Born 54 Years Ago Today in North Carolina, the Former Foster Kid Who Went From Living on the Streets to Country Music Stardom

Jimmy Wayne turns 54 on 23 October, marking a life that took him from foster homes and homelessness in North Carolina to country music success in Nashville. His story matters beyond his chart career because he has used his public profile to advocate for young people leaving foster care.

Abandoned by his mother as a teenager, Wayne lived on the streets at 16 until an elderly couple gave him a home for six years. He later worked as a prison guard and songwriter before signing with DreamWorks Nashville; his 2008 single “Do You Believe Me Now” reached number one. In 2010, he walked 1,660 miles to raise awareness of young people ageing out of foster care, and he later campaigned to extend care to age 21 in California and Tennessee.