USHER RAYMOND IV
African-American, Haitian
Quick Facts
Quick answer: Usher is African-American. His mother is African-American, and his father claims both African-American and Haitian heritage. He identifies as African-American with connections to both communities.
Is Usher Mixed Race? Is He Biracial?
No — Usher is not mixed race in the racial sense. Both his parents are African-American, though his father claims Haitian heritage in addition to African-American identity. However, Haitian heritage is part of African diaspora identity, not a separate racial category. Usher identifies as African-American with possible Haitian family connections.
What Is Usher's Ethnicity?
Usher's ethnicity is African-American. His father, Usher Raymond III, identifies with both African-American and Haitian heritage, though genealogical verification of the Haitian component has been questioned by some researchers. His mother, Jonetta Patton, is African-American.
Usher was born in Dallas, Texas, but was raised mostly in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he developed his musical and performance talents.
Father's Side: African-American & Haitian Roots
Usher Raymond III identifies as African-American with claimed Haitian heritage. However, detailed genealogical documentation of the Haitian ancestry has not been widely publicized or easily verified. His African-American heritage is clearly documented through his family line.
Mother's Side: African-American Heritage
Jonetta Patton, Usher's mother, is African-American. She has been supportive of Usher's entertainment career and is part of his immediate family.
Nationality vs. Ethnicity
Usher is American by nationality, born in Texas. His ethnicity is African-American, and he was raised in the American South, specifically Tennessee.
Spouse's Ethnicity & Children's Heritage
Usher is married to Jenn Goicoechea. His children carry African-American heritage, and their specific ethnic background depends on Jenn's heritage.
Usher in Their Own Words on Race & Identity
Usher has identified as African-American throughout his career and has been a prominent figure in R&B and hip-hop music, genres deeply rooted in African-American culture.
Is Usher Alive?
Yes, Usher is alive as of 2026. He was born on October 14, 1978, making him 47 years old.
Visual Family Tree
Usher Raymond IV (African-American, possibly Haitian)
Usher Raymond III (African-American/Haitian)
Jonetta Patton (African-American)
Sources
Genealogy & Ethnicity Research
Family Background
EthniCelebrity Research Team
Ethnicity & Heritage Writers
Our team specialises in researching and documenting the ethnic backgrounds, nationality, and ancestry of public figures — drawing on genealogical records, interviews, and verified biographical sources.