Atlanta, GA, June 12, 2025 – One of young Hollywood’s brightest stars 17yr old JayDon, widely recognized as JD McCrary, debuts his first official music video for “Lullaby” featuring Paradise on Usher and LA Reid’s new record label, MEGA.
JayDon is an American actor, dancer, and singer whose career is swiftly rising in the entertainment industry. Born to Larisa McCrary and James West McCrary, JayDon is known for his role as Kenny Payne in “The Paynes” on the Oprah Winfrey Network and for voicing young Simba in the 2019 live-action remake of “The Lion King.” Signed to Hollywood Records, he released his debut extended play, “Shine,” in April 2019, and his song “Keep In Touch” was featured in the renowned video game Just Dance 2020.
JayDon’s career breakthrough came when he wowed audiences with his powerful voice on “Little Big Shots” (NBC) and contributed his immense talent to Childish Gambino’s album “Awaken, My Love.” He began his acting journey in short films like “Second Chance” (2014) and “Atom: The Misadventures of a Real Super Hero” (2015), appearing on shows like “The Eric Andre Show” (Adult Swim). Showcasing his vocal abilities in “Blunt Talk” (Starz), JayDon also featured in other prominent series, including “K.C. Undercover” (Disney Channel) and “I’m Dying Up Here” (Showtime).
JD McCrary performed with Childish Gambino at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in 2018. Viewers were captivated by his contribution to the performance of “Terrified.” McCrary, one of three guest artists on Gambino’s “Awaken, My Love!” album, impressed Gambino himself with a rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Who’s Loving You,” leading to a studio session. JayDon also performed the song on “The Ellen Show,” where he shared with DeGeneres that he has been singing since he was in diapers.
Critics praised JayDon’s singing, particularly his performance on Childish Gambino’s track “Terrified.” His career took another giant leap when his rendition of The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” on “Little Big Shots” went viral. In addition to his role in “The Paynes,” JayDon appeared in the film “Little” and released his debut single, “Keep In Touch,” in 2019.
JayDon’s career breakthrough came when he wowed audiences with his powerful voice on “Little Big Shots” (NBC) and contributed his immense talent to Childish Gambino’s album “Awaken, My Love.” He began his acting journey in short films like “Second Chance” (2014) and “Atom: The Misadventures of a Real Super Hero” (2015), appearing on shows like “The Eric Andre Show” (Adult Swim). Showcasing his vocal abilities in “Blunt Talk” (Starz), JayDon also featured in other prominent series, including “K.C. Undercover” (Disney Channel) and “I’m Dying Up Here” (Showtime).
JD McCrary performed with Childish Gambino at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in 2018. Viewers were captivated by his contribution to the performance of “Terrified.” McCrary, one of three guest artists on Gambino’s “Awaken, My Love!” album, impressed Gambino himself with a rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Who’s Loving You,” leading to a studio session. JayDon also performed the song on “The Ellen Show,” where he shared with DeGeneres that he has been singing since he was in diapers.
Critics praised JayDon’s singing, particularly his performance on Childish Gambino’s track “Terrified.” His career took another giant leap when his rendition of The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” on “Little Big Shots” went viral. In addition to his role in “The Paynes,” JayDon appeared in the film “Little” and released his debut single, “Keep In Touch,” in 2019.
In 2022, JayDon took on the role of Brett in the Netflix film adaptation “13: The Musical.” His journey was further highlighted in the 2023 VH1 documentary series “Nick Cannon Presents: Future Superstars,” which showcased his rise from commercials to voicing Young Simba.
Becoming the youngest male solo artist to sign with Disney/Hollywood Records at the age of 10, JayDon voiced Young Simba and provided the vocals for “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” in “The Lion King.” His musical talent is deeply embedded in his family, known for its accomplished gospel and R&B singers.
In 2024, at the age of 17, JayDon signed one of the most significant record deals of his career with LA Reid and Usher’s new record label, Mega under the management of Arturo Ayers Jr. at Invisible Ink Entertainment.
