Jason Thomas Mraz (born June 23, 1977 ) is a singer , guitarist and songwriter born and raised in Mechanicsville , Virginia . In its influences are reggae , pop , rock , folk , jazz , and hip hop . Studied at Longwood University for a short time after taking a short passage by the American Dramatic Academy ( to study Musical Theatre ) in New York , moving to San Diego . His first musical project was " The Jason Mraz Demonstration ," in 1999 , recorded independently and containing 8 tracks of their own. After this would come four EPs. Only in 2002 , Mraz signed to Elektra Records , returning to Virginia to work with producer John Alagia in his debut album , Waiting for My Rocket to Come , which was certified platinum in July 2004 and would reach # 2 on the Billboard 's Chart. Their first single , " The Remedy ( I Will not Worry ) " was co - written by music production team The Matrix ( who has written songs from Avril Lavigne to Korn , passing by Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera ) . Also in 2004 the singer launches a CD / DVD of the concert recorded a year earlier , in Milwaukee , in the U.S. state of Wisconsin .