Mariah Carey born March 27 1969 is not just a singer. She is a force of nature a living legend who has redefined pop music and carved her name into its history with an indelible five octave vocal range a penchant for stratospheric whistle notes and a string of chart topping hits that redefine iconic. From her humble beginnings on Long Island where she nurtured her musical dreams against the backdrop of family struggles Carey star rose early. A demo tape in the hands of the right music executive set in motion a whirlwind journey. Her 1990 debut album simply titled Mariah Carey became a global phenomenon spawning four No. 1 singles and announcing the arrival of a new pop diva.