David Debrandon Brown (born September 25, 1985), known professionally as Lucky Daye, is an American R&B singer-songwriter from New Orleans. He signed with Keep Cool Records and

RCA Records RCA Records is an American record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation. It is one of Sony Music's four flagship labels, alongside Columbia Records (its former longtime rival), Arista Records and Epic R ...

to release his first two

extended play An extended play (EP) is a Sound recording and reproduction, musical recording that contains more tracks than a Single (music), single but fewer than an album. Contemporary EPs generally contain up to eight tracks and have a playing time of 1 ...

s, ''I'' (2018) and ''II'' (2019). The EPs were part of a series leading up to his debut studio album, '' Painted'' (2019). His third EP, ''Table for Two'', won Best Progressive R&B Album at the

64th Annual Grammy Awards The 64th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 3, 2022. It recognized the best recordings, compositions, and artists of the eligibility year, running from September 1, 2020, to September 30, ...

. His second album, '' Candydrip'' (2022), was preceded by his first ''Billboard'' Hot 100 entry, " Over". His third album, ''

Algorithm In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm () is a finite sequence of Rigour#Mathematics, mathematically rigorous instructions, typically used to solve a class of specific Computational problem, problems or to perform a computation. Algo ...

'' (2024), was nominated for Best R&B Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.

Early life

David Debrandon Brown was born on September 25, 1985, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in a religious household where secular music was largely prohibited. As a result, he developed his musical abilities by learning melodies through church hymns. After leaving his family's church as a teenager, he immersed himself in R&B, soul, and funk music, drawing inspiration from artists such as

Stevie Wonder Stevland Hardaway Morris (; Judkins; born May 13, 1950), known professionally as Stevie Wonder, is an American and Ghanaian singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. He is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th c ...

Prince A prince is a male ruler (ranked below a king, grand prince, and grand duke) or a male member of a monarch's or former monarch's family. ''Prince'' is also a title of nobility (often highest), often hereditary, in some European states. The ...

and

D'Angelo Michael Eugene Archer (born February 11, 1974), better known by his stage name D'Angelo (), is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He first garnered attention after co-producing the single "U Will Know" ...

. Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where he pursued a career in music.

Career

Beginnings and songwriting (2005–2018)

In 2005, when he was 19, Daye competed on season 4 of ''American Idol''. He auditioned with a cover of " A Change Is Gonna Come" by

Sam Cooke Samuel Cooke (; January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964) was an American singer and songwriter. Considered one of the most influential soul music, soul artists of all time, Cooke is commonly referred to as the "King of Soul" for his distin ...

and received four "yes" votes. Soon after reaching the Top 20 he was eliminated from the competition. Daye established himself, with his pseudonym, as a songwriter and background vocalist and landed credits in 2008 on songs by

Keith Sweat Keith Sweat (born July 22, 1961) is an American singer, producer and songwriter. An early figure in the new jack swing musical movement, he is known for his collection of hits including "I Want Her," "Make It Last Forever (song), Make It Last For ...

on his album '' Just Me'' and

Ne-Yo Shaffer Chimere Smith (born October 18, 1979), known professionally as Ne-Yo ( ), is an American singer and songwriter. Regarded as a leading figure of Contemporary R&B#2000s, 2000s R&B music, he is the recipient of numerous accolades, includi ...

on " She Got Her Own". In 2014, he wrote for

Boyz II Men Boyz II Men ( ) is an American vocal harmony group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, best known for emotional ballads and a cappella harmonies. Formed in 1985, they have been a trio composed of baritone Nathan Morris, tenor Wanya Morris, Wanyá Mo ...

on the song "Believe Us". During 2016 and 2017, he co-wrote songs released by Keke Palmer ("Enemiez"), Ella Mai ("10,000 Hours", "Down"),

Trey Songz Tremaine Aldon Neverson (born November 28, 1984), known professionally as Trey Songz, is an American Contemporary R&B, R&B singer and songwriter. After being discovered by record producer Troy Taylor (record producer), Troy Taylor in 2003, Songz ...

("Song Goes Off"), and two tracks from the album '' Strength of a Woman'' by

Mary J. Blige Mary Jane Blige ( ; born January 11, 1971) is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, actress, and entrepreneur. Often referred to as the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" and "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Qu ...

. In 2017 he worked with

Ariana Grande Ariana Grande-Butera ( ; born June 26, 1993) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Regarded as a pop icon and an influential figure in popular music, Grande is known for her four-octave vocal range, which extends into the whistle re ...

on the song "More" which was scrapped from the latter's fourth studio album Sweetener.

Breakthrough with ''Painted'' (2018–2020)

In 2018, Lucky Daye signed with Keep Cool and

. Later that year, he released his debut single, "Roll Some Mo", which garnered attention for its smooth production and nostalgic R&B feel. The song was included in his debut album, ''Painted'', released on May 24, 2019. ''Painted'' received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for four Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album. Daye supported the album with a nationwide tour and performed at major festivals.

''Painted'' (2019)

Lucky Daye's debut studio album, ''Painted'', was released on May 24, 2019, by Keep Cool Records and RCA Records. The album compiled songs from his earlier EPs, ''I'' and ''II'', and introduced four new tracks, culminating in a 13-song collection. ''Painted'' received critical acclaim for its modern take on R&B, earning a nomination for Best R&B Album at the 62nd Grammy Awards. The lead single, "Roll Some Mo", was particularly lauded, receiving nominations for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance. The album was praised for its rich instrumentation, innovative production, and Daye's ability to blend classic soul influences with contemporary R&B. In May 2020, a deluxe edition of the album was released to commemorate its first anniversary, featuring new mixes, alternative versions, and four additional tracks.

