Jaten Collin Dimsdale, known by his stage name Teddy Swims, is an American singer-songwriter, known for blending genres including R&B, soul, country, and pop. Originally attracting fans through his cover performances on his YouTube channel, Swims released his debut major label single in January 2020. He has since released four EPs as well as a debut album I've Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1) in 2023.
Early life
Swims grew up in Conyers, Georgia. His father introduced him to soul music at an early age by way of artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Al Green. Swims' family were football enthusiasts; he had been playing football for ten years when one of his teachers suggested he and a few of his teammates sign up for a musical theater class. The teacher also said he should join the chorus. It was his second year at Salem High School.
At first his mother, Glenna Fox, was unconvinced he should be in the class. Swims noted his height and said he was more likely to get a theater scholarship than to get one in football.
Swims discovered his passion for performance through his high school theater experience, where he performed in musicals including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as well as Shakespeare plays. He began playing instruments including piano and ukulele, and watched YouTube videos of singers to help develop his vocal technique. He is also known by former stage name “Theodore Sinks”. This didn’t float so well with audiences, hence the change to Teddy Swims