Christmas Is You' by Mariah Carey becomes the first ringtone certified Gold for sales of over 500,000.

2008-04-30
Release of E=MC² Album

Mariah Carey releases her eleventh album, E=MC², which debuts at #1 on the Billboard 200 and sells 463,000 copies in its first week, marking the biggest opening week of her career.

2009-01-20
Mariah Carey Performs 'Hero' at Neighborhood Inaugural Ball

On January 20, 2009, Mariah Carey performed her hit song 'Hero' at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball after Barack Obama was sworn in as the first African-American president of the United States. Her performance was well-received.

2009-07-07
Mariah Carey's Performance at Michael Jackson's Memorial Service

On July 7, 2009, Mariah Carey, alongside Trey Lorenz, performed a rendition of The Jackson 5 song 'I'll Be There' at the memorial service for Michael Jackson. Her heartfelt performance paid tribute to the late King of Pop.

2009-09-25
Release of Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel

Carey's twelfth studio album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, was released. The album received mixed reviews with some critics praising it as her most interesting album in a decade, while others criticized her vocal performances. Commercially, it debuted at number three on the Billboard 200.

2009-09-28
Release of Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel Album

Mariah Carey releases her twelfth album, Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel, which debuts at #3 on the Billboard 200 and sells 168,000 copies in its first week.

2009-11-06
Release of 'Precious'

The Lee Daniels film 'Precious' debuts in the US, featuring Mariah Carey in a supporting role.

2009-12-31
Start of Angels Advocate Tour

Carey embarked on her seventh concert tour, Angels Advocate Tour, which visited the United States and Canada. The tour ended on September 26, 2010. A planned remix album of Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, titled Angels Advocate, was eventually cancelled.

2010-11-01
Release of Merry Christmas II You Album

On November 1, 2010, she released her thirteenth album, Merry Christmas II You, which is her second Christmas album. The album debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200 and sold 56,000 copies in its first week.

2010-11-02
Release of Merry Christmas II You

Carey released her second Christmas album, Merry Christmas II You, which debuted at number four on the Billboard 200. The album included a remix of 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' and featured collaborations with Tony Bennett and Justin Bieber.

2010-11-29
Debut of Jewelry and Shoe Line on HSN

On November 29, 2010, she launched her jewelry and shoe line on HSN (Home Shopping Network), with her husband Nick making a call into the show.

2011-01-17
Interview with Barbara Walters

She tells Barbara Walters about playing a live version of her song 'Fantasy' during childbirth for her twins to hear applause as they were born.

2011-04-30
Birth of Mariah Carey's twins

Mariah Carey and her husband Nick Cannon welcome twins: daughter Monroe and son Moroccan.

2012-03-01
Performance at Gotham Hall

Carey performed at New York City's Gotham Hall, her first performance since her pregnancy. She also sang at a fundraiser for US President Barack Obama and debuted a new song titled 'Bring It On Home' in support of Obama's re-election campaign.

2013-08-16
Film Appearance in The Butler

She appears in the film The Butler as Cecil’s mother, alongside Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey.

2014-03-27
Film Appearance in The Butler

She appears in the film The Butler as Cecil’s mother, alongside Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey.

2014-08-17
Separation of Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon

After months of speculation, Nick Cannon confirms the separation from Mariah Carey in August 2014.

2014-10-04
Mariah Carey's Ad Libs During Performance in Tokyo

While performing at the Makuhari Messe Arena in Tokyo, Mariah Carey ad libs during the song “Don’t Explain” by Billie Holiday, saying, “I know you cheated, motherfucker.”

2014-12-12
Divorce from Nick Cannon

Nick Cannon files for divorce from Mariah Carey after six years of marriage.

2014-12-15
Mariah Carey performs with a lost shoe

During a holiday concert at NYC's Beacon Theater, Mariah Carey loses a shoe but continues performing with it in her hand. She later sings 'Hero' while visibly crying.

2015-01-17
Mariah Carey emotional performance

In January 2015, Mariah Carey delivers an emotional performance, possibly during one of her concerts.

2015-01-30
Signing with Sony Music via Epic Records

Carey left Universal Music Group's Def Jam Recordings to reunite with L.A. Reid and Sony Music via Epic Records. She also announced her #1 to Infinity residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and released a greatest hits compilation album.

