The name of the band is based on the first names of the three members; Jan Dulles, Jaap Kwakman and Jaap de Witte. The three original members have known each other since 1996. From 2002 they performed locally under their current name, 3JS.
Watermensen (2007-2008)
On 8 June 2007, the band released its first studio album, Watermensen. The album was recorded entirely in-house. All compositions are self made and the production took them for its own account. The album brought the modest hits "Kom", "Net alsof", "Een met de bomen", "Watermensen" and "Wiegelied". On 6 July 2007, the album reached number six in the Mega Album Top 100 and lasted 87 weeks in the top 100. In the summer of 2007, a television programme under the name 3JS komen eraan about the band aired on the local channel, RTV Noord-Holland for eight weeks. The programme starred Jan Smit, with the band members regular guests on the programme. On 21 January 2008, the band along with Alain Clark, Wouter Hamel, Nick & Simon and Thomas Berge were given an original Rembrandt. This prize is awarded by Stichting Nederlandse Muziek, for songs that are distinguished by lyrics and original compositions. A day later they won the 2007 Zilveren Harp. Both awards were won for their debut album Watermensen.
Kamers van m'n hart (2008-2009)
In October 2008, the group released their second album, Kamers van m'n hart. The first single, "Hou van mij", was a top 10 hit, which reached number four in the Single Top 100. The album was as well received as its predecessor, with the album reaching number 4 in its first week on the Mega Album Top 100, and lasting forty weeks in the charts.
Dromers en dwazen (2010-present)
The third album by 3JS, entitled Dromers en dwazen was released in the spring of 2010. The group will release their first single from the album, "Loop met me over zee", on 27 October 2010. In 2013, Jaap de Witte announced that he would leave the band. He was replaced by his son Jan de Witte. in 2019, the band announced that Jan de Witte would leave the band. He was replaced by Robin Johannes Kuller.
During a radio show, the band announced that they were the Netherlands representative at the Eurovision Song Contest2011 in Germany, with the Dutch broadcaster, Televisie Radio Omroep Stichting also announcing the bands candidacy. With the band saying: "It's about the song again", after the Dutch poor results in recent years. The band produced five songs before the end 2010, which were performed at the national final in early 2011, during which the public and a professional jury voted for their favourite song. During the 2011 Eurovision song contest the band took last place in the semi final with only 13 points in total.
