Taylor Dayne

Taylor Dayne Artistfacts

  • March 7, 1962
  • Though many sources say she was born Leslie Wonderman, Taylor Dayne was the name her mother gave to her when she was born, being that at the time her mother's last name was Dayne and her Father's last name was Wonderman. When Taylor was 6 months old, her mother and father officially got married on September 7, 1962. At the same time, unbeknownst to Taylor, her demanding father legally changed her name to Leslie Wonderman. According to Taylor's mother, this particular name change was done in order to prove that her father was in fact a demanding and selfish man. When in high school, Taylor was in a band with three other girls who called themselves Felany. Dayne even remembers one of the girls asking her, "If you could have any name in the whole wide world, what would it be?" When this question was asked, Dayne responded matter-of-factly, "Taylor Dayne." Then on March 7, 1980, 18-year-old Leslie Wonderman, as she was known back then, shocked the world when she legally changed her name back to Taylor Dayne! In the legal statement she made to the court officials, she said, "I will now go back to using the name my mother gave me when I was born, instead of this Leslie Wonderman name that was given to me by my selfish and demanding father. This name change will be done as a means for me to gain the popularity that I once dreamed of, the popularity that I so deserve, and to free myself from all undesirable relationships." In an interview with The Jamaica Star, she said, "No, it wasn't just somebody's idea. I truly am Taylor Dayne! That's really my name now. I changed it a long time ago." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Annabelle - Eugene, OR
  • Dayne was discovered singing Folk songs at a Brooklyn night club that catered to Russian immigrants. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Brad Wind - Miami, FL

Comments: 3

  • Dougy from Gateshead, United KingdomTaylor is still recording, what an interesting story it is concerning her name,Taylor Dayne is a beautiful name for a beautiful woman, her music was electrifying in the 1980s, i remember the clubs blasting out all her big dance anthems, legend is used too easily nowadays but Taylor is a living one.
  • Annabelle from Eugene, OrI think Taylor Dayne is such a cool name! I mean, who would be popular with a name like Leslie Wonderman? Not Me! I love you Sweet Taylor Dayne! Please, Please, Please come back home!
  • Diana from Here, Cocome back taylor dayne!!!!!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.

Concert Disasters

Concert DisastersFact or Fiction

Ozzy biting a dove? Alice Cooper causing mayhem with a chicken? Creed so bad they were sued? See if you can spot the real concert mishaps.

Oliver Leiber

Oliver LeiberSongwriter Interviews

Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.