The Last Showman Audiobook By Usher, Gerrick Kennedy cover art

The Last Showman

Words + Music, Vol. 41

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The Last Showman

By: Usher, Gerrick Kennedy
Narrated by: Usher
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For the past 30 years, Usher has exhilarated audiences with stadium-sized anthems, innovative choreography, and dazzling charm that has made him a once-in-a-generation superstar. The Last Showman is an introspective look into the past, present, and future of a beloved global R&B icon.

Usher opens up about the inspirations, heartache, and growth that fueled the creation of his record-breaking magnum opus, Confessions, while revisiting some of its most iconic tracks. Usher delves into the personal and professional struggles that shaped his life and his career and how one album changed everything for him—and pop music.

©2025 Usher (P)2025 Audible Originals LLC Editors Select Music
Usher
Gerrick Kennedy

About the Creator

Usher’s uncommon gifts as an artist and storyteller have inspired audiences around the world, revealed truths about the human condition, and made us all feel more alive. Three decades into his record-breaking, culture-shifting career, the multifaceted superstar continues to carve new pathways in music, fashion, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and live performance. Now, at the conclusion of a record-setting three-year run on the Las Vegas strip, the musician charts a new course with the release of his much-anticipated ninth album, his first as an independent artist.
Usher has sold more than 80 million records worldwide and is one of the best-selling artists in music history. Since his self-titled debut in 1994, when he was just 15, the artist has been widely considered a standard bearer of R&B. His second LP, My Way, established the star as a bonafide hitmaker. Certified seven-times platinum in the United States, the album earned the artist the first of nine career number ones on the Billboard Hot 100. With his third LP, 8701 Usher won his first GRAMMY. His fourth album, Confessions, broke a record for first-week sales and topped the Billboard 200. Certified diamond in 2008, the landmark album is to date the last LP by a Black artist to reach that distinction. It also kicked off a stunning run of four consecutive number one albums. The eight-time GRAMMY winner has pioneered a musically nimble, shape-shifting approach to crafting songs, hopscotching between R&B and soul, dance, electronic, hip-hop, and more, transcending genre and blending them all into a sound that is uniquely his own.
The artist’s achievements outside of music have included critically lauded appearances on Broadway, primetime television shows like The Voice, and more than a dozen feature films, including the 2019 blockbuster Hustlers. This year marks Usher’s 25th anniversary as founding chairman of the New Look Foundation. The Atlanta-based 501 c(3) organization has encouraged more than 55,000 teens to “find their spark,” via programming in college readiness, financial literacy, and career planning. A caring mentor known for generosity with his time and advice, Usher has raised millions for various causes and received recognition for his work as a humanitarian and social activist from the Boys & Girls Club of America, the Trumpet Foundations, and Do Something. The NCAAP selected him as its 2010 Ford Freedom Award Scholar, and Morehouse College honored him with the prestigious 2014 Candle Award. In 2023, Usher was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music from Berklee College of Music, an honor shared with Duke Ellington and Roberta Flack.
In 2024, Usher's path-breaking continued. As headliner of Apple Music's halftime show for Super Bowl LVIII, in none other than Las Vegas, the artist delivered a thirteen-minute-long celebration of his effervescent, timeless sound. His first new full-length LP in eight years, and his ninth overall, Coming Home, was released. A thrilling meld of traditional R&B sounds and contemporary production, his first release as an independent artist was infused with the sophisticated bounce of Atlanta, Usher's hometown, as well as his trademark vulnerability, poignant storytelling, displaying an ever-deepening mastery of his craft.

About the Creator

Gerrick Kennedy is a journalist, essayist, cultural critic, writer and strategist based in Los Angeles. He is the founder of Nineteen Ninety Eight, an independent publishing house and creative consultancy. Kennedy is the author of Parental Discretion Is Advised: The Rise of N.W.A and the Dawn of Gangsta Rap, Didn’t We Almost Have It All: In Defense of Whitney Houston and a forthcoming book for Hanover Square Press. His writing has appeared in Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, GQ, The Hollywood Reporter, Wall Street Journal Magazine, Men’s Health, Variety, NPR Music, Billboard, Spin, i-D, Playboy, Teen Vogue, Shondaland, Cultured Magazine and the Los Angeles Times.

Editorial Review

The legacy of a true showman
This is my confession: I am a huge Usher fan since my teenage years, and have long been anticipating his Words + Music. So, how lucky am I that I get to have an early listen? The Last Showman is an intimate and captivating narrative that pulls back the curtain on one of the most electrifying entertainers of our time, spanning three decades of global superstardom. Fans and listeners are treated to behind-the-scenes anecdotes, heartfelt reflections on his creative process, and candid revelations about the sacrifices and struggles that come with fame. I appreciated the nostalgia of listening to Usher’s biggest hits in combination with his magnetic storytelling and enduring charm. Whether you’re a longtime fan like myself or simply curious about the journey of an R&B icon, The Last Showman is a must-listen, offering a rare glimpse into the life and legacy of a singular talent. —Dawn G., Audible Editor

Intimate Storytelling • Vivid Details • Smooth Voice • Captivating Narration • Musical Integration • Personal Insights
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His voice is soothing and it just wasn't long enough. We need that book Mr Raymond. This was amazing

love you Ursher

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I really appreciate how he brings his thought process to the music. It’s like getting a front row seat to his mind. A bonus is his music on this short track.

I love Usher!

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He really told the art and processes behind his music. A definite bonus was the unknown details of his success. If you're a fan or not, it's a great story.

As If I Couldn't Love Usher More

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Awesome! So glad he was the narrator! I appreciate his honesty & transparency sharing his story!

Awesome

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It wasn’t long at all. It was a brief story. I like that Usher read jt, himself.

I liked it

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Usher was candid and genuine delivering his perspectives on making music, being an artist, and perfecting his craft as a performer. In a lot of ways, this was a short documentary in audiobook format. Loved it.

Short and sweet

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It was a pleasure to hear the man, Usher - the artist behind the shows. He is grounded, insightful, and still very much a force in the industry. I'm going to go back and listen to some of my old favorite jams/ albums he did back in the day. Usher solidified me as aa forever fan with this self reveal.

Inspirational to Fellow Music Creators

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Great listen including the music…learned a great deal in such a short time!!!! Loved it!!!!

Awesome!!!!

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When you listen to usher he automatically draws you into the conversation!! I enjoyed his story so much I have listened 3times now. There's always something different that stands out or catches my attention, I can imagine sitting with him as he speaks telling his stories!! Thank you Usher for sharing your life.

Spoken like a True Showman

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I’ve been a USHER fan from the very beginning! Everything he does is done with style, passion, and dedication. His music is and will forever be a go to. This audible was great! Usher painted vivid scenes and it made you feel as though you were right there and even take you back to the first time you heard the song or album(it worth more than listening once). His music and voice is amazing and his voice is top tier. He’s definitely the GOAT in my book.

PHENOMENAL

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