Wayne Paul Walker (December 13, 1925 - January 2, 1979) was an American songwriter.[1] [2]
Walker was born in Quapaw, Oklahoma.[3] He wanted to become a country music performer but later found success as a songwriter in the 1950s and 1960s.[3] Walker began his music career, influenced by his association with Webb Pierce and Tillman Franks.[3] His first hit, "I've Got a New Heartache," was a country hit for Ray Price in 1956, later revived by Ricky Skaggs in 1986.[3] His songwriting resulted in top 10 country singles in the 1950s and 1960s.[3] "All the Time," written by him, topped the charts in 1967 in Jack Greene's rendition, receiving Billboards Country Song of the Year award.[3]
Some other country musicians who performed Walker's compositions include Kitty Wells and Ray Price.[3] "Are You Sincere" broke beyond the country genre, reaching #3 on the 1958 Billboard pop chart with Andy Williams and earning Walker a BMI Million Play award.[3]