Jayne County facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jayne County
County at the première of Squeezebox! at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival
Background information
Born	United States
Genres	Proto-punk glam punk punk rock blues rock boogie-woogie
Occupation(s)	Musician singer songwriter record producer actress DJ Artist Cat carer
Instruments	Vocals harmonica percussion
Labels	Safari Attic Revolver Jungle ESP Royalty Reble Rec Fang Get Back Ratcage Munster Poptown Captain Trip Captain Oi!
Associated acts	Queen Elizabeth Wayne County & The Backstreet Boys Wayne County & the Electric Chairs Jayne County & The Electric Chairs Jayne County & the Electrick Queers Jayne County & the JC5

Jayne County (born Wayne Rogers) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and artist. Her career has lasted for over sixty years! She started out as Wayne County and was the singer for the band Wayne County & the Electric Chairs. This band was known for its unique style, mixing glam punk and punk rock sounds. Jayne County was famous for her wild and exciting stage shows and her special singing voice. She later became one of the first openly transgender singers in rock music, changing her stage name to Jayne County.

Jayne County's music includes different styles like glam punk, punk rock, blues rock, and boogie-woogie. She chose the name "Wayne County" because she admired bands from Detroit, which is in Wayne County, Michigan. Even though she hasn't been a huge commercial success, she has influenced many famous musicians, including David Bowie, the Ramones, Patti Smith, and Lou Reed. Some of her well-known songs include "Man Enough to Be a Woman", "... Off", "Stuck on You," and "Night Time". She also acted in films and worked with Andy Warhol at his famous studio, The Factory. Jayne County played a character called Lounge Lizard in the punk rock film Jubilee. Her band also performed a song called "Paranoia Paradise" in the movie.

Early Life and Beginnings

Growing Up and Moving to New York

Jayne County was born as Wayne Rogers. From a young age, she didn't fit into typical gender roles and wore makeup even at school. In 1968, she left her hometown of Dallas, Georgia, and moved to New York City. There, she often visited the Stonewall Inn and took part in the important Stonewall riots in 1969. These riots were a big moment for LGBTQ+ rights.

Starting in Theater

In 1969, a famous artist and playwright named Jackie Curtis asked County to be in her play, Femme Fatale. The play was very popular and also starred Patti Smith, who later became a famous musician. County has said that Jackie Curtis was her biggest influence and helped her get started in her career.

Music Career Highlights

The 1970s: From Plays to Proto-Punk

After acting in Femme Fatale, County wrote her own play. She also appeared in Andy Warhol's play Pork, which was performed in both New York and London.

In 1972, County started one of the first proto-punk bands called Queen Elizabeth. She even signed with David Bowie's management company, MainMan Artistes. They filmed a big stage show called "Wayne at the Trucks" in 1974, which featured many costume changes and exciting performances. County believes this show inspired Bowie's Diamond Dogs tour.

Forming New Bands

In 1974, County formed Wayne County and the Backstreet Boys. They recorded songs for a music collection called Max's Kansas City: New York New Wave. This band played often at famous clubs like CBGB and Max's Kansas City, where County also worked as a DJ. Their music and shows helped create what we now know as punk rock.

In 1977, County moved to London, England, where the punk scene was just starting. She formed Wayne County & the Electric Chairs. They released an EP (a short album) and a single called "... Off". They toured Europe to support their music. While in London, County met filmmaker Derek Jarman, who cast her in the punk film Jubilee.

Changing Her Name and Identity

In December 1978, a song called "... by the Devil" was recorded by Jimi LaLumia and The Psychotic Frogs. Wayne County and The Electric Chairs then recorded their first album, The Electric Chairs, and another EP called Blatantly Offensive, which included "... Off" and "... Love". After touring, they released two more albums, Storm the Gates of Heaven and Things Your Mother Never Told You.

In 1979, County moved to Berlin, Germany. This is when she changed her stage name to Jayne County and publicly identified as a woman for the first time. Her 1980 album, Rock and Roll Resurrection (In Concert), was released under her new name.

The 1980s to Today

In 1983, Jayne County returned to New York and appeared in a play. She then went back to London to record a new album called Private Oyster, which was released in 1986.

In 1989, County released a mini-album called Betty Grables Legs. Many of her older songs were re-released on CDs, like Rock & Roll Cleopatra. In 1993, she recorded Goddess of ... Dreams and in 1994, Deviation. Later that year, she appeared in Wigstock: The Movie and released her autobiography, Man Enough to Be a Woman.

From 1989 to 1997, Jayne County & The Electric Chairs toured the UK and Europe. Since then, she has released new songs on various collections. In 2002, a live album called Wash Me in the Blood (of Rock & Roll) – Live at Squeeze Box was released. In 2005, a live DVD of her performance was released.

After leaving New York City, County moved to the Atlanta area. She has a band there called the Electrick Queers. In 2017, Jayne County and The JC5 released an EP called Here Come the JC5. In 2018, County showed her visual art in a gallery in New York City, featuring paintings, drawings, and collages from five decades of her work. Her autobiography was republished in May 2021.

Film Appearances

Jayne County has appeared in several films throughout her career.

Music Releases

Albums

Extended Plays (EPs)

Singles

Books

• Man Enough to Be a Woman (Autobiography), republished 2021, Serpent's Tail. ISBN: 9781788166539

Images for kids

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  County performing with the Electric Chairs in 2012