Who Are Sandi Graham and Dennis Graham? A Look at Drake's Parents and Their Impact

Drake is undoubtedly one of the most influential artists of this generation. However, behind his rise to fame are two key figures: his parents, Sandi Graham and Dennis Graham. The duo played pivotal roles in shaping the man and artist Drake has become. This blog post explores Sandi and Dennis's lives, relationships, and backgrounds. We will also discuss how they influenced Drake's career and personal life.

Early Life of Sandi Graham and Dennis Graham

Sandi Graham, born Sandi Sher, was a Canadian schoolteacher who raised Drake in Toronto. She was born into a Jewish family. Sandi always focused on providing her son with a stable and nurturing environment, and she continues to do so despite the challenges in her relationship with Dennis.

On the other hand, Dennis Graham was a talented drummer from Memphis, Tennessee. He has deeply connected to music throughout his life. He was part of the Memphis music scene and performed with legendary artists like Jerry Lee Lewis. His musical background would eventually significantly influence Drake’s musical development.

How Dennis and Sandi Graham Met

Sandi and Dennis met in the early 1980s in Toronto when Dennis performed at a nightclub. According to Dennis, their first encounter was casual. A relationship that would eventually result in marriage began when he asked the bartender for a cigarette after Sandi Graham offered him one. In June 1985, Sandi and Dennis tied the knot. And less than a year later, they welcomed their son, Aubrey Drake Graham, on October 24, 1986.

Life After Marriage: A Divorce and Co-Parenting

Sandi and Dennis’s marriage didn’t last long. When Drake was just five years old, his parents divorced. Despite the separation, both Sandi and Dennis remained active in Drake’s life, though his primary residence was with Sandi in Toronto.

Growing up with divorced parents wasn’t easy for Drake. He has been open about his challenges. In interviews, he admitted that he felt his parents could have done better co-parenting after their split. Ups and downs notably marked Drake’s relationship with his father. Still, despite this, he acknowledges the positive lessons both of his parents taught him, especially unconditional love and patience.

Sandi’s Role in Drake’s Life

Sandi Graham’s influence on Drake has been immeasurable. As a single mother, Sandi was the primary figure in Drake’s upbringing. He has credited her with raising him to be who he is today. Drake often speaks fondly of his mother and his music in interviews. He has described her as kind, loving, and nurturing, always providing him with the emotional support he needed.

In his song "You & The 6," Drake openly acknowledges his mother's sacrifices for him, singing, “You and the 6 raised me right, and that‘s saved my life.” This reflects how significant Sandi’s role has been in his personal and professional journey.

Drake also honors his mother in other ways, such as getting tattoos to celebrate his bond with her. For example, in 2022, he tattooed his mother’s initials, “SG,” just below his eye as a tribute to the woman who had such a profound impact on his life.

Dennis Graham’s Influence on Drake

While Sandi Graham was the central figure in Drake’s daily life, Dennis Graham played an equally important role in shaping his son’s musical career. Drake spent summers with his father in Memphis growing up. This exposes him to a different side of life. Dennis, a former drummer, played with several bands, and his musical career laid the foundation for Drake’s future success.

Drake frequently makes references to his father in his music. Despite their occasional tension, Dennis’s musical influence on Drake cannot be denied.

Dennis also expressed his pride in his son’s success. He was supportive during Drake's rise to fame, even joining him on tour for a period. In a 2016 interview, Dennis shared how he was initially concerned about his son navigating the music industry independently. Still, he quickly realized that Drake was knowledgeable and knew exactly what he was doing.

In addition to supporting his son’s career, Dennis has also ventured into music. In 2016, he began focusing on his music career, releasing singles like “Kinda Crazy” and even dedicating a song to his relationship with Drake called “Father and Son.” The bond between father and son remains strong despite their ups and downs.

Drake’s Parent’s Influence on His Co-Parenting Journey

One of the most significant ways Sandi and Dennis’s relationship impacted Drake was his approach to parenting. Drake has expressed that he is learning from his parents’ mistakes when co-parenting his child, Adonis, whom he shares with French artist Sophie Brussaux.

“I am a single father learning to communicate with a woman who, we’ve had our moments,” Drake said during an interview in 2018. “No matter what happens, I have unconditional love for the mother of my child because I want him to love his mother and I have to project that energy.”

Drake’s acknowledgment of his parents' challenges and how they influenced his approach to co-parenting speaks volumes about how his upbringing shaped his perspective on family.

How Sandi and Dennis Are Involved in Drake’s Life Today

Sandi and Dennis are still part of Drake's life. They have continued to support their son throughout his career. In 2021, both parents attended the Billboard Music Awards, where Drake was honored with the Artist of the Decade award. Drake often shares moments with his parents on social media. In 2023, Dennis even shared a heartfelt Instagram post in honor of Sandi’s 75th birthday. He celebrated the woman who significantly influenced both of their lives.

Dennis and Sandi have also maintained a good relationship in recent years. In addition to Dennis’s public shout-out to Sandi for her birthday, Drake has made it clear that his parents have come to a place of mutual respect, with all parties working together to be there for each other.