Baby Wayne
Baby Wayne (1968 – 29 October 2005), born Wayne Parkinson, was a Jamaican dancehall artist known for his conscientious lyrics.
Baby Wayne | |
---|---|
Born | 1968 |
Origin | St. Catherine, Jamaica |
Died | 28 October 2005 (aged 37) |
Genres | Dancehall |
Instrument(s) | vocals |
Years active | 1990s |
Labels | Heartbeat, VP |
Biography
Parkinson was born in 1968 in Saint Catherine Parish, Jamaica.[1] He initially became known for his conscientious lyrics, warning of the perils of a life of crime, which were unusual at the time,[2] although he later recorded some tracks that made concessions to the slackness that was popular with audiences.[1] He worked with producers Steely & Clevie in the early 1990s, with whom he had a hit in 1991 with "Mama".[1] Other hits from the early 1990s included "Road Mi Waan Come" and "Warder".[1] In 1993 he recorded "Mi Know Mi Fren" with Leroy Smart (produced by Winston "Niney" Holness), which was a top ten hit in Jamaica.[1] Holness secured a deal for Wayne with Heartbeat Records for the release of his debut album, Ram DJ, in 1994.[1] The album included guest appearances from Sugar Minott and Dennis Brown.[1] In 1995 he worked with producer Lloyd Dennis and had further success with "Tongue Make Not".[1]
He died on 28 October 2005 at the Kingston Public Hospital from complications of pneumonia, leaving seven children.[3]
References
- Larkin, Colin (1998) The Virgin Encyclopedia of Reggae, Virgin Books, ISBN 0-7535-0242-9, p.17
- Wynn, Ron "Ram DJ Review", Allmusic, Macrovision Corporation
- Ledgister, Fabian (2005) "Baby Wayne Dead Archived 31 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine", Jamaica Star, 29 October 2005