How many people have exclaimed upon seeing you: “Look! There goes John the Baptist!”? Well, such was the case for Wayne Walters. His song, John the Baptist, became a favorite among many people as he traveled spreading God’s word in song. It was also recorded by other groups such as The Freemans, The Couriers and The Tony Brothers just to name a few. It seemed children loved the song as much as the adults, so much so, that they often referred to Wayne as John the Baptist!
Wayne Walters was born June 24, 1926, in Van Buren, Arkansas. Wayne was destined to be a man of God being called out not only to be a writer, but also to be a singer, musician and pastor. Wayne’s experience with music began by watching his older brother play a guitar. Together, they would actually make homemade strings for their guitars with wire taken from their window screens.
Wayne came to know the Lord in 1949 after his young 4 year-old daughter, Jeanne, was saved in Vacation Bible School and urged her daddy to attend church with her. Both he and his wife, Bobbie, then become active members in their home church. As Wayne’s love for the Lord was kindled, he began feeling led to go into a full-time music ministry; thus, “The Christian Troubadours” were formed.
The Troubadours gained in popularity and were invited to sing all over the United States and Canada. In the 1960’s, being voted as the “Nation’s Number One Country Gospel Quartet,” they were invited by the government to go overseas and entertain the troops. Wayne continued writing songs that touched the hearts of man - songs like "Twelve Men" that told the story of the disciples and how they died. "The Church," another song penned by Wayne and recorded by many other artists, speaks of what the church is and what the future holds for it. All of Wayne’s songs were deeply imbedded with scripture. In every church meeting, an altar call was given where hundreds accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord through the ministry in song and testimony. There was never a church too small or an auditorium too large for The Christian Troubadours to be there, showcasing their own special blend of instruments and voice. They even shocked an audience attending The National Quartet Convention, as they took the stage, all playing instruments, clad in overalls and bandanas in their pockets. The late great Kenny Hinson had said many many times it was that night that was the turning point in his own life and career.
In 1975, after having spent 20 years in full-time ministry and recording over 20 record albums, Wayne Walters decided it was time to step down from music ministry. Although he continued to accept occasional bookings, the call of God was utmost in his heart and lead him to go in another direction. Wayne had developed a great love of the Word in his travels. His spare time had been spent reading the Bible and pouring over the scriptures. God seemed to be preparing him for this new calling in his life. Wayne eventually became an ordained minister and started a small church in a house in Madison, Tennessee.
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 08/01/2007
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 29
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What a great song - and what a great man!
I have known the song "John the Baptist" since around 1973, but our group (The Cerces) just recently began singing the song just a few months ago.
In fact, we just did a live recorded video concert (to be released both in DVD and CD) and "John the Baptist" was one of the featured songs. (I'll hunt down your Dad, Becky, and make sure he gets a copy of it).
It's a real crowd-pleaser and folks seem to enjoy it every night.
I never had the privilege of meeting Wayne, but we have quite a few mutual friends, and they have always spoken very highly of him. He's one of those on my "to meet" list.
Hats off to a man who will still serve God as a Pastor at 81 years of age! Sounds like something John the Baptist would do.
Cliff Cerce
The Cerces, PO Box 8525, Springfield, MO 65801
417-863-8440
http://www.thecerces.com
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
What a great artice on somebody that is truly a pioneer and a gentleman of integrity. Wayne was one of the first clients I worked with in Nashville upon moving here in 1976. He is indeed a blessing to all that know him.
Such a great article about a true man of GOD! Thank You Becky for sharing it with me. I would Love to be able to meet him. Anyone who is still preaching at 81 has to have GOD'S hand upon him. I would like to hear some of his songs. Singsouthern
What a man of God Wayne is. I have had the pleasure and opportunity to spend time with him, and his family and they have ALL touched my heart with music and song.Weekends in Indiana will NEVER be forgotten, Their love for the Lord is stronger that any I have ever experienced. Great article for a powerful family of God!
