Biography of Marques Houston

Marques Barrett Houston was born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles to Michael and Carolyn Houston; he inherited the African and Mexican blood. He is a cousin of Jarell Houston, better known as J-Boog, an American singer and actor. He lost his mother due to lymphoma, a type of cancer. Houston was so afflicted by her death, that he wrote songs on his mother's battle against the disease and her eventual death.

Music Career and Band
As a child, Houston always dreamt big and wanted to become a celebrity; so with his childhood mates Jerome "Romeo" Jones and Kelton "LDB" Keessee, he formed the band 'Immature'. Chris Stokes was the manager and Houston was the best lead singer of the band. The band released their debut album On Our Worst Behavior in 1992; it was a chart-topping hit. Later, they released three more albums; Playtyme is Over (1994), We Got It (1995) and The Journey (1997). In 1999, the group changed their band name and released two albums under its new name IMx; Introducing IMx (1999) and Imx (2001). The band also worked together in films and television shows like House Party 4: Down to the Last Minute and A Different World, respectively; before dissolving in 2002.

Solo Music Career
Houston formed a production company called Franchise Boys with Omarion and their manager, Chris Stokes. Houston released many solo albums and became the executive producer of his albums. On October 21, 2003, he released his debut solo album MH, that featured songs like; 'That Girl', 'Clubbin', 'Pop That Booty' and 'Because of You'. The album became very popular in United States and ranked at number 18 on the Billboard 200 and number 5 on the Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. His next album Naked, released in 2005 was another hit with songs like; 'All Because of You', 'Naked' and 'Sex Wit You'. In 2007, Houston released his third album Veteran. This album featured songs like; 'Like This', 'Favorite Girl', 'Circle' and 'Wonderful'. The album comprised of 11 tracks, that portrayed different emotions like love, break-ups, etc. Veteran peaked at number 5 on the Billboard 200 and number 1 in Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-hop Albums. In 2009, he will be releasing his next album Mr. Houston having singles like 'Sunset', 'Tonight', etc.

Houston made a guest appearance for his former band mate, Jerome 'Romeo' Jones' (popularly known as Young Rome) album, Food for Thought (2004), on the songs 'Sexapade' and 'Whatcha Doin' Tonight'. Jones also made a guest appearance in Houston's album Naked, on the song 'All Because of You'. Recently, they have worked together on a song, 'For Your Love', from the unreleased album of Jones. Houston also featured in two more music videos 'Good Lookin' Out' by Mila J and 'Yung Joc' by Yung Joc.

Acting Career and Awards
Houston made his acting debut along with his 'Immature' bandmates in a comedy film House Party 3 in 1994. He also played the role of a voice artist for a character, Khalil in an animated movie, Bebe's Kids in 1992. Houston also featured in other movies like, Good Burger (1997), House Party 4: Down to the Last Minute (2001), You Got Served, Fat Albert (2004), Somebody Help Me (2007) and Backdown, Boogie Town (2009).

Houston also acted in many television shows like, A Different World (1993), Family Matters (1996), The Parent 'Hood (1996), Sister, Sister (1994-1997), Rock Me, Baby (2003), One on One (2004-2006) and Cuts (2005-2006). His role as Roger Evans (the next door neighbor of Tia and Tamera), in the comedy serial Sister, Sister became quite popular.

He also put-up his own television shows, UPN's Cuts, a sub-series of another UPN show and One on One. Houston won the Youth Artist Award in 1995 in the category, 'Best Youth Comedian' for a TV show Sister, Sister. In 2004, he was nominated for MTV Movie Awards in the 'Best Dance Sequence' category, for 'You Got Served'. In the same year, he and Joe Budden were nominated for the Mobo Award, as Best Collaboration for 'Clibbins'. In 2005, Houston was nominated for Teen Choice Awards and Vibe Award for the TV show 'Cuts' and song 'All Because of You', respectively.

Facts about Marques Houston

• Marques is 5'10'' tall. He likes basketball, reading books, and racing cars.
• He idolizes Michael Jackson and loves Boyz II Men as they influenced him to create his own band.
• He wrote a song 'Please Don't Go', before his mother died and 'Alone', in her memory.
• Marques is like a brother to singer Omarion; they are not biological brothers.
• In June 2005, he was voted as one of the most eligible bachelor by the Ebony magazine.
• He is a great fan of singer Chris Brown.
• Houston was married to actress Tanee McCall, but they divorced later.

Marques Houston's hard work and talent has fulfilled his dreams; he is a well-known celebrity in Hollywood and quite popular among the female fans. This American pop singer and actor can be conceived as a role model by us.