If you were old enough to remember it was a time of excitement, innovation and experiment in music. You were doubly blessed if you were a touring and recording musician in those days.

Prominent in the soul/funk scene of the time was Montego Bay born Jamaican Wayne McGhie. Wayne McGhie was a Guitarist,Vocalist and Composer. Wayne. was fortunate to be playing with some of the great Jamaican artists of the era - Jackie Mittoo,The Blues Busters,Alton Ellis, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff,etc

Wayne came to Canada in 1967 as a working musician. He recorded the album "Wayne McGhie & The Sounds of Joy" in 1969 in Toronto. This album was considered by Musicologists to be an important first for this kind of music.

Few original copies of the milestone album remained - the recording studio was gutted by fire shortly after the record was made.

Wayne continued to play in various locations across Canada through the 70's but by the end of the decade had dropped out of the music scene.

The story could have ended there were it not for the impact of the few surviving copies of The Sounds of Joy album. Many music fans were blown away by the innovations on the record yet knew nothing of the artist.

Through some diligent searching Wayne was located by a US record producer who wanted to reissue "The Sounds of Joy" record as a cd. The project went ahead with Wayne's approval and the reissued cd has been creating excitement all around the world. And the artist, who lives quietly in Toronto is finally getting some recognition for being a pioneer in the early days of soul and funk.

Wayne Mcghie is the "little brother" to Merline and" Big Brother" and sometimes "great botheration to Norma. There were two older brothers, John and Lemmy now deceased.

Norma and Wayne being only a few years apart were almost inseperable until Merline taught Wayne some basic guitar chords,during their pre-teen years.

Norma recalls their usual visits to the seaside,ball parks were suddenly reduced as practice became a priority .

About the same time Wayne's zeal to learn Music Theory led him to become a member of the Montego Bay Boy's Club. By the time that Wayne became a member of their marching band the smaller instruments were already chosen , all that was left was the big Tuba almost twice his size. Wayne's desire to learn music was so strong that teasing from others only motivated him to to excel.

The sight of this kid hidden by his instrument generated so much applause during parades that,he soon became popular with the girls and seniors who gave him commended him more for his strength than for playing.

The family had a great love for all kinds of music and used Music as their main form of therapy even without realizing it then. There was singing during good times and bad The Radio was always on and sometimes out of reach to the children.Full participation in street meetings by the Salvation Army or the Lively "Pocomania" Bands were highlight of their weekends.

Norma credits her brother Wayne for helping her become aware of Music's awesome Power as communicator with the ability to open doors to dreams.

She remembers doing his homework in exchange for Music lessons,covering up for him when he did not do his chores,fighting with him when he distracted her then steals "Dumplings"from her plate. Wayne was already a full time member of Lance Thellwell ' s band by bage 16. He read poetry with sisters Norma and Merline and sought their help in writing lyrics for the music he was beginning to compose. there are fond memories of Mother" Gangan" dancing outrageosley to the preview of Wayne's new compositions her frenzied movements were hilarious and somewhat embarassing when friends were visiting.

Wayne was protective. kind and caring to his family and friends . 'When Norma came to live in Canada in 1975 he was on the road most of the time but found time to take her with him while he perfomed.Visits to theKensinton Market on week-end were memorable especially when he brought his daughter Marnie,a toddler then.

She remembers sitting in the Audience close to his equipment,while his pal Lord Tanamo and others in the band took turns to keep her company. Wayne was passionate and committed to his playing and composing before he became ill,in the early 80's .Since his illness he has always noted to be listening to all types of music on the radio,thus staying connected and open to the music whose Power is still having great impact in his life and many others .as the music goes on even tho he no longer perform.

A journalist Erroll Nazareth, wrote in the EYE WEEKLY published 06. 10.04. about Wayne,s Musical journey ...

"It is the kind of story that strenghtens the notion of devine intervention and makes us marvel at the Power of Coincidence and reminds us that there is more to music than fake idols and flashy videos."

The family is grateful for God's Abiding Love and Grace and the insight and vision of Matt Sullivan of LightintheAttic.com; and would like to honour strong bonds of love and friendship that lies within the family

More information on Wayne can be found by using this link: www.lightintheattic.com