''Table for Two'' and Candydrip (2020–2023)

On February 12, 2021, Daye released his third EP, ''Table for Two''. It charted at number ninety-six on the US Billboard 200 and would go on to win the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album. On May 21, 2021, Daye released a cover of

Marvin Gaye Marvin Pentz Gaye Jr. (; April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984) was an American Rhythm and blues, R&B and soul singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. He helped shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, first as an in-house session player an ...

's "

Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" is the second single from American singer-songwriter Marvin Gaye's 1971 album, '' What's Going On''. Following the breakthrough of the title track's success, the song, written solely by Gaye, became regarded as one ...

" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Gaye's album '' What's Going On''.

''Candydrip'' (2022–2023)

Released on March 10, 2022, ''Candydrip'' is Lucky Daye's sophomore studio album, continuing his collaboration with producer D'Mile. The album explores themes of love, intimacy, and desire, blending elements of R&B, funk, and neo-soul. ''Candydrip'' received critical acclaim for its cohesive production and Daye's vocal performance, solidifying his place in contemporary R&B. The album was his first album on the Billboard Hot 200, debuting at number sixty-nine. And the lead single, " Over", became his first entry on the

Billboard Hot 100 The ''Billboard'' Hot 100, also known as simply the Hot 100, is the music industry standard record chart in the United States for songs, published weekly by '' Billboard'' magazine. Chart rankings are based on sales (physical and digital), ...

chart. The album was noted for its lush production, sultry lyrics, and seamless blend of nostalgic and futuristic sounds, with critics praising its ability to push the boundaries of R&B while remaining accessible.

2023 Grammy Awards

''Candydrip'' received a nomination for Best R&B Album while its lead single " Over" received a nod in the Best R&B Performance category for the 2023 edition of the Grammy Awards. In addition, he received two nominations for Album of the Year for both

Beyoncé Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter ( ; born September 4, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. With a career spanning over three decades, she has established herself as one of the most Cultural impact of Beyoncé, ...

's ''

Renaissance The Renaissance ( , ) is a Periodization, period of history and a European cultural movement covering the 15th and 16th centuries. It marked the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity and was characterized by an effort to revive and sur ...

'' and

's '' Good Morning Gorgeous'' albums as a co-writer, as well as a Best R&B Song nod for co-writing title track "Good Morning Gorgeous".

''Algorithm'' (2024–present)

''Algorithm'' (2024)

Lucky Daye's third studio album, ''Algorithm'', was released on June 28, 2024. Reuniting with producer D'Mile, the album features a collection of live-band soul and future-R&B tracks that aim to update the classic seduction jam with modern vulnerability. ''Algorithm'' was nominated for Best R&B Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, further cementing Daye's reputation as a leading figure in contemporary R&B. The album was lauded for its experimental production, deeply personal lyrics, and intricate harmonies, showcasing a more mature and evolved sound from the artist. Critics highlighted its ability to merge traditional R&B foundations with electronic and alternative influences, making it one of his most adventurous projects to date.

2025 Grammy Awards

The album was nominated for Best R&B Album and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. The lead single, "That's You", won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance.

Musical style and influences

Lucky Daye's music is characterized by its blend of R&B,

funk Funk is a music genre that originated in African-American communities in the mid-1960s when musicians created a rhythmic, danceable new form of music through a mixture of various music genres that were popular among African-Americans in the ...

, and neo-soul, often featuring live instrumentation and intricate vocal arrangements. He cites

, and

as some of his primary influences. His songwriting is known for its use of double and triple entendres, introspective and romantic themes, often exploring love, relationships, and personal growth.

Discography

Studio albums

* '' Painted'' (2019) * '' Candydrip'' (2022) * ''

'' (2024)

Extended Plays

* ''Table for Two'' (2021)

Tours

Headlining

* The Painted Tour (2019) * The Candydrip World Tour (2022) * The Algorithm Tour (2024)

Opening act

* Ella Mai – The Debut Tour (2019) * Khalid – Free Spirit World Tour (Leg 3- Oceania) (2019) *

Maxwell Maxwell may refer to: People * Maxwell (surname), including a list of people and fictional characters with the name ** James Clerk Maxwell, mathematician and physicist * Justice Maxwell (disambiguation) * Maxwell baronets, in the Baronetage of N ...

– The Serenade Tour (2025)

Awards and nominations

Lucky Daye has been nominated for numerous awards including

Grammy Awards The Grammy Awards, stylized as GRAMMY, and often referred to as The Grammys, are awards presented by The Recording Academy of the United States to recognize outstanding achievements in music. They are regarded by many as the most prestigious a ...

American Music Awards The American Music Awards (AMAs) is an annual American music awards show produced by Dick Clark Productions since 1974. Nominees are selected on commercial performance such as sales and airplay. Winners are determined by a poll of the public and ...

and Soul Train Awards. He currently holds two wins. On September 8, 2024, Lucky received the Inaugural "Torchbearer Award" from

Billboard Charts The ''Billboard'' charts tabulate the relative weekly popularity of songs and albums in the United States and elsewhere. The results are published in ''Billboard (magazine), Billboard'' magazine. ''Billboard'' biz, the online extension of the ' ...

No.1s Party for being the "new age blueprint" in R&B after receiving his first No.1 hit as a lead artist with his single "That's You" on Adult R&B Songs chart.

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Daye, Lucky Living people 21st-century American singer-songwriters Singers from New Orleans RCA Records artists 1985 births African-American male singers Grammy Award winners American rhythm and blues singers American soul singers African-American songwriters Brown, David 21st-century American male singers Singer-songwriters from Louisiana