NE-YO is a three-time Grammy-winning R&B singer-songwriter, producer and performer raised in Las Vegas, known for polished vocals, sophisticated pop songwriting and choreography-driven live shows. Born Shaffer Chimere Smith, he moved from writing hits for other artists to solo stardom with the 2006 album In My Own Words and its No. 1 single “So Sick,” followed by favorites including “Sexy Love,” “Because of You,” “Closer,” “Miss Independent,” “One in a Million” and “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself).” His crossover catalog also includes major collaborations such as Pitbull’s “Give Me Everything” and “Time of Our Lives,” while his songwriting credits include Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable” and Rihanna’s “Take a Bow.” His 2026 album Highway 79 brings country-influenced storytelling into his established R&B and pop sound.
