Dwele was born Andwele Gardner. He is an R&B and soul singer, songwriter and record producer from Detroit, Michigan. Dwele grew up in Detroit, listening to such Motown artists as Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye and jazz on the radio. Dwele began honing his songwriting skills at the age of ten, after his father's murder outside his home. He also attended Detroit's Cody High School. After briefly attending Wayne State, he left college to pursue a more informal education while working for the American Automobile Association. Dwele played in the school marching band and played in a jazz band.