"I've been there, done that, and now I'm happy right here in Aiken." ~ Wayne Preston
Wayne Preston's saxophone prowess has taken him from Cleveland's East Side around the world, and ultimately to Aiken. Wayne toured with Edward Starr, Tyrone Davis, James Brown, Little Milton, Albert King, Bobby Bland, and Shirley Brown. He also recorded with Barry White, Joe Sample, and Gene Page. He was dubbed "Mr. Wonderful" based on his suberbly sweet soprano sax stylings, but he is also a respected singer, flutist, and composer.
As a child, Wayne was considered a musical prodigy, initially influenced by a family of musicians, including his father, trumpeter Swanee Preston and his mother, the late gospel pianist Grace Preston. After graduating from high school where he played in the marching band, he continued his craft while attending L. A. City College. While there, he recorded TV and radio jingles, participated in bit movie roles and was a popular studio session man. He still gets calls from New York and L. A. musicians.
Wayne later became a member of a jazz outfit called Bell Telephunk, later renamed Kinsman Dazz after Kinsman Street where they practiced in Cleveland. They eventually shortened their name to just Dazz Band, as in 'disco-jazz.' The band recorded on the 20th Century Fox label and was produced by Earth Wind and Fire lead singer Philip Bailey. They became famous for the stellar Grammy winner "Let it Whip," still considered a dance floor anthem
On Sundays you can find Wayne and his wife Natalie sharing their talents at Mt. Transfiguration Baptist Church in North Augusta. Natalie, a gospel pianist, is minister of music and Wayne is their choir director. Wayne has always receives satisfaction performing spiritual music, once touring with a band called Jazz for Jesus.
In addition to performing in local venues, private parties, and his religious work, Wayne also teaches music and saxophone lessons.
