• January 8, 1986
• Jamie Alexander Treays was born in Wimbledon, South London. He was privately educated at Hall School, Wimbledon, then Reed's School in Cobham Surrey, alma mater of tennis player Tim Henman and actor Tom Hardy.
• Treays began playing at open mic nights in south west London under the name of Jamie T, after attending one held by Alfie xxx, then of Larrikin Love.
• Jamie T is bedevilled by high level anxiety. Asked by Q magazine how his condition manifests itself, he replied: "Hyperventilating, OCD, tics, vomiting, fainting. Take your pick mate."
  
  "It really depends on how I'm feeling that month and what's affecting me and what's making me particularly aware of myself. It changes. But it's always there."
• The title of Jamie T's debut album, Panic Prevention, addressed his anxiety disorder and even sampled a self-help CD that he'd tried to use to alleviate the crippling symptoms.
• Jamie T's first UK Top 10 hit "Calm Down Dearest" was released a week after he turned 21.
• In 2015 Jamie T returned from a five-year absence with his album Carry On The Grudge, winning three accolades at that year's NME Awards, including Best Song and Video for "Zombie."

Comments

More Songfacts:

Brass In PocketPretenders

Chrissie Hynde got the phrase "Brass In Pocket" from a Northern England slang term meaning you had some money, "brass" meaning coins.

TemptedSqueeze

The Squeeze song "Tempted" is one of their few with lead vocals by Paul Carrack, who sang the Ace song "How Long" and was in Mike + The Mechanics.

God Bless AmericaKate Smith

Irving Berlin said "God Bless America" was "not a patriotic song, but rather an expression of gratitude."

Radar LoveGolden Earring

At the end of "Radar Love," the driver dies in a crash but maintains a psychic bond with the woman he was racing to see. The song's lyricist was inspired by stories of extrasensory perception (ESP).

Wild BoysDuran Duran

Duran Duran's "Wild Boys" is based on the book of the same name by William Burroughs.

Watching The DetectivesElvis Costello

Lyrically, Elvis Costello's "Watching The Detectives" was inspired by American detective shows; musically, it was inspired by The Clash.

Editor's Picks

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.