Wayne Kramer was a multi-talented American artist who worked as a writer for TV and movies, lyricist, musician, singer, and maker. In 1967, he gained notoriety as a co-benefactor of the Detroit musical group MC5, renowned for their energetic live performances and left-wing political stance. Unfortunately he passed away on 2nd February, 2024.
Who Was Wayne Kramer?
Wayne Kramer was born on 30th April, 1948 in Michigan. In 1963, Kramer met guitarist Fred Smith when he was still a teenager. When the two co-founded the garage band The Bounty Hunters, they were just teenagers who loved the blues and R&B genres. The trio of Bob Gaspar, Pat Burrows, and Rob Tyner became the drummer, bassist, and vocalist respectively, and in late 1964 The Bounty Hunters became the Motor City Five, or MC5. The following year, drummer Dennis Thompson and bassist Michael Davis took Burrows and Gasper’s places in the MC5.
MC5 was not your average sexy boy band with catchy tunes. Because of left-wing author and White Panther Party co-founder John Sinclair, their works were heavily influenced by radical politics. Up until 1969, when he was given a nine and a half-year term for giving marijuana to an undercover police officer, Sinclair oversaw the organisation and fostered their political beliefs.
Later on, Elektra Records A&R found MC5. The band recorded their well-known debut album Kick Out The Jams (1969) with the label. Their two additional albums, High Time (1972) and Back in the USA (1971), were released by Atlantic Records. Unfortunately, the band’s career was short-lived, as they broke up in 1972 as a result of government and radio censorships and bans stemming from their strong political positions.
Wayne Kramer’s Criminal Record
In 1975, Kramer opted to join up with Melvin Davis to establish Radiation, an R&B group, following MC5. He became involved in the drug trade while playing with the band, following his passion for music and ultimately receiving a four-year prison sentence.
Kramer didn’t let that setback deter him, though, after being freed in 1979. He started touring widely and pursuing a solo career. Things didn’t start to take off for him until he signed with the Epitaph label. He had a big effect with albums like Dangerous Madness (1996), The Hard Stuff (1995), and Citizen Wayne (1997). Along with his manager and wife Saadi Kramer, Wayne Kramer co-founded the MuscleTone label, which released his solo album Adult World in 2002. Kramer became well-known for his work writing television and movie scores as his career developed.
Wayne Kramer’s Death
Wayne Kramer, the co-founder of the protopunk Detroit band the MC5 passed away aged 75 on February 2, 2024. The news of his death was announced on his Instagram. “Wayne S. Kramer. PEACE BE WITH YOU. April 30, 1948 – February 2, 2024,” read the caption of the post announcing Kramer’s demise.
A second post on his Instagram page noted, “Wayne Kramer passed away today peacefully from pancreatic cancer. He will be remembered for starting a revolution in music, culture, and kindness.” Wayne Kramer’s life is worth reflecting on because it was filled with just as many highs and lows.
