Daniel Caesar, born Ashton Dumar Norwill Simmonds on April 5, 1995, is a talented Canadian singer and songwriter. He gained a following with the release of two EPs, Praise Break and Pilgrim’s Paradise. In 2017, Caesar released his debut album Freudian, which was nominated for three Grammy Awards. His second album, Case Study 01, followed in 2019. Recently, he collaborated with Giveon on Justin Bieber’s hit single “Peaches”, marking his first number-one song on the US Billboard Hot 100. Caesar’s upcoming album, Never Enough, is set to be released in 2023 under Republic Records.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Ashton Dumar Norwill Simmonds |
| Date of Birth | April 5, 1995 |
| Place of Birth | Oshawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Children | None |
| Occupations | Singer, Songwriter |
| Labels | Golden Child Recordings, Republic Records |
| Net Worth | $4 million |
Early Life
Ashton Dumar Norwill Simmonds, born on April 5, 1995, in Toronto, Ontario and raised in Oshawa, had a musical upbringing. He is the second oldest of four siblings to his parents Hollace Burnett-Simmonds and Norwill Simmonds.
His father, a pastor and gospel singer, instilled a love for music in Caesar from a young age. Growing up in church, he honed his singing skills before his father’s congregation.
Despite his parents’ cautiousness about the world of music, Caesar was drawn to the vibrant city life of Toronto, just an hour away from his home. He is of Bajan and Jamaican heritage.
Career
At the age of 17, Caesar was kicked out of his family home following a conflict with his father after his high school graduation. This led to a brief period of homelessness, during which Caesar decided to fully commit to pursuing a career in music.
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Daniel Caesar started performing gigs and connected with producers Jordan Evans and Matthew Burnett, with whom he began writing and recording his debut EP, Praise Break, released in 2014.
His career began to take off in 2015 with the release of his second EP, Pilgrim’s Paradise, which received critical acclaim. Despite not achieving immediate commercial success, certain tracks like “Streetcar” garnered a strong fan following.
In August 2017, Caesar released his debut album Freudian, featuring hit singles such as “Get You”, “We Find Love”, and “Blessed”. The album received recognition, including being a finalist for the Polaris Music Prize and earning Grammy nominations.Caesar continued to achieve success, winning a Grammy for Best R&B Performance for “Best Part” at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.
In 2021, he collaborated with Justin Bieber on the chart-topping single “Peaches”. His third studio album, Never Enough, was released through Republic Records in 2023. Caesar also contributed vocals to Tyler, the Creator’s album Chromakopia, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
Musical Style and Influences
Daniel Caesar’s musical style is a unique blend of soul, gospel, R&B, and electronic influences. Drawing from his childhood experiences, his lyrics touch on themes of religion, philosophy, and unrequited love.
Caesar’s music often incorporates philosophical concepts and his singing voice adapts to each track, displaying a reflective and intimate tone. He has mentioned that his upbringing in a religious environment taught him to be humble and shift the focus away from himself, but his music now allows him to express himself openly.
Caesar finds inspiration from artists like Frank Ocean, Kanye West, Beyoncé, and Jim Morrison of The Doors, influencing both his music and style.
Controversies
In March 2019, Daniel Caesar faced criticism after defending his friend Julieanna Goddard on an Instagram live stream. Goddard had made racist remarks about Black people, specifically targeting Black women. Caesar’s initial response caused backlash, but he later issued an apology for his comments.
Personal Life
There is no public confirmation of any long-term romantic relationships or children for Daniel Caesar. Despite being linked to different women, including a speculated girlfriend from Magic City, he is officially single with no wife or children on record.
His music and personal values have been deeply shaped by his upbringing in a religious family and his experiences with homelessness.
Daniel Caesar Net Worth
With an estimated net worth of $4 million, Daniel Caesar has made a name for himself in the music industry with popular songs such as “Get You,” “Best Part,” and “Love Again.” The success of his debut album, Freudian, released in 2017, has been a major factor in his financial prosperity, along with other projects and partnerships.
Discography
Daniel Caesar’s discography includes:
Studio Albums
- Freudian (2017)
- Case Study 01 (2019)
- Never Enough (2023)
Extended Plays (EPs)
- Praise Break (2014)
- Pilgrim’s Paradise (2015)
- Birds of Paradise
- Acoustic Break
- Up Next Session: Daniel Caesar
Notable Singles
- “Get You” (feat. Kali Uchis)
- “Best Part” (feat. H.E.R.)
- “Peaches” (feat. Justin Bieber and Giveon)
He has also collaborated with various artists, contributing to several hit songs across genres.
Awards and Nominations
Daniel Caesar has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, including:
Grammy Awards
- 2018: Nominated for Best R&B Album (Freudian)
- 2018: Nominated for Best R&B Performance (“Get You”)
- 2019: Won Best R&B Performance (“Best Part” with H.E.R.)
- 2022: Nominated for multiple awards for “Peaches”
Juno Awards
- 2018: Won R&B/Soul Recording of the Year (Freudian)
- 2018: Nominated for Artist of the Year
- 2023: Nominated for Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year (“Please Do Not Lean”)
Other Awards
- BET Awards: Multiple nominations including Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
- American Music Awards: Nominated for Collaboration of the Year (“Peaches”)
- Soul Train Music Awards: Won Best New Artist
Overall, he has won 3 awards and received 19 nominations across various prestigious ceremonies
