Jimmy Wayne was born on October 23, 1972, in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. His early years were troubled, marked by his father abandoning him and his sister, and long periods of homelessness and poverty. He was ultimately able to graduate from high school and earn a degree in Criminal Justice. After four years working as a corrections officer, he moved to Nashville to pursue his musical interests. There he worked as a songwriter; one of his first songs was "Put Your Hand in Mine," released by Tracy Byrd in 1999. His debut single "Stay Gone," inspired by his sister, Patricia, was released in 2003. In 2009 he released "Sara Smile," named for the cover version of the Hall & Oates 1976 single of the same name, with backing vocals by the duo themselves. His other albums include Jimmy Wayne and Do You Believe Me Now.