10 Questions with ... Jimmy Wayne

1) Congrats on completing your "Meet Me Halfway" walk from Nashville to Phoenix. How did you originally get the idea to undertake such a walk?

Guilt came over me as I stood in front of the thermostat, stirring a cup of coffee. I'd just turned the heat up and remembered when there was a time in my life being able to do that wasn't a reality. I was a homeless teen at one time. However, I was rescued by Russell and Beatrice Costner, which changed my life forever. I swore I'd always give back. In 2009 I didn't give back as much as I should have. That's when Project Meet Me Halfway (MMH) came to mind. I said to myself, "I need to do something as crazy as walking halfway across America; that's it, that's what I'll do."

2) How did your friends, family and label react when they heard that you were going to be walking 1700 miles?

Everyone was surprised when they heard about Project MMH. I was surprised as well by the overwhelming amount of support I received. Everyone joined me at Monroe Harding on January 1, 2010 to see me off. Valory even donated $50,000 towards my campaign.

3) You broke your ankle with less than 50 miles left in the walk. How did you manage to finish it?

I was determined not to let anything stop me from finishing the walk. The bone between my ankle and my heel broke completely in half. It was a result of walking down the mountains outside of Phoenix. The amount of pain was more than I'd ever felt before. Despite the purple heel and swollen ankle I just kept walking. I thought about all the naysayers, but ultimately it was the kids that were looking up to me that inspired me. They didn't need someone else to let them down. I was not going to let them down because I was their hope in getting the message out. I was just the middle man.

4) Despite tough weather issues, you seemed to keep your spirits up. What was the most fun and rewarding thing about being on the road for "Meet Me Halfway"?

The most rewarding aspect of being on the road was meeting all the different people. From city folk to country folk, thugs, rednecks and what the hecks, hunters, church people, store clerks, ranchers, cowboys and cowgirls, bakers, grandparents, military soldiers, prostitutes offering me donation money, drug dealers, meth addicts, homeless teens, racist people, jerks, other walkers and the list goes on. Each person had a story. Some sat down and had a conversation while others just spoke with their eyes.

5) Helping homeless teens and those in the foster system is obviously a big passion of yours. Do you have any plans to continue the "Meet Me Halfway" efforts and how can people get involved?

The walk from Nashville to Phoenix was only the first step to raising awareness to at risk teens aging out of the system and becoming homeless. Project Meet Me Halfway will continue to evolve. People need to log on to www.projectmmh.org and sign up to become a street team member. That's a great starting place for everyone.

6) Did the walk inspire you to do any songwriting while you were out on the road?

I write from experience. The walk definitely provided enough of that. I came up with a handful of ideas for songs. We'll see what happens. They still need time to marinate.

7) You are also known to be an avid journal keeper and writer of poetry. Have you ever considered publishing these writings?

I began writing poems at age 12. My mother was in prison. The amount of loneliness I felt inspired a poem about a flower and a bee. Someone picked the flower which was where the bee had been getting nourishment from. Mom was the flower and I was the bee. I've written a lot on this walk and am considering offering the journal as is to the public with no editing. All misspelled words and incorrect grammar will remain in its original form. I'll provide the pictures taken on this walk as well. There may even be a CD with songs inspired from the walk mixed with songs inspired by my life. Who knows? I am still sorting through all of that.

8) How did you get the attention of Big Machine Label Group CEO Scott Borchetta and how did it feel to get signed to The Valory Music Co.?

Scott Borchetta signed me to Big Machine Records after we'd both left Dreamworks Records. Approximately two years later I made a lateral move over to The Valory Music Co. Scott has always been a great believer in me and my music. Our working relationship compared to no other. He sent numerous texts and even called several times while I was on the walk to say how proud he was of me. Scott knows my heart and knows how hard I'll fight for what I believe in. That's why we worked.

9) Who would you list as mentors in the music business and what advice have they given you?

I've watched everyone in this business like a hawk. I learn by observing. Lots of people have advice, but when you look at their track record it doesn't add up. It really comes down to luck, common scene and great instinct. You simply have to know how to fight mentally. A few songwriters have been helpful along the way. Bob Regan, Billy Kirsch and Tony Martin are a few I really look up to.

10) Now that the "Meet Me Halfway" walk is completed, what is up next musically for you?

I'm taking all the song ideas I've come up with the past seven months and picking out the best ones, then writing them the very best I can.

1) What was the first concert you ever attended?

Iron Maiden was the first concert I ever saw.

2) How many pairs of shoes did you wear out walking 1700 miles?

I went through eight pair of Merrell shoes on the MMH walk.

3) What would fans be surprised to know about you?

They would be surprised to know that Wayne is really my middle name and the last name on my birth certificate isn't really my last name.