Mariah Carey is a renowned American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She has achieved global recognition for her five-octave vocal range, songwriting prowess, and captivating stage presence. Carey has sold over 200 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Amidst her illustrious career, a question that often arises is whether Mariah Carey attended college. The answer is no. After graduating from Harborfields High School in Greenlawn, New York, in 1987, Carey pursued her musical aspirations wholeheartedly. She moved to New York City to work as a waitress and a coat check girl while simultaneously writing songs and actively seeking a record deal.
Did Mariah Carey Go To College?- Early Life
On March 27, 1969, in Huntington, New York, Carey was born. The song “They Call the Wind Maria” from the 1951 Broadway production Paint Your Wagon is the inspiration for her name. Patricia (née Hickey), an Irish-born opera singer and vocal coach, and Alfred Roy Carey, an African-American and Afro-Venezuelan aeronautical engineer. The last name Carey was adopted by her Venezuelan grandfather, Francisco Núñez after he emigrated to New York. She is the youngest of three children.
During her years in elementary school, she excelled in the arts, such as music and literature. Carey began writing poetry and lyrics while attending Harborfields High School in Greenlawn, New York, where she graduated in 1987. Mariah moved 40 miles from Huntington to Manhattan, one of the most densely populated cities in New York, following her high school graduation.
Mariah was a cosmetology student and by day she worked as a waitress and coat checker. Mariah was pursuing her aspirations of becoming a pop star by night. Carey moved into a Manhattan one-bedroom apartment with four other female students. She was hired to provide backup vocals for Brenda K. Starr, a freestyle singer.
Musical Career
Carey’s subsequent albums, including Emotions (1991), Music Box (1993), and Daydream (1995), were all critical and commercial successes. She became one of the most popular and successful artists of the 1990s and was known for her pop and R&B hits, as well as her glamorous image.
In the late 1990s, Carey’s career began to falter. She had many high-profile public breakdowns, and her relationship with Mottola ended in a bitter divorce. However, she made a comeback with her album Butterfly (1997), which featured a more mature and introspective sound.
Carey continued to release successful albums throughout the 2000s, including The Emancipation of Mimi (2005), which won Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album and Best R&B Song. She also had a successful acting career, appearing in films such as Glitter (2001) and Precious (2009).
In recent years, Carey has continued to release new music and tour extensively. She is a global icon and one of the most successful music artists of all time. She has won five Grammy Awards, nineteen World Music Awards, and ten American Music Awards. She has also sold over 200 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Here is a timeline of Mariah Carey’s career:
- 1990: Releases self-titled debut album, which wins Grammy Award for Best New Artist
- 1991: Releases album Emotions, which includes hit singles “Can’t Let Go” and “I’ll Be There”
- 1993: Releases album Music Box, which includes hit singles “Dreamlover” and “Hero”
- 1995: Releases album Daydream, which includes hit singles “Fantasy” and “Always Be My Baby”
- 1997: Releases album Butterfly, which includes hit singles “The Roof (Gets Hotter)” and “My All”
- 2005: Releases album The Emancipation of Mimi, which includes hit singles “We Belong Together” and “Don’t Forget About Us”
- 2008: Releases album E=MC²
- 2009: Releases album Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel
- 2011: Releases album Merry Christmas II You
- 2014: Releases album You Don’t Know What You’ve Got Till It’s Gone
- 2018: Releases album Caution
- 2020: Releases album R.E.M.
Carey is an inspiration to aspiring artists around the world. She has shown that it is possible to achieve great success through talent, hard work, and determination.
Did Mariah Carey Go To College
No, Mariah Carey did not attend college. After graduating from Harborfields High School in Greenlawn, New York, in 1987, she pursued her musical aspirations wholeheartedly. She moved to New York City to work as a waitress and a coat check girl while simultaneously writing songs and actively seeking a record deal. This decision to forego college and embrace her musical calling proved to be a successful one, as Carey went on to become one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Awards and Nominations
Mariah Carey is one of the most decorated artists of all time, having received numerous awards and nominations throughout her illustrious career. Her accolades include five Grammy Awards, nineteen World Music Awards, and ten American Music Awards. She is also an inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Grammy Awards:
- Best New Artist (1991)
- Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (1991, 1992, 1995, 1998)
- Best R&B Song (“We Belong Together” – 2006)
World Music Awards:
- World’s Best-Selling Female Artist of the Millennium (2000)
- World’s Best-Selling Pop Female Artist of the Millennium (2000)
- World’s Best-Selling Artist of the Decade (1990s)
- World’s Best-Selling Pop Artist of the Decade (1990s)
- World’s Best-Selling R&B Artist of the Decade (1990s)
American Music Awards:
- Artist of the Decade (1990s)
- Favourite Pop/Rock Female Artist (1995, 1998)
- Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist (1995, 1998)
- Favourite Pop/Rock Album (“Music Box” – 1994)
- Favorite Soul/R&B Album (“Music Box” – 1994)
Other Awards:
- Billboard Music Award for Artist of the Decade (1990s)
- BET Award for Best Female R&B Artist (1995, 1996, 1998)
- MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video (“Fantasy” – 1995)
- Soul Train Music Award for Best Female R&B Single (“Fantasy” – 1995)
- BRIT Award for Best International Female Artist (1997)
- Echo Award for Best International Female Artist (1998)
- NRJ Music Award for International Female Artist of the Year (1998)
Conclusion
Mariah Carey’s decision to forgo college and pursue her musical aspirations wholeheartedly serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists worldwide. It demonstrates that with unwavering passion, dedication, and a willingness to carve one’s path, success can be achieved without adhering to conventional expectations. Carey’s remarkable journey underscores the power of self-belief and the ability to transform innate talent into extraordinary accomplishments.
While college education undoubtedly holds immense value, Carey’s story exemplifies that alternative paths can also lead to remarkable heights. Her unwavering commitment to her craft and her ability to navigate the complexities of the music industry without the traditional support of a college degree serve as a testament to her resilience and determination.
Carey’s legacy extends beyond her musical achievements, as she has become an icon for self-empowerment and pursuing one’s dreams. Her story inspires individuals to embrace their passions, challenge norms, and forge their unique trajectories towards success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Did Mariah Carey attend college?
No, Mariah Carey did not attend college. After graduating from high school in 1987, she focused entirely on her musical career.
Q2: Why did Mariah Carey not go to college?
Mariah Carey chose to forego college to pursue her musical aspirations wholeheartedly. She believed that her talent, determination, and work ethic were more important than a college degree.
Q3: What advice would Mariah Carey give to aspiring artists?
Mariah Carey would likely advise aspiring artists to follow their passions and work hard towards their goals. She would also encourage them to believe in themselves and not be afraid to challenge conventional norms.