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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.

Reader Comments

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.

These were devout men of high Christian integrity who were indeed ahead of their time. Country/Bluegrass music hadn't gained the acceptance into mainstream Gospel Music at the time. But these guys didn't worry about acceptance. They were ministers of the glorious Gospel with their music and that's all that really mattered.

Like all other groups of that era, they were plagued with bus breakdowns. I remember that we pushed their bus, with ours, overnight in the cold bleak province of Manitoba, Canada. We didn't just give them a push for a jump-start. We pushed their bus for over a hundred miles through the night.

Events like this and the many shared concerts and times of wholesome Christian fellowship gave rise to a bond with these dear men that remains today.

I haven't seen brother Wayne for many years now, but I could undoubtedly pick up our friendship where it left off the last time I saw him. He's that kind of brother.

Great article about your beloved Dad, Becky. Sorry to read of your Mom's passing. She was your Daddy's heartthrob.

In case you ever wondered, the Harrisburg memories are still vivid and held dear. I miss the Christian Troubadours.

Neil Enloe

P.S.- We still sing "John The Baptist". Where do we send 30 years of royalties?

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.

I come from a very heavy metal background and I’m really not fond of country music in any way but when I listen to Wayne Walters’ music, I feel like I am walking right there with him and Jesus as I hear the words and melodies of his songs. I never get tired of hearing his songs. I am a guitarist and have written some songs as well but again from a whole different style and background. I have been wanting to tell him for years how thankful I am for him and his songs. I cannot find any contact info so hopefully this will reach him as it is long overdue. Thank you Wayne Walters for writing and performing some of the best Gospel songs ever recorded. Does anyone know where I can get any of his cd’s or tapes? The sound quality of the ones I have are probably third generation from cassette. I cannot find any of his music anywhere no matter how hard I search. Any help on this would surely be appreciated

God Bless you and your family Wayne

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