Biography
Born around 1969 in Kingston, Jamaica, Wayne built his skills through close ties to Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, the renowned guitarist of High Times Band renown, who granted him entry to sessions at Studio One and Channel One. Jennifer Lara, Freddie McGregor and Beres Hammond supplied his vocal coaching, while Sly And Robbie instructed him in studio craft. Cleveland Browne and Dalton Browne brought him in to help shape tracks for Anthony Johnson and Home T at King Tubby’s, and he later collaborated at Channel One with Joseph ‘Joe Joe’ Hookim prior to settling in the UK. Junior Reid, Frankie Paul and Bob Marley, together with DJs Prince Pompidou and Joseph Cotton, shaped his approach. The 1994 release of ‘Missing You’ under the name Ricky Wayne brought his first real breakthrough and confirmed his path as a singer. Reviewers have noted how his phrasing echoes those same influences, and he commands solid regard throughout the reggae world. Further UK dates paired him with Gussie Prento, Mykey Simpson and the A-Class Crew at Fashion Records. Another strong seller arrived in 1996 when ‘Til The Morning Come’ was issued back-to-back with Andy Campbell’s ‘Can’t Stop Me Now’ and the popular ‘Special To Me’. Beyond reggae circles he has recorded with Boy George, David Maurice and Ishmael Pamphille of Real World. The 1999 advisory single ‘Render Your Heart’ and the forthright ‘Worthy To Be Praised’ added to his run of successes.
Albums
Singles
