Maria Carey comes from a rather troubled background. Born on the 27^th March 1970, her Irish-Venezuelan parents divorced when she was only 3 years old.
She left her native Long Island at an early age. Her brother and sister felt the pressure of the split of their parents as well as herself. Her sister turned to prostitution and became a drug addict and her brother fought cerebral palsy but eventually took up body building and kick-boxing and has even fought at the Madison Square Garden.

After working as a waitress and singing backup vocals for Brenda Starr, her luck changed when Brenda gave music executive Tommy Mottola Mariah's demo cd to listen to. He was immediately impressed and signed her up and then went on to marry her.
The marriage didn't last long and as Mottola was, at that time, president of CBS/Columbia Records, rumours spread as to the real reason behind Carey's romantic link with him.

However, her music and voice speak for themselves. Over the past decade she has become the most successful female artist with 13 #1 American chart hits (quote from the 'Q' Rock Stars Encyclopedia). Her debut single "Visions Of Love" from the album "Mariah Carey" started the ball rolling and after overcoming her shyness of performing in front of live audience she never looked back.

During her career Mariah has sung with other famous names, including Luther Vandross, Celine Dion and not too long ago with her apparent chief rival in music business, Whitney Houston, on the smash hit "When you believe".

Despite all the fame and fortune she is still being criticized in the public. After the re-release of Harry Nilsson's old hit "Without You" she was accused of cashing in on his unfortunate death and literally going over the top with her voice when performing the song.

Still, her many awards say it all, as she has been voted best femal and vocal artist at the Grammy Awards, best new female singer (Rolling Stone Magazine), top AC artist (American Music Awards) and more recently she was awarded a special Billboard Hot 100 Award for the most #1s from a female solo artist.

One of her latest projects was 'VH1 Divas Live' on which she appeared together with Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin and Shania Twain.

Whether you're in critical opposition to or an admirer of her music, the fact remains that Mariah Carey has become one of the most outstanding recording artists of modern day's music business.