Wayne Linsey

Musician Wayne Linsey plays guitar, bass and drums -- was a band member of "Tonight Show Band" on the keyboards.

Being a talented drummer and pianist earned Linsey a full scholarship to the prestigious Howard University in Washington, D.C. The musician created his own trio and drew a loyal following in and around the D.C. area.

After relocating to Los Angeles, Linsey began performing with such renowned artists as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, Whitney Houston, Babyface, Diana Ross, The Jacksons and Earth Wind & Fire. He was also an integral member of the ever-popular group Maze featuring Frankie Beverly for many years.

Linsey also has his share of television and feature-film credits, including Robert Townsend's "The Five Heartbeats, " "Motown Live," "Fame," "Cedric the Entertainer," "American Idol," "The NAA Image Awards," "The Grammy Awards," "The Wayne Brady Show," "The MTV Europe Awards" and musical director for "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

Linsey recently released his first solo project, "A Song Without Words." The project reflects the broad spectrum of music he's mastered since his early days at Howard University running the gamut from jazz and R&B to world music and rap and features special guest players such as Fred Wesley, Bobby Brown, Michael "Patches" Stewart, Kenny Garrat, Louis Price and fellow "Tonight Show Band" Paul Jackson Jr., Teddy Campbell and Kevin Ricard.

Linsey lives in Los Angeles.