Timothy Wayne, a Franklin, Tennessee native, is making waves in the country music scene. Signed with Capitol Records Nashville, Wayne has already released three singles, including a cover of the iconic “Louisiana Saturday Night.” Wayne shared his thoughts on music, family, and the exciting opportunity of representing Louisiana in the Rose Parade in an exclusive interview.
Yesterday, the Louisiana Office of Tourism proudly featured a float in the Rose Parade titled “Louisiana Saturday Night.” The vibrant float showcased a larger-than-life alligator adorned with beads, a lively Cajun dance hall, and pots of boiled seafood, highlighting Louisiana’s iconic food, music, and culture.
Adding to the excitement, Timothy Wayne performed “Louisiana Saturday Night” live on the float.
When asked about performing at the Rose Parade, Wayne expressed deep gratitude and excitement. “To be able to represent a state that means so much to me and my family, It’s an honor, and it’s a really humbling experience to be picked for such a thing. And still, at times, thinking about it, this does not seem real,” he said.
Wayne shared that this was his first time performing in a parade, describing the preparation process as both exciting and challenging. He joked about practicing on the back of a pickup truck to get the hang of singing while moving.
The Significance of “Louisiana Saturday Night”
Wayne’s rendition of “Louisiana Saturday Night” offers a personal touch, blending late 90s and early 2000s rock and country. “I wanted to make sure that I stayed as close to Mel McDaniel;s version as possible without just completely covering the song.” Wayne explained.
Recording the song wasn’t without its challenges, though. Wayne admitted that the tongue-twisting lyrics of the second verse required extra effort to perfect.
Timothy Wayne’s Journey to the Rose Parade
Wayne recently toured with Tim McGraw, performing in stadiums and learning the nuances of captivating massive crowds. His experiences on tour and in the studio have shaped his approach to music as he works on his debut project, which remains under wraps for now.
Additionally, Wayne skillfully balances his rising music career with his academic pursuits at Louisiana State University, where he is following his passion for history.
Mentorship and Future Projects
Wayne has benefited greatly from the mentorship of Tim McGraw, who also happens to be his uncle. McGraw was the first to believe in Wayne’s potential as an artist, offering support and tough challenges to help him grow.
He shared a couple of things he learned from McGraw during this time. “I learned how to really keep the crowd engaged, but also make it feel like they are a part of the performance.”
While Wayne couldn’t reveal much about his upcoming debut project, he assured fans that it would feature heartfelt stories and a lot of hard work.
From the Marines to Music
Wayne’s journey to country music wasn’t planned. While he’d always been in love with country music, he initially wanted to join the United States Marine Corps. However, in high school, he deepened his passion for music after picking up a guitar and singing. A video of him performing eventually made its way to McGraw, who encouraged him to pursue music as a career. “He was really the first person that believed I could do this,” Wayne shared.
A moment that solidified his decision to pursue country music occurred when he had the opportunity to perform at Legends Corner in Nashville. While singing “Luckenbach, Texas,” he witnessed an old cowboy take his wife by the hand and lead her to the dance floor, which led many other couples to join. This unforgettable experience highlighted the power of music to bring people together, inspiring Wayne to chase his dreams and create moments just as meaningful in his own career.
From performing at the Rose Parade to recording with Tim McGraw, Timothy Wayne’s journey is a testament to his dedication and talent. With his deep connection to Louisiana and country music’s traditions, Wayne is poised to make a lasting impact in the industry.
