David Draiman

Early Life

David Michael Draiman was born on March 13, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish parents. His father, Yehuda "YJ" Draiman, was a real estate developer who faced legal troubles, impacting Draiman's early life. Raised in a religious environment, he attended several Orthodox schools, where he initially aspired to become a rabbi. However, he struggled with the strict religious requirements and eventually rebelled, seeking a more typical teenage experience. Despite his challenges, he became trained as a hazzan (cantor) and encouraged his family to observe Shabbat.

Career

Draiman's musical journey took a significant turn in 1996 when he auditioned for the band Brawl, which later became known as Disturbed. His unique baritone voice and ability to create original melodies impressed the band members, leading to his selection as the lead vocalist. Under Draiman's leadership, Disturbed achieved massive success with hits like "Stupify," "Down with the Sickness," and "Indestructible." He was recognized as one of the top metal vocalists, ranking 42nd on Hit Parader's list of the "Top 100 Metal Vocalists of All Time" in 2006. During a hiatus from Disturbed between 2011 and 2015, Draiman explored an industrial metal project called Device, releasing a self-titled album in 2013. The band returned with new albums, including "Immortalized" in 2015 and "Evolution" in 2018.

Personal Life

Draiman married model and actress Lena Yada on September 25, 2011, and they welcomed a son in September 2013. After their divorce in 2023, Draiman became engaged to model Sarah Uli during a concert on May 9, 2025, and they married later that year on November 16. His personal experiences and relationships have influenced his artistic expression, contributing to his dynamic presence in the music industry.