Meet Jaten Collin Dimsdale, professionally known as Teddy Swims, a multifaceted American singer-songwriter celebrated for his genre-defying sound, which masterfully amalgamates R&B, soul, country, and pop. Initially, he garnered a devoted following through his captivating song covers on YouTube in 2019 and 2020. His artistic prowess was further solidified with the release of his third extended play, Tough Love, in 2022, which marked his inaugural appearance on the prestigious Billboard 200 chart. Swims’ meteoric rise to fame was cemented in 2023 with the release of his hit single “Lose Control”, which achieved widespread international acclaim, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2024 and reaffirming his status as a trailblazing force in the music industry.
Wiki
Full Name: Jaten Collin Dimsdale
Date of Birth: September 25, 1992
Place of Birth: Conyers, Georgia, U.S.
Origin: Conyers, Georgia, U.S.
Nationality: American
Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Performer, Philanthropist
Genre: R&B, Pop, Soul, Country
Label: Warner
Net Worth: $5 Million
Early Life and Career
Teddy Swims, born Jaten Collin Dimsdale, emerged as a significant figure in the contemporary music scene with his distinctive blend of R&B, soul, country, and pop. Raised in Conyers, Georgia, Swims was introduced to soul music at an early age by his father, who played the music of iconic artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Al Green. This early exposure shaped his musical tastes and laid the foundation for his future career.
Swims’ family had a strong affinity for American football, and he himself played the sport for a decade. However, during his second year at Salem High School, a teacher suggested that he and some of his teammates enroll in a musical theatre class and join the chorus. This suggestion proved transformative, as Swims discovered a deep passion for performance through high school theatre. He participated in musicals such as “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and various Shakespearean plays. Additionally, he began learning to play instruments like the piano and ukulele, honing his vocal skills by watching YouTube videos of other singers.
Swims started his music career by joining several Atlanta-based bands, including the alternative rock band WildHeart, the post-hardcore band Eris, and various soul and hair metal cover bands. He also led the progressive rock/R&B/soul band Elefvnts. In early 2019, a pivotal moment occurred when his friend Addy Maxwell invited him to rap over some beats, leading to an opening slot on a U.S. tour with Tyler Carter. It was during this tour that Swims adopted the stage name Teddy Swims, a childhood nickname referencing his size and an acronym for “someone who isn’t me sometimes,” symbolizing the integration of different facets of his personality.
In June 2019, Swims posted his first cover performance on YouTube, Michael Jackson’s “Rock with You.” He continued to post additional covers of songs by artists from various genres, including Lewis Capaldi, Chris Stapleton, Amy Winehouse, and H.E.R. His cover of Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One,” posted in October, became his most viewed video, amassing 167 million views by January 2024. These videos rapidly garnered millions of views, and after independently releasing a single titled “Night Off” in July, he signed a record deal with Warner Records in December.
Swims rose to international prominence in 2023 with his single “Lose Control,” which achieved top-ten positions in various international markets and eventually topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2024. This breakout single was preceded by the release of his debut studio album, “I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1),” which reached the top ten in both Australia and the Netherlands. In recognition of his rising star status, MTV named Swims their “Push Artist of February” in 2024.
Teddy Swims, ascent in the music industry with his debut major label single, “Picky,” released in January 2020. The release coincided with his first headlining tour, marking a significant milestone in his career. Swims quickly established himself as a versatile artist by releasing several covers in the following months. Notable among these were his renditions of “Blinding Lights” in May and “What’s Going On” in June, the latter of which saw Swims donate all royalties to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. In July, he re-released his popular YouTube cover of “You’re Still The One,” further solidifying his online presence and fanbase.
August 2020 saw the release of Swims’ next single, “Broke,” which garnered significant attention. An additional version featuring country star Thomas Rhett was released in October, showcasing Swims’ ability to collaborate across genres and appeal to a diverse audience.
In February 2021, Swims released “My Bad,” a single that he performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show. This performance, combined with his growing popularity, earned him a spot in Rolling Stone magazine’s “Artist You Need to Know” list. The momentum continued in March with the release of “Till I Change Your Mind,” followed by “Bed On Fire” in April. Swims performed “Bed On Fire” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and later re-released it as a collaboration with Ingrid Andress, further expanding his musical repertoire and audience.
May 2021 marked the release of Swims’ debut seven-track EP, “Unlearning.” To promote the EP, he joined the Zac Brown Band on tour that summer, performing to large crowds and gaining widespread acclaim.
August 2021 saw the release of the single “Simple Things,” which Swims performed on The Late Late Show with James Corden in September and on Today in November. These performances demonstrated his ability to engage with audiences on major television platforms, increasing his visibility and popularity.
In January 2022, Swims released the six-track EP “Tough Love,” supported by the single “911.” He performed “Love for a Minute” on Late Night with Seth Meyers in January and “911” on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in February. To promote the EP, Swims embarked on a three-month headline tour through Europe and North America, followed by a tour of the United Kingdom and mainland Europe in May and June. His extensive touring schedule highlighted his commitment to reaching new audiences and solidifying his place in the music industry.
