Ciara was born Ciara Princess Harris in Austin, Texas on October 25,
1985. Growing up overseas in various countries, including Germany,
because of her father's military career, she eventually established her
base in Atlanta. Impressed by the sound and career of Destiny's Child,
she decided she wanted to be a singer, and would have to work hard and
sacrifice a lot to get to the top. She had a brief fling as a member of
a girl's group, then abandoned the idea to go solo, and when she found
the right producer, she got her career into high gear.
Ciara's debut album was released in September 2004, called "Goodies." It
was an immediate hit, rising to the top of the charts on both sides of
the Atlantic, including the U.K., Germany and Sweden, and reaching as
far south as Australia and New Zealand. Promoted and guided by producer
Jazze Pha, who signed her to his Sho' Nuff label, and aided by
established star Lil Jon, the album crossed the two million in sales in
the U.S.A. Fueled by single, "1 2 Step," which featured Missy Elliott,
it climbed to the top ten in the U.S. reaching Number 2# by early 2005,
and number #3 in the U.K. Her single, "Oh" which featured Ludacris was
an equal success on charts on both sides of the Atlantic. Later in
2005, she released a DVD of music videos.
It wasn't long before the Princess was featured on singles by numerous
artists, including Missy Elliott and a new love interest. Bow Wow
and Ciara became an item and she was featured in the single "Like You,"
on the star performer's 2005 album, "Wanted." It was a match made for
success and the single climbed to Number #3. She spent the remainder of
2005 touring with Bow Wow and Chris Brown for the "Holladay Jam," then
was asked to perform at the Orange Bowl. It was an opportunity which
expanded the numbers of her appreciative fans, both the audience in
attendance and the millions of television viewers.
By now the rising sensation, who was being called the First Lady of
"Crunk and B", had won her first Grammy along with Missy Elliott for
Best Short Form Music Video. She also performed in a tribute to Sly
Stone. Ciara continues to expand her interests, being featured in an ad
campaign for a clothing and shoe line along with actress and pop
sensation, Hilary Duff.
