Jacoby Dakota Shaddix (born July 28, 1976) is the lead singer of Californian rock band Papa Roach, and along with bassist Tobin Esperance, is the main songwriter for the band. Shaddix was born in Vacaville, California. His parents divorced when he was six years old. In his youth he went to Vacaville High School where he played the clarinet in the school orchestra. Upon meeting Dave Buckner they founded Papa Roach in 1993. Jacoby started out playing drums but found quickly that Dave was a far greater drummer. Jacoby then decided to pick up bass to play a part in a band but his bass was stolen. After this he defaulted to singing. While 17, Shaddix started to work as a dishwasher to be able to finance his apartment with a friend. This job changed to a janitor in a hospital until he gave it all up for Papa Roach in 1999 so he could dedicate himself to the music he liked.