Jayne County American transsexual singer, musician and actress Date of Birth: 01.01.1947 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Stage Career
2. The Proto-Punk Era
3. The Backstreet Boys and Punk Rock Stardom
4. Transition and Return to the States
5. Later Career and Legacy

Early Life and Stage Career

Wayne Rogers, who would later become Jayne County, was born in Dallas, Georgia in 1947. In 1968, they moved to New York City and became a regular at the Stonewall Inn. In 1969, they participated in the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Jackie Curtis, Andy Warhol's "superstar" and playwright, encouraged County to perform in her play "Femme Fatale" at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in 1969. County's performance caught the attention of Warhol, who cast them in his own theatrical production, "Pork."

The Proto-Punk Era

In 1972, County formed one of the first proto-punk bands, Wayne County & Queen Elizabeth. Despite signing with MainMan Artistes LTD, David Bowie's management company, the group's recordings remained unreleased.

County's stage shows, particularly "Wayne at the Trucks" in 1974, were highly influential on the development of punk rock. They transformed costumes and created a transgressive stage persona that inspired artists like David Bowie and the Ramones.

The Backstreet Boys and Punk Rock Stardom

In 1974, County formed Wayne County and the Backstreet Boys. They appeared on the seminal compilation album "Max's Kansas City: New York New Wave" and played regularly at CBGB and Max's Kansas City.

In 1976, County starred in the film "The Blank Generation," which helped to define the emerging punk rock scene. By 1977, they had relocated to London and formed Wayne County & the Electric Chairs.

Transition and Return to the States

In the late 1970s, County underwent gender transition and adopted the name Jayne. They returned to the United States and released albums under the name Jayne County, including "Rock and Roll Resurrection (In Concert)" and "Private Oyster."

Later Career and Legacy

In the 1990s, County's early recordings were re-released, and they continued to perform and release new material. Their autobiography, "Man Enough To Be A Woman," was published in 1995.

County has remained an influential figure in the underground and queer punk scenes. Their work has been celebrated for its defiance, androgyny, and exploration of gender and sexuality.