Wayne Walters was not only my brother-in-law, he was also my uncle by marriage because I married his nephew (which made my sister my aunt...oh well.) He was a tremendous witness to us, especially in our early years of marriage. I always loved to hear him sing.
Our dad (Ross Green) had the Troubadours at our church several times back in the 70's. I loved to hear Wayne Walters sing. Bruce Watkins traveled with him during that time also. Bruce Watkins was the producer of our first project. Wayne Walters is one of the best song writers. Wayne, we would love to see you again sometime.
It's so good to hear about Wayne and that he's still going strong for the Lord. I remember the Christian Troubadours coming to our area many times as a kid and our good friend Phil Price was their banjo player at the time. I remember Wayne, Phil, Harley and Bill and a few others whose names escape me , but they really were Christian Troubadours in action and they inspired me many times. Thanks for sharing this story, one of the songs I remember so vividly was "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning" it was such a great song and still love to get the old albums out and listen to them every now and then. Wayne I would love to see you again before we meet in heaven.
Recognition for my Dad and The Christian Troubadours is long over due. It's been said more than once that they were way ahead of their time. In the age of tracks and back up bands in Southern Gospel music, The Christian Troubadours provided all their own music back in the early 50s. Wayne, (my Dad) is also one of the most prolific songwriters that ever put pen to a gospel song. My very special thanks to Deon Unthank for running the article. Hey Dad, I LOVE YOU!
As this month draws to an end, I would just like to send out my appreciation to those of you who left comments. Dad was notified of each one and we thank you greatly! Thank you also to Southern Gospel News for printing my article. God's blessings! Becky
I grew up in Corpus Christi Texas, and lived right beside the Mayfield Baptist church, Brother Surgerner was the pastor at the time... mom played the piano on Sundays. She had her four youngest children singing 4 part harmony at 11, 12, 13, and 14. But when the Christian Troubadours came and performed at our church, mom was so full of joy. She loved their music and their spirits and quickly became aquaintances with the bus load of them. I think we even babysit one of young boys while they were there. She was so happy living music in the church.Her name was Cora Mae Durham. Well I watched them old boys and got my spirit lifted as well.... and I still have those songs stuck in my head to this day. I am a music teacher today for a middle school... oh how God plants seeds. I was wanting to buy a cd of that old music. <I've got confidence>
Thank you so much for your comments. The Troubadours never recorded "I've Got Confidence" but they did "I Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey". A former Troubadour, Bruce Watkins has remastered all of their old albums into Cd's. You can call this number to order;
I traveled with the Christian Troubadours,Wayne Walters is a true man of God.I thank the Lord that he let me know Wayne.Unbelievable song writer and a dear,dear friend! Love Ya Wayne
It was our (Couriers) joy to have been closely associated with the Christian Troubadours in the 1960s and to work many dates with them. They moved to Harrisburg, PA and worked out of our town for several years. Wayne, Phil Price, Frank Petty and Bill Carter were the members at the time, with Wayne's son Noel later joining his father in the group.
Wayne is a wonderful person to know. Never before have I felt more welcomed and accepted than when I am with my church family. Today, September 2, we had our annual Homecoming and once again it was absolutely amazing to hear everyone pickin' and singin'! This wonderful man deserves every bit of recognition he gets for being such an awesome man of God!
