Wayne's World

News

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our house to yours!
Wayne & Amy

New photo of Wayne taken by Memphis photographer Ronnie Booze - Š2007

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The month of October can only be described as coming full-circle. On October 5th, Wayne returned to his high school in Arkansas and performed a medley of Stax songs with The West Memphis High School Blue Devil Marching Band during the halftime show at the Homecoming Game, just three blocks from where he was raised.

Wayne performing on the field at West Memphis High School
Photo by Billy Woods Š2007

The day before the performance, Wayne rehearsed on the field with the band and then took the entire group of 100 plus teenagers on a tour through the Stax Museum to see where he launched his career.

Says Wayne, "I've known Cathy Williams since she
was a little girl running through our neighborhood with the gang. I didn't suspect that one day, she would be the leader of a big ole band of 129 young musicians. I fell in love with       Wayne with West Memphis High School Band Director
all of them. And felt very                                          Cathy Williams
honored that they were
playing a group of my songs from the Stax Record days. Boy, what fun we had fun!!

"The Blue Devil Marching Band was excellent in all areas. I'm glad I didn't have to learn their marching routine.

"At the Stax Museum the kids got to see me as a kid. I told them stories about how my career began and how                   Wayne listens as Jessica Steed plays her solo during
important it was to follow your                   the rehearsal of "Dock Of The Bay"
dream, no matter how wild that
dream may seem."

Members of The West Memphis Blue Devil Marching Band
at The Stax Museum

After the Homecoming performance, Bill Kessinger, Superintendent of the West Memphis Schools presented Wayne with his High School diploma...47 years later!
As many of you know, upon failing Senior English, Wayne received a standing ovation for his trumpet performance at graduation while his classmates received diplomas.

"Mr. Kessinger said to me as he handed me my Bill Kessinger presenting Wayne with his high school diploma
diploma, 'It's about time,
Wayne,' and everyone laughed. The moment made me misty-eyed. I know my Mother and Father were proud, as was I.

A reception for Wayne was held after the game, where he was presented with the very first "Noteable Alumni Award." It was just a tremendous evening that we will never forget!!!

Wayne & Crittenden Arts Council Executive Director
Janine Earney

Thank you everyone! And "Go Blue Devils!!!"

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We returned to West Memphis two weeks later, for a weekend event "Remembering The PI: A Celebration of the Plantation Inn," the legendary nightclub, which operated from 1945-1965. Friday evening featured Wayne Jackson and The PI Blues Band (the best of Memphis musicians...Marvell Thomas, Skip Pitts, James Robertson, Jimmy Kinard, Jim Spake, Scott Thompson and singer, Willie Covington).

Jimmy Kinard, Wayne, Marvell Thomas, Willie Covington, Skip Pitts

The folks were on the dance floor from the first note to the last! Brenda Berger O'Brien, whose parents, Morris and Clemmye Berger, founded and owned The Plantation Inn, flew in from Florida with her husband, Chuck, to participate in all the festivities and the symposium.

Brenda Berger O'Brien, Wayne, Chuck O'Brien

It was a truly great event made possible by the tireless work of Janine Earney, Sarah Beth Christian and Caroline Redfearn.
Congratulations!!!

Wayne and Amy

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For all you Memphis Horns fans, we wanted to share the lyrics to a song we recently received, written by a young man from Switzerland. We were so moved by his interpretation of Wayne and Andrew's partnership. We think a lot of you will be, too.

And we'll start it off with a photo taken by Memphis photographer, Andrea Zucker,Š2007, this September during a photo shoot at Andrew's house for the Stax exhibit, "Then and Now."

Two Brothers, One Soul
(Dedicated to Wayne Jackson and Andrew Love, The Memphis Horns)

What do I hear - what is this sound
A sound so sweet and true
What do I feel - that means so much to me
It's the Memphis Horns playin' - a Memphis soul song

Wayne is white, Andrew is black
But they are brothers deep inside
They're bringin' in their heart and souls
Turnin' air into a world full of gold

Chorus
Play me those Memphis horns
So sweet and oh so funky
So tight and so cool
The soul brothers in action
Two brothers - one soul

You can speak without to talk
You can play up a storm
Being the cream on the cake
To oh so many songs

I always wanted to stand
Between the two of you
Watching the magic happen
Like no others can do

Thank you for the music
Thank you for the soul
You will live forever
Memphis brothers - Memphis horns

1967

2007
Photo by Andrea Zucker Š2007

If you love Stax music, you'll love these three new DVDs, which Wayne participated in..."Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story," as seen on PBS and featuring great interviews and performances by artists at Stax. Available on www.amazon.com.

