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

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Who Wrote That Song?

Who Wrote That Song?Music Quiz

Do you know who wrote Patti Smith's biggest hit? How about the Grease theme song? See if you can match the song to the writer.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

Donny Osmond

Donny OsmondSongwriter Interviews

Donny Osmond talks about his biggest hits, his Vegas show, and the fan who taught him to take "Puppy Love" seriously.