Awakenings: ♫"Boy Wonder"♫

Having placed so much emphasis on music as it transitioned through the 20th century, let's move forward with insights into the impact music is having in the 21st century. Foundations have been laid for varying genres but as with today's spotlight, R&B from the 21st Century is still intimate on the scene. With February being the month of love, what better way to start the month than with ...

Today in Music History: February 1

Welcome into the Spotlight...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hall_%26_Oates

Mario Dewar Barrett: American R&B singer/songwriter, actor, dancer, model and record producer known mononymously as Mario

Mario knew at an early age, actually four years old, that he wanted to be a singer. He was supported by his mother who started him on the music path by buying him a karaoke machine. His discovery came when he sang "I'll Make Love to You" at the age of 11 at a Coppin State College Talent Show. He was signed by producer Troy Patterson and at age 14 offered a record deal with Clive Davis' J Records. Having developed his talents at such a young age, Mario sometimes refers to himself as "Boy Wonder".

After touring America with other young artists Mario returned with the "Turning Point" album in December 2004, at the age of 18. The first single, "Let Me Love You", became Mario's first US number one and an international hit, and the album's fresh sounds and often surprising lyrics introduced him to a wider audience. [Source: Mario Biography]

2005 Mario's release 'Let Me Love You' held the No.1 position on the US Billboard chart for nine weeks, and was also No.1 in Germany and New Zealand.

This was produced by Scott Storch, a Canadian who had previously worked with Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé and Terror Squad. Storch co-wrote the song with Kameron Houff and Ne-Yo, who wrote the lyrics. It was the first American #1 Ne-Yo worked on. [Source: songfacts.com]