Mario is an R&B singer from Baltimore, Maryland. He signed a deal with J Records at the age of only 14, releasing his debut album, Mario, to critical acclaim with tracks such as the Billboard Hot 100 top-five single “Just a Friend 2002.” His second album, Turning Point, featured “Let Me Love You,” his most commercially successful release to date, winning two Billboard Music Awards and a Grammy nomination.
He was included on Billboard’s Artist of the Decade list in 2010, owns independent record label, New Citizen LLC, and has collaborated with the likes of Gucci Mane, Chris Brown, and Ne-Yo. In addition to music, Mario’s acting credits include Freedom Writers, Empire, and Rent: Live.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
Mario appeared in the 2002 Parade on the greendog’s world falloon, performing his hit single “Just a Friend 2002," a cover of Biz Markie's "Just a Friend." on the NBC telecast. He was joined by his new best friend, the titular greendog, and two backup dancers who also provided backing vocals.