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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

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

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.

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