Wayne P. Baye grew up in western North Dakota and spent much of his career working in the oilfields before recently retiring. Coming from a highly musical family, Wayne picked up the guitar about 30 years ago to carry on the tradition and pursue songwriting more seriously. Largely self-taught with the help of YouTube, he has steadily reached many of his musical goals. Despite facing health challenges along the way, Wayne is back in good spirits and ready to share more of his music. Performing on acoustic guitar and harmonica, he draws from influences like Dylan, Prine, and Eaglesmith, delivering folk songs that resonate with honesty and grit.

Hometown: Whitewood, SD

Primary Instrument: 2010 Gibson J-45

Influences: Fred Eaglesmith, Bob Dylan, John Prine

Signature Song: Son of a Roughneck

First Performance: A wedding in Halliday, ND

Biggest Musical Achievement: Nothing “big” yet — but continuing to grow as a musician and share songs with others.

Dream Collaboration: Mary Gauthier

Favorite Lyric: “Keeping up with the Joneses was the American Way, who the hell had heard of Freddie Mac or Fanny Mae?”

Fun Fact: Wayne is a fairly good cook.