2015-03-25
Carpool Karaoke with James Corden

Mariah Carey joins James Corden for the first installment of Carpool Karaoke.

2016-03-15
Filming Mariah's World Docu-series

On March 15, 2016, Mariah Carey announced the filming of Mariah's World, a docu-series for the E! network showcasing her Sweet Sweet Fantasy tour and wedding planning process.

2016-12-31
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve Performance

On December 31, 2016, Mariah Carey's performance on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve faced technical difficulties with her in-ear monitors malfunctioning, leading to a widely covered 'performance train wreck'.

2017-02-03
Release of Single 'I Don't'

On February 3, 2017, Mariah Carey released the single 'I Don't' featuring YG.

2017-11-14
Release of Animated Christmas Film

On November 14, 2017, Mariah Carey's animated Christmas film, 'Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You', was released direct-to-video, featuring an original song called 'Lil' Snowman'.

2017-12-31
Return Performance on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve

On December 31, 2017, Mariah Carey returned to perform on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, marking a 'made-for-television act of pop culture redemption' after previous technical difficulties.

2018-11-15
Resurgence of 'Glitter'

Thanks to the hashtag #JusticeForGlitter, Mariah Carey's 2001 album 'Glitter' climbs to #1 on the iTunes US Albums chart.

2018-11-16
Release of Album 'Caution'

On November 16, 2018, Mariah Carey released her album 'Caution', which received universal acclaim from critics and debuted at number five on the Billboard 200.

2019-08-25
Mariah Carey signs a $12 million contract with Walkers crisps brand for Christmas campaign

On August 25, 2019, Mariah Carey signed a lucrative $12 million contract with the Walkers crisps brand as part of their Christmas campaign, showcasing her influence in the advertising world.

2019-11-01
Re-release of Holiday Album 'Merry Christmas'

On November 1, 2019, Mariah Carey re-released her holiday album 'Merry Christmas' for its 25th anniversary, including live performances and additional tracks.

2019-11-24
Mariah Carey's song 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' wins three Guinness World Records

On November 24, 2019, Mariah Carey's iconic holiday song 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' won three Guinness World Records for its achievements and popularity.

2019-12-21
Success of 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'

'All I Want For Christmas Is You' by Mariah Carey goes to #1 in America for the first time, 25 years after its initial release.

2020-01-04
Mariah Carey's Hot 100 achievement

Mariah Carey becomes the first artist to top the Hot 100 in four different decades with 'All I Want For Christmas Is You.'

2020-03-27
Mariah Carey's 50th Birthday Celebration

On March 27, 2020, Mariah Carey celebrated her 50th birthday by working on new music in the studio. The iconic singer marked the milestone with gratitude and creativity.

2020-09-29
Release of Memoir: The Meaning of Mariah Carey

On September 29, 2020, Mariah Carey released her memoir 'The Meaning of Mariah Carey,' sharing personal stories and experiences.

2020-10-02
Release of The Rarities Album

In October 2020, Mariah Carey released the album 'The Rarities,' featuring 32 tracks of rare and unreleased songs.

2020-12-04
Premiere of Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special

Mariah Carey's 2020 Christmas special, Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special, premiered on December 4, 2020, on Apple TV+ along with a soundtrack.

2021-11-05
Release of 'Fall in Love at Christmas' featuring Khalid and Kirk Franklin

On November 5, 2021, Carey released 'Fall in Love at Christmas', which features Khalid and Kirk Franklin.

2022-01-12
Announcement of children's picture book 'The Christmas Princess'

On January 12, 2022, Carey announced a children's picture book titled The Christmas Princess, co-written with Michaela Angela Davis and illustrated by Fuuji Takashi.

2022-12-11
Premiere of 'Some Like It Hot' on Broadway

Carey served as a co-producer of Some Like It Hot on Broadway, a musical based on the 1959 comedy film Some Like It Hot. Carey's show premiered on December 11, 2022, at the Shubert Theatre in Manhattan, New York.

2023-09-08
Release of deluxe version of Music Box

On September 8, 2023, Carey released a deluxe version of Music Box in celebration of the album's thirtieth anniversary.

2023-11-19
Receiving Billboard Music Award for Chart Achievement

On November 19, 2023, Carey was awarded the Billboard Music Award for Chart Achievement.

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Mariah Carey
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