Chattanooga native and R&B superstar Usher Raymond shocked students at the Tyner Academy here in Chattanooga on Monday by making a surprise appearance.
He spoke to the students about celebrating their African American heritage as part of black history month and about being passionate about their talents and gifts.
Usher Raymond visits students at Tyner Middle School.
This is not the first time that Usher had made an appearance in his hometown. In September he performed at Dalewood Middle School where he once attended and made a contribution to the schools fundraiser for art supplies.
In 2015 he visited the Center for Creative Arts, Orange Grove Center, and Dalewood Middle School.
“Part of the reason I always returned back here, no matter how far I traveled, was because of Nancy, my nanny,” the singer said. “It was because of her belief in me at a young age that I pursued my dreams. I hope to be able to give you guys a little bit of that hope, and that belief that you can make it. Whatever you want to do, I promise you can do it.”
Usher first propelled to stardom in 1999 with his single “You Make Me Wanna…” which won Best Male R&B/Soul Single. Since then he propelled to the top of the music industry including winning numerous Grammys, and was named one of the Hot 100 Artists of the 2000’s decade by Billboard Magazine.