Phone 731-336-5957 It was my priviledge to be a member of the troubadours for 8 years. I have the utmost respect and love for wayne and no one could ever know the experiences and the blessings of riding the roads and singing and picking and seeing multiplied numbers of people saved,healed,and set free as God saw fit to use the ministry. God bless Harvey,Bill,Leroy,Frank and you too Wayne.I would love some of our 1960s friends to call me or email me. I just got this computer so I make a lot of mistakes. I would especially like to hear from our California,Oregon and Washington friends. In Christ-- PHIL
Dear Wayne, I don't know if you will see this or not, but I thought I'd give it a try. Back in 1973 or 1974 you and your family sang at an Assembly Of God church in Port Hueneme CA. I was in the Navy. I dated Becky a few times while I was in College and drove from Kankakee IL on some weekends to see her and your family. I booked the Troubadours up in EL Paso IL at the Baptist Church and have been thinking about you. I would like to talk to you again. I live in WI with my sister and her family. She and I are wanting to put together a gospel cd and dodn't know a lot about it. I would love to talk to you again, My contact info is:
Dear Wayne,
I enjoyed the Troubadours' ministry on and off almost the entire time it existed! Oh how I miss them! I first became acquainted with them in the early '60s but I had heard them sing in 1958. Of all the Gospel Groups, trios, quartets that I have heard and worked with I dont know of one with any more dedication and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ than the Troubadours.
I grew up listening to the Christian Troubadours. My mother would play their records every spring when I would come home from school while doing her spring cleaning. Years later after I strayed from God for about 18 years and then came back (Praise God!) I ran into a friend who’s father had tons of old gospel records and tapes. I had him record everything he could related to the Christian Troubadours. That’s when I first heard Wayne Walters without the Christian Troubadours. Don't get me wrong, I love the Christian Troubadours but there is something about the way Wayne Walters writes, sings, and plays that just reaches way deep into my soul and connects me with God.
Dear Wayne,
I was just a boy 11 years old in 1960 or 61 at Sunnyside, Washington. When I first seen and heard the Christian troubadours at the Home Missionary Church. As I recall the pastors name was Richard Ellison. And he had a son named Mike, that played the bass. That for me was the year I came to Christ. Pastor Walters You and the others of your group. can never know just how much you all were Loved. the memories for me are just as vivid as ever. All though I did not live regretably for god for years..I do now live for the Lord. Thanks to the mercies of Jesus . I played the Guitar in a rock-a-billy Group for years. I just recently finished My second Gospel C.D. Thankyou Pastor Walters for the insperation. One of your Childern in Christ. Steven James. P.S. Would like to send you demo!! but where? Don't have a web site as yet. working on it....Leroy Blankinship sends his love.
I have many good memories of Wayne that I will cherish until the Lord takes me home.
Dear Jeanne and Harry,
My friends, What a joy to read these comments from all of you about my beloved Dad. I just talked to him today and told him of the many messages I have received from people who's lives have been touched by his ministy. I will be thrilled to pass these on to him as well! Thank you so much!
In June 1966 I joined the Troubs in Harrisburg , Pa. where we worked closely with The Couriers. Then in January 1967 we moved to Nashville , Tn since our record label and all the studios were there . My memory of Wayne is that of a leader and one who ran a tight ship. It was a period in time when not everyone in gospel music actually had their spiritual lives in order and Wayne made certain that we focused on the ministry and reaching the lost. I left the "road" in January 1968 and worked in a local church pastored by Jimmy and Carol Snow , but I will forever remember the standards by which he lead the Troubadors.
I met Wayne back in the 60s by way of Jack Boles, who I played guitar for when Jack was in the ministry in the late 50s. In 1973, I was in Nashville and called Wayne about Jack's location. He sent me to ShoBud Music around the ocrner from the Ryman. I really enjoyed the Troubadours music and appreciated Wayne's ministry. I also remember their old Flexible bus in those days, and how it operated on a wing and a prayer, mostly prayer.
We met the C.t's in the 60's Carver Tract Tabernacle pastor Bro Jones
Wow! What a great find for me! I grew up with the C.T.'s music. My father pastored the church in Sunnyside, WA back in the 60's and I was the youngest of 3 kids. I saw some references to Sunnyside on this site so I just had to write. My oldest son is in Nashville today and he triggered my mind to look up Wayne Walters! And here is this website. How very cool. Great memories. Swapping knives and flies in the ice water - I will never forget. Hats off to you Wayne.
Love the CT's, Iam still in contact with them.
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