Swims’ collaboration with Meghan Trainor on the single “Bad For Me,” released on June 24, 2022, as the lead single for her album “Takin’ It Back,” showcased his versatility and ability to collaborate with established artists. The duo performed the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in June and The Late Late Show with James Corden in August. Swims also collaborated on singles with artists such as Mitchell Tenpenny, Illenium, MK and BURNS, and TELYKAST, further broadening his musical horizons.
In May 2022, Swims released a short performance clip, followed by a cover of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” in August. He performed the song on America’s Got Talent alongside season 14 winner Kodi Lee and Journey founding guitarist Neal Schon, showcasing his talent on a national stage. In September, Swims embarked on a seven-week US headline tour, further establishing his presence in the live music scene.
Teddy Swims is renowned for his ability to blend multiple genres, including R&B, soul, country, and pop. His musical influences are diverse, ranging from the soul legends his father introduced him to, such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Al Green, to contemporary icons like Christina Aguilera and Rihanna. Swims has cited Aguilera’s 2002 song “Beautiful” as instrumental in helping him develop his own voice. He has also named Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Etta James as early influences and mentioned Taylor Swift and Lorde as inspirations for his songwriting. In a Rolling Stone interview, he acknowledged Madonna, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, and Aguilera as the first artists who introduced him to pop music when he was just five years old.
Despite being a white artist in predominantly Black music genres, Swims has been a vocal supporter of social justice causes. Notably, during the George Floyd protests, he contributed to the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund. Throughout his career, he has actively supported various charitable organizations, reflecting his commitment to using his platform for positive change.
In 2023, Teddy Swims expanded his artistic reach through a series of high-profile collaborations and performances. He worked alongside renowned artists such as Armin van Buuren, Matoma, X Ambassadors, Maren Morris, Meghan Trainor, and Elley Duhé, creating a diverse range of music that showcased his versatility and broad appeal.
March 2023 marked the announcement of Swims’ “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy” international headline tour. This tour included performances in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, spanning July and August. Swims’ tour was highly anticipated and well-received, further cementing his status as a global music sensation.
In addition to his headline tour, Swims performed at several major music festivals throughout the year. These included BottleRock, Bamboozle, Boston Calling, TRNSMT, and Latitude, where his performances drew large crowds and critical acclaim. His dynamic stage presence and powerful vocal performances captivated audiences, solidifying his reputation as a must-see live performer.
Swims also had the honor of opening for the rock band Greta Van Fleet during their tour supporting their new album, “Starcatcher.” This opportunity allowed him to reach new audiences and gain further exposure within the rock music community.
On December 6, 2023, Swims performed at the Avicii Arena for the “Together For a Better Day” concert, an event dedicated to promoting mental health awareness. Sponsored by the Tim Bergling Foundation in memory of the late Swedish DJ Avicii, the concert featured Swims’ emotional performances of his hit song “Lose Control” and a poignant rendition of Coldplay’s “A Sky Full Of Stars,” which Avicii had produced. This event highlighted Swims’ commitment to important social causes and his ability to connect with audiences on a deep, emotional level.
Discography
Lose Control
The Door
Bed on Fire
Unlearning·2021
Devil in a Dress
All That Really Matters
Some Things I’ll Never Know
Picky
Evergreen
Hammer to the Heart
Apple Juice
Blowin’ Smoke
Broke
I Can’t Make You Love Me
Make You Feel My Love
Don’t Stop Believin’
You’re Still the One
Simple Things
What More Can I Say
My Bad
Dose
Happy People
Goodbye’s Been Good to You
Tell Me
Love for a Minute
911
Someone Who Loved You
Last Communion
Amazing
Til I Change Your Mind
You Still Get to Me
Hold
Personal Life
Teddy Swims’ personal life has been marked by significant relationships and changes. He was previously married to Nelly, but the couple separated in 2016. Despite their separation, Swims shared a heartfelt Valentine’s Day post in 2020, expressing his love for Nelly through a series of photos. However, these posts have since been deleted from both of their Instagram accounts.
Following his separation from Nelly, Swims went public with his relationship with Cassidie Cottone in 2021. Cassidie is an artist known for her captivating artwork, which she frequently showcases on Instagram. The couple has been open about their relationship, often sharing photos together that highlight their mutual passion for body art. Their strong support for each other, both personally and professionally, is evident in their social media presence.
Social Media
Teddy Swims has successfully leveraged social media to build and engage with his fanbase. As of 2024, he has amassed over 6 million followers on Instagram (@teddyswims), where he shares insights into his personal life, professional endeavors, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his music career.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Teddy Swims’ net worth is estimated to be $5 million. This impressive financial milestone reflects his successful music career, including album sales, streaming revenues, live performances, and various collaborations with other artists.