Chris Brown Biography

Fast Facts

• Won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist in 2006
• Started imitating Michael Jackson's dance moves at age 2 and soon began singing in his church choir and competing in talent shows
• Was discovered by a record producer at age 13 and signed to Jive Records by 15
• Produced four top 10 singles in his debut, self-titled R&B album, which went double platinum
• Quote: "I drew a lot of inspiration from the Ginuwines, the Ushers, the Michael Jacksons, the James Browns, Sam Cooke․ I was never afraid to take those steps or cross those boundaries of trying to be equal to those guys․"
• Quote: "You can take my life story or scenarios or songs and relate to them, and apply them to your everyday life․ You know, whether it be personal or musical, I just think I'm a walking art piece, just a ball of creativity․"
• Has been in the R&B industry since his teenage years, in which he produced two double platinum albums
• Released four hit singles in 2005, including "Kiss Kiss," "Forever," "With You" and "Run It!"
• Invested in Burger King by buying 14 franchises of the restaurant chain
• Studied parkour and martial arts to prepare for his role in the film "Takers․"
• Once received a phone call from his idol Michael Jackson, who exclaimed to be a fan of his song "Shortie Like Mine․"
• Was once pulled off stage while performing on his Up Close & Personal tour when he reached out to touch the hands of several girls in the audience