Mario Dewar Barrett (born August 27, 1986), who performs under the mononym Mario, is an American Grammy-nominated R&B; and pop singer, actor, model, dancer and philanthropist. He is best known for his hit singles "Just a Friend 2002" (2002) and "Let Me Love You" (2004), which won him two Billboard awards, as well as for appearing in the films Step Up and Freedom Writers. He has released four studio albums: Mario in 2002, Turning Point in 2004, Go...
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Mario Dewar Barrett (born August 27, 1986), who performs under the mononym Mario, is an American Grammy-nominated R&B; and pop singer, actor, model, dancer and philanthropist. He is best known for his hit singles "Just a Friend 2002" (2002) and "Let Me Love You" (2004), which won him two Billboard awards, as well as for appearing in the films Step Up and Freedom Writers. He has released four studio albums: Mario in 2002, Turning Point in 2004, Go! in 2007, and D.N.A. in 2009.
Mario was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and grew up in Pikesville, Randallstown, Gwynn Oak and other working-class neighborhoods in Baltimore County, Maryland. He grew up with his grandmother, who raised him while his single mother struggled with a drug addiction. Mario said at the age of four that he wanted to become a singer. His mother supported his dream and bought him a karaoke machine. Mario joined a musical group in high school with the oldest son of comedienne Mo'nique and best friend Jaye Brebnor. He was...
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