Usher's Mother Jonnetta Patton Successfully Built Her Own Empire — Meet Her

R&B singer Usher’s mother, Jonnetta Patton, has been the force behind her son’s success. She shares her story on how she became a successful entrepreneur in the entertainment industry.

It’s not only the Kardashian-Jenner sisters who have Kris Jenner as their “momager.” Renowned R&B icon, Usher, has his own momager, too, and that is Jonetta Patton.

In an interview with the Oprah Winfrey Network series, "Behind Every Man," uploaded on YouTube, Patton shared how her role as a mother and manager pushed her son to the pinnacle of success.

A MOTHER'S INSTINCT

When Usher was still building up his career, Patton decided to help her son after realizing that she needed to do something for her son’s career.

Despite early notions from industry executives that mothers could not separate business from parental love, Patton did the opposite. She said:

"I knew how to separate, but with them I see deception over here, deception over there, so and I prayed to god and said if you allow me to get through this, I’m gonna buy my own building. (sic)"

Instead of entrusting her son’s career to other people, the 63-year-old entrepreneur bought an office space two decades ago as her avenue to make calls for their business.

She soon bought a building, which she called JPat Management. It consisted of a dance studio, recording studio, wardrobe rooms, office spaces, and the administrative office.

With her business power moves, Patton shared that she no longer needed to ask where her son's rehearsals would be, as she was in charge of instructing him where to rehearse, and she got paid.

TAKING ON SEPARATE PATHS

After many years of managing Usher, Patton ended their business relationship in 2007. They reunited again in 2008, but the mother-son duo separated again.

Many fans speculated about the separation, but the "My Boo" singer clarified that he wanted to expand his creativity. The multi-Grammy winner also credited his mother for guiding him in the right direction.

Usher, who continues to enjoy fame and success, recently became a father for the third time.

HELPING THE COMMUNITY

Aside from Patton running a talent management firm, she also became the first local partner for Hungry, an event catering service startup in Atlanta that was launched last year.

The start-up business aims to connect local chefs from the entrepreneur’s kitchen with companies that need catered spreads for certain events.

The start-up also grew in Washington and Philadelphia. Some celebrities have already invested in it, including Jay-Z and Tom Colicchio of “Top Chef.”

Usher, who continues to enjoy fame and success, recently became a father for the third time. The R&B icon and his longtime girlfriend Jenn Goicoechea welcomed their daughter last September.

The singer, who also has two sons from ex-wife Tameka Foster, announced the happy news through an Instagram post. He shared an adorable snap of his baby girl's little hand holding his finger.