by Janell Hazelwood
June 15, 2011
Black Music Month: Celebrity Managers Who Took Star Children to the Top
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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