• 1986
• J. Dash is a piano prodigy who mastered Beethoven's 5th on the piano at the age of 5 before ever having a music lesson. A couple of years later, he was playing in international competitions and local clubs. He recalled to USA Today: "(People) were just like, 'Man, we don't understand how you could play so well.'"
• The J. Dash moniker has been attached to him since his teens. The singer-songwriter born Jameyel Johnson explained to The Florida Times-Union that it originated when a guy let him use a beat machine for the first time and he created four beats while his colleague was taking his lunch hour. When the guy returned, he was surprised by such quick learning, and dubbed him J. Dash. "Some things stick, whether you want them to or not," he said, laughing.
• Dash first wrote and recorded his hit tune "Wop" in 2007. It was the result of some friends and him making up a dance to do at nightclubs.
• He holds a degree in computer science from the University of Florida.

Comments

More Songfacts:

Love Won't WaitGary Barlow

Madonna wrote a song called "Love Won't Wait" that she didn't want, but became a UK #1 hit for Gary Barlow.

We Belong TogetherMariah Carey

Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together" was the best-selling song of the 2000s in the US.

That Don't Impress Me MuchShania Twain

Brad Pitt and Elvis both get mentions in the 1997 Shania Twain hit "That Don't Impress Me Much."

The Kids Aren't AlrightFall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy's "The Kids Aren't Alright" song title is not a reference to The Offspring's 1998 single of the same name. It actually alludes to The Who's 1979 rockumentary film called The Kids Are Alright.

1901Phoenix

The Phoenix song "1901" is about Paris. Their lead singer Thomas Mars said: "Paris in 1901 was better than it is now. So the song is a fantasy about Paris."

What Made Milwaukee FamousRod Stewart

The very American song "What Made Milwaukee Famous" was never a big hit in the US, but Rod Stewart made it famous in the UK.

Editor's Picks

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.

Joe Elliott of Def LeppardSongwriter Interviews

The Def Leppard frontman talks about their "lamentable" hit he never thought of as a single, and why he's juiced by his Mott The Hoople cover band.

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

Zac HansonSongwriter Interviews

Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.

Eric BurdonSongwriter Interviews

The renown rock singer talks about "The House of the Rising Sun" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood."

Michael Sweet of StryperSongwriter Interviews

Find out how God and glam metal go together from the Stryper frontman.