In Memoriam: Wayne Secrest

Wayne Secrest, who founded the Southern rock back Confederate Railroad, has passed away. He was 68 years old. The news was shared on the band’s Facebook page.

“It is with profound sorrow we announce that Wayne Secrest has passed away after a long illness,” they wrote “Wayne played bass with Confederate Railroad through the Johnny Paycheck and David Allan Coe years and continued until his health forced him to retire in late 2017. We shared millions of miles, thousands of concerts and a lifetime of memories. Wayne’s memory will live on in every note we play for as long as you allow us to continue.”

Secrest helped found Confederate Railroad in 1987 around Atlanta, Georgia. After working in the area as a bar band, the group was picked up as the road band for country stars David Allan Coe and Johnny Paycheck. They signed to Atlantic Records in 1992 to release their debut album, which garnered six hit singles and was certified 2X Platinum. Secrest is featured on six of the band’s seven albums including 2016’s Lucky To Be Alive.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Wayne Secrest.