Mario Dewar Barrett was born August 27, 1986 in Baltimore, Maryland. He performs under the mononym Mario. He is an American R&B singer-songwriter, actor, dancer and model. 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.
He was discovered at age eleven and signed by producer Troy Patterson, after singing “I’ll Make Love to You” at a Coppin State College talent show. Mario attended Milford Mill Academy up until the tenth grade where he was inspired by his music teacher, during his early teen years, and was offered a record deal at the age of fourteen, signing with Clive Davis’ J Records.
Mario began recording his debut album “Mario”, a year before releasing it in July 2002. The lead single “Just a Friend 2002”, which was a cover of Biz Markie’s hit, was an instant success, peaking at #4 on the charts.
As of today Mario has produced four studio albums. Mario’s Do Right Foundation was established on March 2008 to educate and inspire kids who suffer from the drug addictions of their parents. Mario is the new face of PETA in the campaign against killing animals entitled “Ink, Not Mink”. Mario says, “Be comfortable in your own skin, and let animals keep theirs.
