Born in Meadville, Mississippi in 1967, Billy Wayne Cater grew up within the Mississippi / Louisiana culture. The southern flavor seasoned his playing and writing style fostering a 'hard work' ethic and driving passion for truth.
In the early teenage years Wayne found new life in the Lord Jesus Christ. This significant event along with learning to play guitar by ear, and a handful of piano lessons, provided an outlet of soulful expression. Vocally he paid his dues singing in church choir, testing out new musical ideas on friends, and imitating the works of his heros: Dallas Holm, the Imperials, and Wayne Watson among others.
After graduating high school near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Wayne could be found playing his guitar and singing an occasional song at LSU's Free Speech Alley. Wandering around aimlessly for a semester, Wayne finally tried out for acceptance into the Louisiana College vocal music program and was granted a partial scholarship. Against his Father's wishes he headed off for a degree in music. A very short time later, disillusioned with music school internals, college politics and longing for the familarness of friends and family, Wayne returned to Baton Rouge. All the while, listening, watching and attempting new techniques, Wayne grew both his playing technique and writing style.
Over the next 5 years Wayne found a small niche sharing his songs in South Louisiana churches with just an acoustic / electric guitar and a Bible. Churches of various denominational affiliations invited Wayne to share in song.
Through the years that followed Wayne settled into a computer programming job, a family, and an occasional song special sung at church. Never quite giving up composing and lyric writing, nor collecting recording gear, Wayne managed to rack up quite a repertoire of original material. The musical highlight of those years was a trip with friend, Raymond Wade, to Russia, during which Wayne was able to share his songs.
The turning point and triggering decision to pursue God with all of his heart, mind and soul came a year after the death of Wayne's Father at age 58. Further waking up to the reality that life is preciously short, and that it is important to lead by example. Wayne wanted to show his own children that it's not only what a man says, but what a man does that is important. Wayne was compelled to start sharing music again.
Today the sound and style that has evolved into Wayne Cater is much like the weathered banks of the Mississippi River basin. It is the blend of time, real life experiences and the passionate pursuit of a man by God through Christ.