"Dreams To Remember: The Legacy of Otis Redding," featuring never before scene footage of Otis performing and great interviews with Wayne, Steve Cropper, Jim Stewart, Zelma Redding and Karla Redding..."Stax/Volt Revue: Live In Norway," featuring performances by The Mar-Keys, Booker T. & the MGs, Eddie Floyd, Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, along with great commentary by Wayne, Steve Cropper, Jim Stewart and Sam Moore. Available at www.reelinintheyears.com.

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It was a fabulous July weekend in Porretta, Italy, this year for the 20th Anniversary of The Porretta Soul Festival, which Wayne started in 1987 along with partner, Andrew Love, and the late, legendary Rufus Thomas.

Festival founder and artistic director and our very good friend, Graziano Uliani, had a fantastic line-up this year, including two high school bands...The CIV Soul Band from                Wayne, Graziano and JF Jacomino surrounded by the CIV Soul Band
France and
The Sweethearts, a 37 piece all-girl soul band from Australia.

Wayne had a ball performing with both groups! We can't say enough about these kids. He's now known at the Godfather of the CIV Soul Band! Says Wayne, "I realized what the true legacy of the music I had participated in since I was a kid was. Here were nearly 100 kids and their teachers from two different continents speaking different languages but loving one thing in common...Soul Music. And in particular, on that day, Stax Music. It blew my mind!" Wayne performing with The Sweethearts from Australia

On Friday and Sunday nights, Wayne played with Jon Tiven and the Nashville Aces (Sally Tiven, Mark Jordan, Billy Block, Patti Russo, Jonell Moser, Josh Allen, Derrick Gardner) who backed New Orleans legend, Betty Harris, newcomer Ellis Hooks and longtime Stax friend, Sir Mack Rice. Mack wrote "Mustang Sally" among others. Need we say more. Says Wayne, "The crowd loved it. The music was tight, and we hit hard. There was a large group of Sir Mack Rice & Wayne
teenagers at the feet of Betty and Mack.
They couldn't believe their eyes or ears!"

More scenes from Porretta...

Duck Dunn (in to play with Booker T. & the MGs) & Wayne clowning at Bar Roma
(Duck & Wayne were born on the same day, the same year, at the same hospital...
both are left-handed)

A happy reunion with Eddie Floyd, Wayne & Mack Rice

Wayne with Cyssou, trumpet player from Wayne with singer Bobby Johnson (in Red)
CIV Soul Band & the CIV Soul Band

Wayne being presented with a special award for his contribution to Soul Music
from many Italian friends including on left, Franco, and on right with award, Luca

Wayne with horn players Derrick Gardner on sax and
Josh Allen on trombone

Wayne & Amy with UK pals John
Nick, Gillie & Helen

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Check out Wayne's new myspace site: www.myspace.com/waynejacksonmusic

Wayne with gold record #83, Neil Young's "Prairie Wind"
and
The Memphis Horns new myspace site: www.myspace.com/thememphishorns

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Its the 50^th Anniversary of Soul, and if youre heading to Memphis this year, now you can book a VIP Ultimate Memphis Music Tour with Wayne Jackson as your personal guide! "Im celebrating my life in Memphis Music and want to share the celebration with you!

You and up to eight of your friends will join Wayne and Sherman Willmott of Memphis Ultimate Rock and Roll Tours www.memphisrocktour.com on an amazing three hour tour through Memphis and American Music History with one of the guys who helped to create it!

Youll hear firsthand what it was like to record with Otis Redding, Elvis, Wilson Pickett, The Mar-Keys, Albert King, Booker T. & the MGs, Al Green, the Box-Tops, Aretha Franklin and many, many more. Youll see the places like Stax Records, Lil Abners Rebel Room, Hernandos Hideaway, Hi Records, the Manhattan Club, Graceland. Youll hear Waynes stories that have entertained Neil Young, Sting, The Doobie Brothers, Robert Cray, U2, Jimmy Buffett and many more, during sessions and around the dining table. A premium entertainment experience!

