Grace Harry, a name often associated with her brief marriage to R&B superstar Usher, is a powerhouse in her own right. Known for her career as a music executive and her work as a “joy strategist,” Grace’s story reflects resilience, creativity, and a dedication to personal growth. Born on April 2, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York, her life spans across various industries, from culinary arts to music management, and now into wellness and joy-centered coaching.
Personal Info Summary
- Net Worth: $2 million
- Full name: Grace Michelle Harry
- Known as: Usher’s ex-wife
- Date of Birth: April 2, 1969
- Age: 55 (as of 2024)
- Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Current Residence: Manhattan, New York, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Mixed (African-American and Caucasian)
- Religion: Christianity
- Height: 5’6”
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Ex-husband: Usher Raymond IV
- Current Relationship: Dating Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson
- Children: Leaf Miguel, Raiden Wolf McLean
- Profession: Social activist, executive chef, artist manager, entrepreneur, joy strategist
Early Life and Background
Grace’s early life was not without its challenges. Raised in Brooklyn, she experienced the hardships that many inner-city youth face. As a child of mixed heritage, African-American and Caucasian, she navigated the complexities of cultural identity. Her formative years were also marked by family struggles, particularly her father’s issues with addiction and incarceration, which landed Grace in foster care. These experiences gave her a unique perspective on hardship, survival, and personal development.
Despite these obstacles, Grace forged ahead, shaping herself into a multi-talented individual with an ever-growing career. Her journey showcases the power of self-belief, resilience, and determination, qualities she has carried with her throughout her personal and professional life.
Professional Career
Grace Harry’s career has seen various transformations, each phase representing a new facet of her versatility. She began her professional journey as an executive chef on the set of The Cosby Show. In this role, Grace combined her passion for culinary arts with her growing interest in the entertainment industry. Her time on set helped her establish valuable connections, laying the groundwork for her transition into music management.
From the culinary world, Grace moved into the music industry, working at several record labels such as MCA, Geffen, and Jive Records. Her innovative mindset and keen business acumen helped her rise quickly through the ranks. She eventually became the Executive Vice President of Marketing and Creative Services at Island Def Jam, one of the leading music labels in the world.
At Island Def Jam, Grace played an instrumental role in shaping the careers of several iconic artists. Her deep understanding of the industry, combined with her ability to connect with artists on a personal level, made her an invaluable asset. Grace’s legacy in music management reflects her ability to combine strategic vision with personal empathy—skills that would later shape her future endeavors.
Personal Life and Marriage to Usher
In 2015, Grace gained widespread attention for her marriage to Usher Raymond IV, a globally recognized R&B singer. However, their marriage lasted less than three years, ending in 2018. The couple faced public scrutiny, especially during a period when Usher was embroiled in personal controversies. Despite these challenges, Grace and Usher maintained a mutual respect for each other. While family planning disagreements and other personal strains played a role in their split, they have both expressed continued admiration for one another.
Grace’s relationship with Usher, though brief, brought her into the spotlight. However, rather than being overshadowed by her famous ex-husband, Grace used this time to further her own personal and professional growth. She sought balance in her life, a theme that would later become central to her career shift into wellness and joy strategy.
Grace’s Evolution: Joy Strategist and Wellness Advocate
In the years following her divorce, Grace Harry underwent a significant career transformation. Her experiences in both the culinary and music industries gave her the tools she needed to connect with people on a deeper level, helping them navigate their own challenges. This led her to embrace a new role as a “joy strategist.”
Grace now focuses on her company, Rapture & Grace, where she helps individuals and organizations rediscover their joy. As a joy strategist, Grace guides her clients toward personal fulfillment by using techniques she has honed throughout her life. She advocates for emotional well-being, self-discovery, and intentional living, drawing on her own life lessons to help others achieve balance and happiness.
Grace’s evolution into the wellness space is a natural extension of her personal philosophy—one that emphasizes resilience, self-awareness, and growth. She has become a beacon for those seeking to transform their lives, offering them tools to cope with stress, manage emotions, and ultimately, live more fulfilling lives.
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Grace Harry has also used her platform for philanthropic efforts, particularly in the realms of education, mental health, and community outreach. Over the years, she has supported various initiatives aimed at helping disadvantaged youth and families, drawing from her own experiences in foster care to advocate for those in need. Her work often focuses on providing resources and support systems to help people overcome adversity.
Grace’s philanthropic endeavors are closely tied to her mission as a joy strategist. She believes in the power of giving back, both to uplift others and to foster a sense of purpose within oneself. Through her outreach efforts, Grace continues to create meaningful change in her community, further cementing her legacy as a compassionate leader.
Personal Life and Current Relationships
After her marriage to Usher, Grace found love once again with Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the frontman of the band The Roots. The couple started dating in 2020, and they moved in together during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, creativity, and a shared passion for personal growth. They currently reside in Manhattan, New York, where they navigate their lives as both partners and professionals.
Grace is also a proud mother to her two children from a previous relationship: Leaf Miguel and Raiden Wolf McLean. Her daughter, Leaf, has followed in her mother’s footsteps into the music industry as an artist, while her son, Raiden, continues to build his own path.
Conclusion
Grace Harry’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and joy. From her early years in Brooklyn to her successful careers in the culinary, music, and wellness industries, she has consistently defied the odds. Her life is a testament to the power of perseverance, and she has used her experiences to inspire and uplift others.
Through her work as a joy strategist, Grace Harry continues to help individuals rediscover their passion for life, offering them the tools to navigate challenges and embrace joy. Her impact is far-reaching, and her journey, while still unfolding, serves as a powerful example of how one can reinvent themselves time and time again.
