Arthur David Payne

I was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, the son of an architect and a fifth generation Montgomerian, growing up in the architecture and construction business. After a typical student/athlete school career, I moved on to Auburn University where I majored in both Architecture and Building Science, primarily because I didn’t know what else to do. It was at Auburn that I returned to music, and discovering my ability as a songwriter, decided to move to Nashville. I signed a publishing deal within a year, but continued to work in the construction industry because ... money. There was some wandering that went on during those years as well; working as a wrangler on dude ranches in Colorado and Arizona, rodeo for a little while in the same places, performing in and around Texas, etc. Eventually I recorded an album and spent a few years touring, learning that the touring life is not all it’s cracked up to be. It’s a hard way to live. At that time I also began acting and fell in love with it. Unfortunately, I suffered a terrible auto accident that left me with a broken back and for all intents and purposes, ended my career. I recovered, and the next several years were spent in construction and commercial development, something at which I excel, but also something which left me empty to the core. There were two brief marriages, to the same woman (long story), that produced the most wonderful little boy; my heart and soul. As much as I wanted to get back to doing what I love, I didn’t feel like I could leave him behind while he was young and needing a father. I just didn’t want to do that. So, I waited. Now, he’s old enough that I can, and here I am. My training and acting experience is limited, but my life experience is extreme. I’ve really just skimmed the surface here. I look forward to meeting you and I’m anxious to show you what I can do. P.S. If you’re looking for an authentic Southern guy, I’m your man.