Chris Wayne

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, Wayne absorbed music constantly during childhood, first stirred by the example of his Jonestown neighbor Johnny Osbourne, whose string of successes with the Wildcats and later the Sensations preceded his move to Canada. American R&B also shaped his tastes, prompting him to deliver Michael Jackson songs in public by the time he turned seven. During his teenage years he supplied backing vocals at Joe Gibbs’ studio, an experience that prompted him to launch a solo career. An early attempt foundered when the tapes cut with Bingi Gene of Sugar Minott’s Youth Promotion organization disappeared on the way to the pressing plant. Refusing to abandon his goals, he next aligned himself with Studio One stalwarts Wesley Tinglin and the Viceroys, stepping in for vocalist Norris Reid after Reid departed to focus on solo recordings with Augustus Pablo. Wayne appeared on the group’s 1984 album Chancery Lane, even though early pressings omitted his name despite his image on the cover; the set contained “Take Care Of The Youths,” “Life Is Not An Easy Game,” “Push Push,” and his own “New Clothes.” The Viceroys laid down tracks for a projected follow-up that never emerged, and in 1985 Wayne exited to resume solo work. Returning to Youth Promotion, he finally saw his masters reach the plant, yielding the singles “Aint That Enough” and “Fan Me Pretty Girl.” He sustained steady visibility on reggae charts, and his overall contribution to the music remains broadly recognized.