When it comes to talent, these celebrities are counted among the best, and they just so happen to have one thing in common: parent managers. For Black Music Month, we highlight six stars and their parents who noticed early star quality in their children and managed their careers straight to music industry success.
Manager, Mathew Knowles
Singer, actress, Beyonce; Singer, actress Solange Knowles
Though this R&B diva recently parted ways, professionally, with her father, it’s undeniable his influence in her success with multi-platinum-selling Destiny’s Child and as a solo artist. Beyonce has earned more than a dozen Grammy awards; has been lauded as the Artist of the Decade by Billboard and the RIAA; and has sold more than 75 million records worldwide, putting her in the ranks of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her brand also includes acting, including her breakout role in the Oscar award-winning Dreamgirls; fashion design, with House of Dereon; and endorsements of brands including Pepsi, Tommy Hilfiger, Armani and L’Oreal.
Her star sibling, Solange, has built her own empire, venturing into entrepreneurship with House of Dereon, composing her own music as well as music for Beyonce and Destiny’s Child, and releasing critically acclaimed albums. She is also famously known for her work on the top-rated children’s show, Yo Gaba Gaba, and her several film and TV roles including the Bring It On franchise.
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Manager: Sonja Norwood
Singer, actress, Brandy; Singer, actor, Ray J Norwood
Viewers got a close look into the ups and downs of momager Sonja Norwood in VH1’s A Family Affair, where she and her star children, Brandy and Ray J Norwood, worked through challenges of doing business with kin. Under Norwood’s management, Brandy has seen major success, first as the lead actor on UPN’s top-rated Moesha
, then as a multi-platinum selling teen sensation with her music debut, Brandy, and on to more success as a co-star in the I Know What You Did Last Summer blockbuster film franchise. She’s landed endorsements with several companies, including Cover Girl and Sensationnel. Her son, Ray J, earned his own reality TV fame on VH1’s For the Love of Ray J, and has several music and acting endeavors under his belt.Continued on next page
Manager: Tina Douglas
Singer, actress, Ashanti
Singer Ashanti and her mother, Tina Douglas, have walked a diversely successful journey that includes a top-selling, breakout 2002 debut, Ashanti
; endorsements with Candies Apparel and Herbal Essensces; her own book, Foolish/Unfoolish: Reflections on Love; roles in films including Coach Carter, co-starring Samuel L. Jackson, and John Tucker Must Die; and her own fragrance.
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Manager: Teresa Caldwell
Hip-hop artist, actor, Bow Wow
Under mom Teresa Caldwell’s management, Bow Wow went from a pint-sized, platinum-selling, rap phenom endorsed by hip-hop heavyweight Snoop Dog, to Hollywood, landing roles in movies including Roll Bounce and box-office hit franchise The Fast and Furious.
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Manager: Jonetta Patton
Singer, actor, Usher
One of the 21st century’s best all-around entertainers, Usher’s humble beginnings and later successes were guided by his mother, Jonetta Patton, him from early talent showcases to multi-platinum album sales and sold-out arenas. Though the two infamously parted ways first in 2007 and then reunited professionally in 2008, it’s undeniable the influence his mom had his transformation into uber-entertainer and entrepreneur: He’s part-owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers and founder of US Records, to which pop sensation Justin Bieber is signed.
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Manager: Tina Davis
Singer, actor, Chris Brown
Entertainer Chris Brown and his momager, Tina Davis, went from local talent showcases in his native Virginia to major award-winning success with his 2005 album, Chris Brown. His double-platinum-selling debut led to award-winning frenzy, including wins from Billboard Music Awards to MTV awards. In 2009, Davis had to play both mom and manager, standing strong by her son’s side as he faced a felony assault conviction, major public scrutiny, and the loss of a Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co endorsement deal after the highly publicized incident between he and entertainer Rihanna.