And you dont have to be from out of town to enjoy thisMemphians, grab your friends and get ready for the ultimate music tour! See your hometown like never before!

Cost: $1000, which includes admission to the Stax Museum of American Soul. Larger groups may be accommodated.

For more information and to book your tour, email us at sweetmedicine@aol.com
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And at long last, the adventure continues...
"In My Wildest Dreams Volume II The Memphis Horns" is here!!

Picking up where Volume I ended, Wayne blasts through the Seventies taking you on tour and in the studio with Stephen Stills, Aretha Franklin & Ray Charles, Rod Stewart, The Doobie Brothers. Triumphs and tragedies, the rise and fall of The Memphis Horns and surprise appearances from Jerry Lee Lewis, Bob Hope, John Wayne, Mick Jagger and many others make Volume II another riveting ride!

"Well I got to the end...and...it was BRILLIANT...Damn! I wish I didn't read so fast!"
- Roddy Lewis, England

"Finally!!! Wayne Jackson's second installment of "In My Wildest Dreams" is here! Wayne continues the story of his life (and the evolution of soul music and rock and roll) losing none of his focus, literary voice or keen eye for detail in this imaginative and entertaining read. There is no gloss here. Wayne deals with the ups and downs of life as a famous studio musician and live performer. He takes us in the sessions and on the road with no less than rock royalty - If you were ever curious about the tedium and tumult of touring, then buy this book. You'll have a cat bird seat on the tour bus, in the hotel bars and on the bands chartered planes. Wayne captures life on the road. A must read."
-Charles Taylor, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

This Collector's Edition manuscript is an 8 1/2 X 11 comb-bound edition 204 pages with 56 photos. Each one is personalized and autographed to you. The cost is $42.00, plus shipping.

To order click here to go to our Ebay store: http://stores.ebay.com/sweetmedicinemusicmemorabilia
A GREAT GIFT UNDER $50.00 - ONE OF A KIND - TOTALLY UNIQUE

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In 7 countries and all across the states, we have happy customers raving about Wayne's first book..."In My Wildest Dreams - A Collection of Rock and Roll Tales - Volume One!"

This first volume is the story of Memphis music in the Sixties from the inside!
Here's what a few of the folks are saying,

   "Wayne's book on his musical journey over the last forty years is a 'Masterpiece' and a MUST READ! In addition to being a world class musician, the story-telling and writing expertise is excellent. Bottom line - just purchase this book and do it now from one of the 'good guys' of pop music. You will NOT be disappointed."
     Mike Semrad, Vice-President American National Bank of Fremont (Nebraska)

   "Wayne Jackson is a natural born story-teller. That's true for many, but very few have stories like these. After all, who has hung out and played music with Elvis, Otis Redding, Sting and so many other greats in the recording world? Wayne Jackson, that's who! I want movie rights! Wayne, you have captured a time and place in history that lingers in the hearts of many and will capture the hearts of the uninitiated. Kudos all around!"
     Marshall Chapman, author of "Goodbye, Little Rock & Roller"
     Nashville, TN

     "Wayne Jackson is a born storyteller, consummate musician, and he leads the reader on a wild romp through the historical and cultural events that shaped our generation. As one of the hip doctors attending the birth of soul music, Wayne helped write the soundtrack of our lives."
     Charles Taylor, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN


Opening at a recording session in Sting's castle, Wayne takes the reader back to his beginnings in West Memphis, Arkansas, where he blew his way out of the cotton patch and across the river to Memphis into the pages of music history. This first volume chronicles his adventures through 1969 and features tales of Stax Records, Otis Redding, Elvis, Muscle Shoals, the 1967 Stax/Volt Revue, the Monterey Pop Festival, the Memphis studio & club scene and much more. There is also a bonus section called "On The Record," which is a transcript of Wayne talking about many of the songs he has played on.

This Collector's Edition manuscript is an 8 1/2 X 11 comb-bound edition -205 pages with 30 photos. Each one is personalized and autographed to you. The cost is $42.00 plus $7.00 shipping and handling ($12.00 international).

To order click here to go to our Ebay store: http://stores.ebay.com/sweetmedicinemusicmemorabilia

Click above on Road Stories to read excerpts from the book!