Mario Dewar Barrett (born August 27, 1986), known mononymously as Mario, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, model, and actor. Born and raised in Baltimore, he signed a record deal with J Records at the age of fourteen, and recorded his self-titled debut album released in 2002. It includes the top 10 single, "Just a Friend 2002". His second album Turning Point, was released in 2004, and produced the number one single "Let Me Love You", which won him two Billboard Music Awards. His third studio album Go was released in December 2007, and included the singles "How Do I Breathe", "Crying Out for Me" and "Music for Love". His fourth studio album D.N.A. was released in 2009, and included the singles "Break Up" (featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett) and "Thinkin' About You". At the end of the 2000s decade, Mario was ranked No. 98 by Billboard on their "Artist of the Decade" list. His fifth album Dancing Shadows, released in 2018, saw him in a more introspective sound than previous albums.
Aside from his career in music, he appeared in several television shows and films such as Step Up (2006), Freedom Writers (2007) and Empire (2018–2020). In 2019, Mario starred in the live television production of the musical Rent.
Early life and education
Barrett was born on August 27, 1986, to his mother Shawntia Hardaway and father Derryl Barrett Sr., a singer in a gospel group called Reformation. He also has a half-brother Derryl "D.J." Barrett Jr., who is a professional drummer. He grew up in west Baltimore and other working-class neighborhoods in Baltimore County, Maryland. He lived with his grandmother, who raised him while his single mother struggled with drug addiction. At the age of four, Mario proclaimed that he wanted to become a singer. In support of his dream, his mother bought him a karaoke machine. Mario joined a musical group in Milford Mill Academy with the oldest son of comedian Mo'Nique and best friend Jaye Brebnor and also his younger god sister Chea Tyler. Barrett learned to play the piano and used that skill as the basis for his melodies and songs. He was discovered at age eleven and signed by producer Troy Patterson, after singing "I'll Make Love to You" at a Coppin State College talent show. Mario attended Milford Mill Academy up until the tenth grade where he was inspired by his music teacher, during his early teen years, and was offered a record deal at the age of fourteen, signing with Clive Davis' J Records. His musical influences include Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men, Michael Jackson, Usher, and Joe. His first introduction to the music industry was the Dr. Dolittle 2 movie soundtrack in 2001. He sang a cover of the Stevie Wonder song "You and I" at Clive's Grammy party in 2002, and began recording an album.
