2000 | Debut as TV producer with Showtime series adaptation of "Soul Food"; served as an executive producer; received Emmy nomination for composing the show's theme with Al Green |
1999 | With Robert Kraft and George Fenton, wrote the theme song ("How Can I Not Love You") from "Anna and the King" |
1998 | Second film as executive producer, "Hav Plenty" |
1998 | For second straight year, led everyone in Grammy nominations with eight; performed live for second year in a row, singing "How Come, How Long?" with Stevie Wonder |
1997 | Debut as feature film executive producer with "Soul Food"; wife Tracey (as producer) handled the day-to-day job on the Chicago set; also had cameo role in the film |
1997 | Received 12 Grammy Award nominations, tying the record set by Michael Jackson; won three awards |
1996 | Released fourth solo album, "The Day" |
1995 | Tour de force with "Waiting to Exhale" soundtrack, writing or co-writing all but one of the tracks and producing album in its entirety |
1995 | Wrote and dueted with Madonna on Top 10 hit "Take A Bow" |
1994 | Began his only concert tour, headlining with Boyz II Men |
1994 | First ever live performance (November 12), to benefit the Little Blue House, established to provide transitional housing for the abandoned children of the Border Baby Project, a charity for which he was serving as spokesman |
1989 | Together with L A Reid (formerly The Deele's drummer), established LaFace Records |
1987 | Released solo debut, "Lovers" |
| Began career as a recording artist with the groups Manchild and The Deele |
| Grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana |