Daniel Caesar, born Ashton Dumar Norwill Simmonds on April 5, 1995, in Toronto, Ontario, is a Canadian singer and songwriter known for his soulful voice and deeply introspective lyrics. Growing up in Oshawa, a suburb of Toronto, he was raised in a religious household where his father, a Jamaican pastor and gospel singer, played a significant role in shaping his musical foundation.
Exposed to gospel music from a young age, Caesar’s musical influences expanded as he attended a private Christian school, where he discovered artists like John Mayer and Jason Mraz. After moving to Toronto in his late teens, he faced financial struggles, even resorting to couch-surfing and sleeping on park benches. Despite these challenges, Caesar persisted, sharing his music online and blending acoustic pop with R&B elements.
In 2014, he released his debut EP, Praise Break, followed by Pilgrim’s Paradise in 2015. His breakthrough came in 2017 with his debut album Freudian, which earned him three Grammy nominations and established him as a rising star in the music industry.
Caesar’s 2019 album, Case Study 01, featured collaborations with Brandy and Pharrell Williams, showcasing his growth as an artist. His 2023 album, Never Enough, continued his exploration of R&B and neo-soul. Beyond his solo career, Caesar appeared on Justin Bieber’s hit single “Peaches” in 2021, which topped the Billboard Hot 100.
With a rich, gospel-infused upbringing and a relentless pursuit of his craft, Daniel Caesar has become a significant figure in contemporary R&B.
