Born Von Wayne Charles on July 26, 1972 in Buff Bay, Portland, Wayne s initial singing inspiration came from attending Sunday school, where singing was compulsory, and from his mother who sang in church. As a child Wayne and his family moved all over eastern Kingston, living in areas such as Dunkirk, Franklin Town and Rae Town, home of the weekly Sunday night Reggae/R&B oldies street dance. The exposure to vintage 45's at these dances would provide Wayne with a richer, more soulful vocal approach to a Reggae rhythm track than many of his contemporaries. It was at secondary school where Wayne's thoughtfulness and philosophical nature led to the acquisition of the nickname Wonder; young Wayne sang at school, at home, at church and for his friends and wherever he sang, he was encouraged to pursue his craft professionally.

The first producer Wayne recorded for was the legendary creator of dub, the late King Tubby. Wayne voiced three original songs for Tubby, but the one that caught the public's attention was his cover version of British heartthrob Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up." In 1988, Wayne was devastated by the death of Tubby who was among the most significant influences in his early career. Wayne then linked up with producer Lloyd Dennis voicing the hit It s Over Now on the popular Cover Me rhythm (titled after the hit by Ninja Man and Tinga Stewart) for Dennis Pickout label. That was actually the first song that start to play, like I could go to the dance and look forward to hearing it, Wayne recalls, so my inspiration grew more from there. Wayne also recorded his debut album No More Chance on the Pickout label. No More Chance contained seven original tracks and several obligatory cover versions, reflecting Jamaican producers preference for recording singers doing American R&B hits. When I first started out, I got so frustrated, because you carry original material to the studio and they act like they don't even want to hear it, Wayne explains. They don't accept it. They want you to sing over something that everybody already know. Them don't spend time to hear your creativity or what you try to originate.

Around 1989, Wayne began collaborating with his childhood friend Dave Kelly. At the time, Kelly was an engineer for Donovan Germaine's Penthouse Records, the label synonymous with Dancehall Reggae hits of the late 80's/early 90's. Together Wayne and Dave created a steady stream of successful Penthouse tunes including I m Only Human, Baby You and I and Saddest Day (which Wayne re-recorded in combination with Foxy Brown on her 2001 Def Jam Records Broken Silence CD). Wayne became well known for his 1991 cover version of the late Jamaican singer Delroy Wilson's "I Don t Know Why" re-titled "Movie Star." The same song in combination with Buju Banton (whom Wayne brought to Penthouse Records) "Bona Fide Love" proved to be a huge success as well, remaining a heavily requested tune even today.

Wayne has been working tirelessly in the studio completing tracks for his latest album for VP Records No Holding Back. Much of the pre-production work was done in his New York home studio, as well as recording tracks in Jamaica. Wayne wrote or co- wrote all of the songs on No Holding Back and the album will certainly adhere to the same superlative vocal and songwriting standards his fans have come to expect from him over the years.

I just want to do good songs, Wayne concludes. I'm keeping the mainstream recognition (from No Letting Go ) in mind but adding my creative flow to it because I want people to know that Wayne Wonder is not limited. Once I finish the album, I'll hit the road and tour. I got a good band together and I really feel pleased. I can go out there now and really represent myself.