Let me tell you a story about Taylor Dayne. You might know her as the powerhouse behind hits like "Tell It to My Heart" and "Love Will Lead You Back." But long before she became a global sensation, she was a 5-year-old girl on suburban Long Island, New York, grappling with a tumultuous home environment and a painful childhood surgery. "The radio saved my life," she revealed exclusively to Closer Weekly. Listening to icons like Stevie Wonder and Karen Carpenter gave her hope and inspiration. "They seemed so rich, famous, and happy! So, I decided right then and there, ‘Yeah, I’m going to be a rock ‘n’ roll star!’" she said.
Fast forward to today, and Taylor Dayne—born Leslie Joy Wunderman—has not only achieved her dream but has exceeded it. Her powerful voice has sold over 75 million records worldwide, making her a household name. But life hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Despite the ups and downs, Taylor continues to perform, inspiring fans across the globe. Now a happy single mom to 17-year-old twins Astaria and Levi, who were born via surrogate, Taylor’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
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Now, Taylor has poured her heart into a new memoir titled Tell It to My Heart: How I Lost My S#*T, Conquered My Fear, and Found My Voice. In it, she shares her raw and honest journey from a little girl with big dreams to a strong, self-respecting woman in her 50s. “I definitely lost it along the way many times,” she admitted to Closer Weekly. “But I’m like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. You brush yourself off and get back on that yellow brick road!” Keep scrolling to read our exclusive Q&A with Taylor.
So, Taylor, what made you choose such a bold title for your memoir?
Well, calling it something generic like The Songbird or The Voice wouldn’t have been authentic to who I am or what I’ve been through. This book is about my transformation from a little girl with a transistor radio to a confident woman in her 50s. It’s about finding my self-respect, understanding true beauty, and embracing happiness. It’s not just a story—it’s my truth.
Why did you decide to use your first Top 10 hit, “Tell It to My Heart,” in the title?
That song changed everything for me. Before it, I was playing every club in New York City, releasing 12-inch singles under my real name, Leslie. My producer, Ric Wake, and I borrowed money from my dad to record it. When I got signed to Arista, it felt like a tidal wave. Everything shifted, and the rest is history.
What were some of the most significant changes in your career after that?
“Tell It to My Heart” became a massive hit in Europe, which led to me opening for Michael Jackson on tour there. His manager even offered to manage me, and being a labelmate to Whitney Houston was both intimidating and extraordinary. She used to tell me, “God, I love you. You’re the voice.” Can you imagine? That kind of validation meant the world to me.
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Did any famous divas along the way give you career advice?
Absolutely! Cyndi Lauper was a game-changer. Touring with her taught me so much. She’s fearless and unapologetically herself. She once told me, “Taylor, I’m out there listening to your sound guy, and he’s not cutting it! From now on, you need to take charge.” That advice stuck with me, and now I always make sure my sound is perfect.
What was it like making your film debut in Love Affair with Warren Beatty?
Crazy, to say the least! I got a call from an agent saying, “Warren Beatty just saw you on The Tonight Show and wants to talk to you about a role.” At first, I thought it was a joke. But when the call came through, I was blown away. Working alongside Warren, his beautiful wife Annette Bening, and co-star Chloe Webb was an incredible experience. We formed a real bond and became lifelong friends.
When did you first realize you had such an incredible voice?
It all started when my dad gave me a transistor radio when I was just 4 or 5 years old. I was singing along to it instantly! I got my first solo in kindergarten, and they quickly put me in the glee club. I was hungry to be heard, and music became my sanctuary.
You mentioned in your memoir that you underwent a major surgery at age 5. How did that shape your life?
That surgery and the subsequent treatments that lasted until I was 18 were incredibly painful. Battling my self-image and dealing with societal pressures only added to my struggles. In high school, I watched as girls around me battled eating disorders and extreme exercise regimens. All of this led to panic attacks and agoraphobia during my teenage years. I eventually sought help through a treatment program, which was life-changing.
