Childhood and Education Journey of Dr. Dre in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 27, 2025

An overview of the childhood and early education of Dr. Dre, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Dr. Dre, born Andre Romell Young, is an influential American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. He co-founded Death Row Records and is the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics. He started with World Class Wreckin' Cru, achieving wider recognition with N.W.A, popularizing explicit lyrics and gangsta rap. Dre is credited with developing West Coast G-funk in the early 1990s, characterized by synthesizers and a slower tempo.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1964: Parents' Marriage

In 1964, Theodore and Verna Young, Dr. Dre's parents, got married.

February 18, 1965: Andre Romell Young Born

On February 18, 1965, Andre Romell Young, who would later become known as Dr. Dre, was born in Compton, California, to Theodore and Verna Young.

1968: Parents' Separation

In 1968, Theodore and Verna Young, Dr. Dre's parents, separated.

1972: Parents' Divorce

In 1972, Theodore and Verna Young, Dr. Dre's parents, divorced. His mother later remarried Curtis Crayon.

1976: Attending Vanguard Junior High School

In 1976, Dre began attending Vanguard Junior High School in Compton, but he later transferred to Roosevelt Junior High School due to gang violence.

1979: Attending Centennial High School

In 1979, Dre attended Centennial High School in Compton during his freshman year, but transferred to Fremont High School in South Central Los Angeles due to poor grades.

December 15, 1981: Birth of Son Curtis

On December 15, 1981, Dr. Dre's son Curtis, also known as Hood Surgeon, was born to Dre and Cassandra Joy Greene.

1983: Birth of Daughter La Tanya Danielle Young

In 1983, Dr. Dre and Lisa Johnson had a daughter named La Tanya Danielle Young.

1988: Birth of Son Andre Young Jr.

In 1988, Dr. Dre and Jenita Porter had a son named Andre Young Jr.

1991: Birth of Son Marcel

In 1991, Dr. Dre and Michel'le had a son named Marcel.

1991: Formation of Death Row Records

In 1991, after leaving Ruthless Records and forming Death Row Records, Dr. Dre enlisted Chris "the Glove" Taylor, Greg "Gregski" Royal, and Colin Wolfe to assist on future projects.

April 1992: Shooting Incident

In April 1992, Dr. Dre was shot four times in the leg after a verbal dispute with his engineer.

June 28, 1992: Dr. Dre's Mansion Damaged by Fire

On June 28, 1992, a barbecue grill and overfilled charcoal caused a fire at Dr. Dre's Calabasas mansion, resulting in over $125,000 in damages and minor injuries to two firefighters.

1995: Alleged Discovery of Burning Man

According to an urban legend, Dr. Dre allegedly discovered the Burning Man festival in 1995 during a music video shoot.

May 25, 1996: Marriage to Nicole Threatt

On May 25, 1996, Dr. Dre married Nicole (née Plotzker) Threatt, who was previously married to basketball player Sedale Threatt.

1997: Birth of Son Truice

In 1997, Dr. Dre and Nicole Threatt had a son named Truice.

2001: Birth of Daughter Truly

In 2001, Dr. Dre and Nicole Threatt had a daughter named Truly.

2004: Studying Piano and Music Theory

In 2004, Dr. Dre mentioned to Scratch magazine that he was formally studying piano and music theory, with a goal to score movies, and he was collaborating with Burt Bacharach by sending him hip-hop beats.

2006: Co-founding of Beats Electronics

In 2006, Dr. Dre co-founded Beats Electronics with Jimmy Iovine.

August 23, 2008: Death of Andre Young Jr.

On August 23, 2008, Andre Young Jr., son of Dr. Dre and Jenita Porter, died at the age of 20 from a drug overdose.

October 9, 2009: HP and Dr. Dre Announce Beats Partnership

On October 9, 2009, Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Dr. Dre announced a partnership to bundle Beats By Dr. Dre with HP laptops and headsets at a press event.

2011: Urban Legend: Dr. Dre Started Burning Man

In 2011, an urban legend surfaced on a Tumblr blog claiming that Dr. Dre discovered Burning Man in 1995 during a music video shoot and offered to cover the event's permit cost, instituting an entrance fee system.

May 2013: Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine Donate to USC

In May 2013, Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine donated a $70-million endowment to the University of Southern California to create the USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation.

September 2014: First Class Begins at USC Iovine and Young Academy

In September 2014, the first class of the USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation began.

2014: Purchase of Brentwood Home

In 2014, Dr. Dre purchased a $40 million home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, from Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen.

June 2017: Dr. Dre Commits $10 Million to Compton High School

In June 2017, Dr. Dre committed $10 million to the construction of a performing arts center for the new Compton High School, including a 1,200-seat theater.

June 2020: Nicole Plotzker-Young Files for Divorce

In June 2020, Dr. Dre's wife, Nicole Plotzker-Young, filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, marking the beginning of a contentious legal battle.

2020: Expected Groundbreaking of Compton High School Performing Arts Center

In 2020, the groundbreaking for the performing arts center at the new Compton High School, funded in part by Dr. Dre, was expected to occur.

January 5, 2021: Brain Aneurysm and Hospitalization

On January 5, 2021, Dr. Dre suffered a brain aneurysm and was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's ICU in Los Angeles, which was followed by an attempted burglary at his home and support from various celebrities.

December 2021: Dr. Dre's Divorce Settlement Reached

In December 2021, Dr. Dre and Nicole Young finalized their divorce. Dre retained most of his assets due to the prenuptial agreement but had to pay a nine-figure settlement to Young within a year. This brought an end to the contentious legal proceedings.