Yucatan
Wayne Willingham
Dallas Songwriters Association 2024 Song of the Year Runner Up! This is the demo that was entered in the contest - studio version soon.
This Time, It's Personal.
After 26 years as a full-time performer, in 1996, Wayne Willingham walked away. The years had taken their toll; he was disillusioned, bored, jaded, and aimless. He changed careers—completely shifting gears—and achieved more than he thought possible. He'd left music behind as a mostly fond memory. He wasn't looking back.
Then nineteen years later, somebody handed him a guitar...
No longer interested in nightclubs and cover songs, Wayne returned to his roots. Like his singer/songwriter heroes Paul Simon, Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, Joni Mitchell, and others, he rediscovered his creative voice, writing his own songs and telling his own stories. And he's not slowing down.
Five albums so far, and another in production.
The voice is perhaps clearer and more expressive than before. The hands are back - just listen to that guitar work. The stage presence is that of a seasoned veteran. And what was missing before his sabbatical: the sheer joy.
Featured Song
We like to showcase different songs from the repertoire, with some background on their inspiration and how they came about. Your suggestions are always welcome, of course!
Songwriting Awards
Dallas Songwriters Association
2025 Runner Up, 2024 Song of The Year, "Yucatan"
2023 Winner, 2022 Song of The Year, "Shoulda Coulda Woulda"
Nashville Songwriters Association
2024 One to Watch, "Cooking for One"
2024 One to Watch, "That Street"
2023 One to Watch, " Believer Outta Me"
2023 One to Watch, "Who Gets the Love?"
2019 One to Watch, "The Ring"
Fort Worth Songwriters Association
2025 Breakup Song Barebones 1st Place, “Disconnected” <<<< Awarded December 7 2025!!
2024 Open Barebones 2nd Place, "A Little More Time"
2024 Instrumental 2nd Place, "Backyard Butterfly"
2024 Open Studio Produced 3rd Place, Times of Their Lives"
2021 Love/Relationship 1st Place, "Dancing With Him" w/John Terry
2019 Love/Relationship 2nd Place, “All That Matters is Love”
2019 Open Category 3rd Place, “Human”
2018 Instrumental 1st Place, “A Simple Solace”
2018 Love/Relationship, 1st Place, “Long Day”
2017 Instrumental, 3rd Place, “Strolling on Sundance”
2016 Instrumental, 1st Place, "A Simple Embrace"
Renaissance Artists & Writers Association
2018– Finalist, Songs for Social Change, “All That Matters is Love”
2025 Breakup Song Barebones 1st Place, “Disconnected” Awarded December 7 2025
Awards
