Jimmy Wayne Barber was born on October 23, 1972, in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, USA. His early life was marked by hardship. He and his sister Patricia were raised in foster care after being abandoned by their father, while their mother was incarcerated. After her release in 1985, Jimmy briefly lived with her but soon found himself living on the streets again. During this difficult time, he was taken in by an elderly couple, Russell and Bea Costner, who offered him work and stability. While living with them, he attended school, where he developed his writing skills and learned to play guitar.
After graduating high school, Wayne began work as a prison guard at Gaston Correctional Facility. He continued his studies at a community college, eventually earning a degree in criminal justice. He served as a corrections officer for four years before pursuing a career in music and relocating to Nashville, Tennessee.
Wayne began his music career as a staff songwriter for Acuff-Rose Music in Nashville, where he collaborated with several established figures, including noted songwriter Sanger D. Shafer. Recognized for blending traditional country music with modern influences, he gradually began performing his own songs while accompanying himself on guitar.
His breakthrough came after signing with DreamWorks Records Nashville. Within two years, he released his first major hit, "Stay Gone," which he has shared was inspired by his sister’s life. The song reached No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, significantly boosting his public profile. His follow-up single, "I Love You This Much," was also well received, climbing to No. 6 on the same chart. These early successes marked Jimmy Wayne as a rising talent in the country music scene.
Wayne continued to gain recognition with emotionally resonant music. One of his meaningful songs, "Paper Angels," earned him the William Booth Award from the Salvation Army, highlighting his unique ability to blend advocacy with artistry. This song further cemented his reputation for storytelling grounded in real-life experiences.
| Birth Date: | 23 Oct, 1972 |
| Age: | 47 yrs |
| Occupations: | Singer-songwriter Singer |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Kings Mountain |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American singer-songwriter |
| Net Worth 2021: | 33 million |
