Taylor Dayne

Here’s a profile of Taylor Dayne — more singer/artist than “author,” but often quoted and influential:

Taylor Dayne – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes

Taylor Dayne (Leslie Wunderman, born March 7, 1962) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for hit songs like Tell It to My Heart, Love Will Lead You Back, and Don’t Rush Me. This article overviews her rise to fame, musical style, challenges, legacy, and quotes.

Introduction

Taylor Dayne (born Leslie Wunderman on March 7, 1962) is a powerful-voiced pop and dance singer whose career peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

She earned platinum albums and multiple Top 10 hits, blending pop, dance, and soulful influences.

Even beyond her peak chart years, she has remained active — releasing new music, performing, and navigating personal and health challenges.

Early Life & Background

Taylor Dayne was born in New York City and raised on Long Island, New York.

Her birth name is Leslie Wunderman.

She began her music journey performing locally, joining bands and singing in smaller venues before breaking into the mainstream.

Before adopting “Taylor Dayne,” she recorded dance singles under other names (e.g. “Les Lee”).

Rise to Fame & Musical Career

Breakthrough Hits

Her first major hit was “Tell It to My Heart” (1987), which launched her into mainstream recognition.

Her debut album Tell It to My Heart produced several hit singles: Prove Your Love, I’ll Always Love You, Don’t Rush Me.

Her follow-up album Can’t Fight Fate (1989) included her No.1 hit “Love Will Lead You Back”, written by Diane Warren.

Other notable singles: With Every Beat of My Heart, I’ll Be Your Shelter, Heart of Stone, Can’t Get Enough of Your Love.

Style & Influence

Dayne’s style combines pop, dance, and soulful vocal power.

Her performances often emphasize strong vocal presence and emotion.

Later Years & Continuing Work

She continued releasing albums, though with less chart dominance. Soul Dancing and Naked Without You are among her later studio works.

She also branched into acting (TV series, films) and theater (Broadway).

In recent years, she faced health challenges: she underwent surgery for colon cancer (removal of about 10 inches of colon) after diagnosis in 2021.

She has expressed deep gratitude for being able to continue performing:

“Performing live is humbling … The gratitude is immeasurable.”

Legacy & Impact

• Taylor Dayne was one of the few artists in her era to transition between dance-pop and adult contemporary success.

• She sold millions of albums and singles worldwide, with numerous certifications and award nominations.

• Her voice, especially her belting style and emotional delivery, has influenced later pop and vocalists.

• Her resilience — continuing her career amid health struggles — adds to her public admiration.

Famous Quotes by Taylor Dayne

Here are several quotes that give insight into her views and personality:

• “I just try to get out of my own way because if anyone is their own worst enemy, it’s usually you.”

• “I came out the box and for seven years I had a huge career. And then it’s done, it’s dumped. But I ain’t gone, and I refuse to be gone.”

• “Did people think I sounded black? Totally, but that was a marketing tool as well, but also this is how I grew up and these are my influences.”

• “If anything changes shape or takes off without me, I’ll come after you and kill you. I’m too Type A.”

• “This is one hell of a business I picked to be in.”

• “The gratitude is immeasurable.” (referring to her ability to still perform after surgery)